3 Stages of Stress – The Alarm Phase
Because the phases of the adrenal stress response are symptomatically similar, they are difficult to diagnose without specific testing. Even though the symptoms are similar, they each require a different approach to resolve.
The alarm phase is the fight or flight response that prepares the body for immediate action. In this phase both cortisol and DHEA levels as well as adrenaline and noradrenaline are elevated.
The elevated of levels cortisol, DHEA, adrenaline and noradrenaline cause an increase in heart rate and blood pressure as well as an increase in respiration.
The blood is shunted away from the digestive tract to the brain and muscles preparing for the “flight” aspect of the fight or flight response.
Generally speaking in the alarm phase you feel stressed and wired. You might grab a cup of coffee, skip meals and run all day long.
Typically, this is short-lived and you return to functioning normally within a few days.
However, if stress levels remain high for extended periods then your body will begin to prepare for long term protection of stress by secreting hormones that increase blood sugar levels to sustain energy and raise blood pressure.
Next: The Resistance Stage