Our body has a perfect system to protect us from diseases. Have you heard about the HPA axis (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis)?
HPA is a fundamental component of our neuroendocrine system. The HPA system responds to stress while regulating essential physiological processes, immune responses, emotions, and energy storage and expenditure. It has intricate interactions among the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands.
Think of the HPA axis as your first line of defense against stress. When a stressor arises as physical, emotional, or psychological, the hypothalamus quickly identifies the threat. It activates the HPA axis to ready your body for a “fight or flight” reaction. However, repeated activation can lead to serious long-term consequences, including chronic conditions such as burnout, fatigue, immune system suppression, and mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and even PTSD.
In short, the HPA axis is pivotal in handling stress. Its dysregulation can dramatically affect our physical and mental well-being. Prioritizing strategies to maintain stress to keep HPA’s balance is crucial for a healthier, more resilient life.
