Stress hormones response pathways

Stress hormones response pathways tailored at addressing the real problem

Stress hormones response pathways: Food addiction pathways

When individuals are confronted with stressful situations, specific hormones are produced, which help the body to cope with the situation. One of the body’s stress hormones response pathways is known as the limbic-hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (LHPA) axis. It generates a series of brain hormones that eventually leading to production of cortisol by the adrenal gland. Cortisol helps to make available more sugar to the brain and other parts of the body to help cope with the stressful event. Experts at AWAREmed health and wellness resource center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury MD reiterates that the individuals who are under chronic stress have an overactive LHPA axis.

Hyperactivity of this axis has been reported in individuals who are obese as well as alcoholics, drug users, smokers and victims of early abuse or trauma. Elevated cortisol levels on an ongoing basis are not only harmful to health, but also harmful to mood. It can cause depression. It also affects mood by interfering with the actions of one of the brain’s major messengers, serotonin. Serotonin defects cause depression and anxiety. Many alcoholics, smokers, drug addicts and obese individuals suffer from depression and anxiety. Nicotine, alcohol and certain drugs increase serotonin activities and temporarily improve mood. These addictions are a means of self-medication.

Stress hormones response pathways: Food as “Medication”

Carbohydrates also raise serotonin levels and enhance mood temporarily. Studies have established that the majority of individuals who are obese crave carbohydrates. Low serotonin and stress induced activation of the LHPA axis are also known to increase the risk for substance abuse and food addiction through another feel good pathway, the dopamine reward system. The pleasure derived from substances such as alcohol, nicotine and certain drugs are, in part, due to the stimulation of dopamine. Eating foods high in sugar, fat or even the smell or taste of an individual’s favorite food activates the dopamine reward system, producing pleasure and satisfaction. Frequent use of addictive substances, such as nicotine, alcohol and food, reduces the pleasurable effects of the dopamine reward system so that more and more of the substance is required to derive satisfaction.

Recent studies found that obesity can be associated with defects in dopaminergic responses to the smell and taste of food. It may be possible that some obese individuals may eat more and more food to increase dopamine activities and improve mood. Abstinence from the abused substance helps to reverse or improve many neurochemical defects associated with addictions. Bariatric surgery, by reducing the amount of food intake, and enhancing mood through weight loss, is effective in improving neurochemical defects contributing to the addictive behavior. However, such improvements can be short-lived. Food cravings as well as depression may reoccur over time, along with weight regain. The behaviors responsible for initiating the cascade of events leading to such defects are not resolved by the surgery. Low self-worth and poor stress coping skills must be addressed for these issues to resolve. Therefore, if this description suits your situation, you can schedule an appointment with doctor Dalal Akoury today for the commencement of your recovery program.

Stress hormones response pathways: Food addiction pathways

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