Stress Disorders
Personalized tests to detect metabolites (small molecules) and gene variants associated with Stress Disorder
Anxiety was defined by Hans Selye in 1936 as the “non-specific reaction of the body to any demand for challenge”. In physiological terms, this means that exposure to stress activates the autonomic nervous system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.
Who is it for?
Stress can cause many different symptoms. It can affect both physical and mental health and can cause physical, mental and behavioral symptoms.
Examples of physical symptoms: Fast and shallow breathing, fast heartbeat, chest pain or increased blood pressure, headaches, dizziness or eye pain, feeling tense, nail biting, skin irritation or teeth grinding, digestive problems, and stomach pain (gastrointestinal discomfort), problems with menstruation, sexual problems, including loss of interest in sex.
Examples of mental symptoms: Feeling run down, exhausted or crying, difficulty concentrating or making decisions, inability to relax, low mood or lack of interest in everyday life and activities, worry and feeling anxious, memory problems.
Examples of behavioral changes: Irritability, impatience and abruptness with others, trouble sleeping, eating more or less food than usual, drinking more alcohol or smoking more than usual, withdrawing from family and friends, social activities, or situations that seem difficult, feelings of loneliness or inability to enjoy.
The Invisible Enemies of Health: What are the factors related to the biology of stress?
The adverse effects of stress and chronic stressors are particularly common in humans, possibly because their high capacity for symbolic thinking can cause persistent stress reactions to a wide range of adverse living and working conditions. The relationship between psychosocial stressors and chronic diseases is complex. It is influenced, for example, by the nature, number and persistence of stressors, as well as by the individual’s biological vulnerability (ie, genetics, environmental factors), such as:
- Genes: The genetics and epigenetics of stress includes the genetic and epigenetic environmental factors that influence the effects of stress on the body. Studying the genetics and epigenetics of stress is of fundamental importance, as stress is widespread in the world’s population.
- The increased production of oxidative oxygen radicals (ROS) and the dysfunction of antioxidant systems: Research confirms that chronic stress contributes to the development of oxidative stress in the parts of the brain involved in the development of reactions to it. The disturbance in the balance between the antioxidant defense and the production of free radicals (ROS) is defined as oxidative stress. Almost all stressors have the ability to activate both the sympathetic nervous system and the HPA axis. Activation of the axis causes an increase in adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which stimulates the adrenal glands to secrete catecholamines and corticoids, including cortisol. The consequence of this is the occurrence of inflammation and oxidative stress.
- Unhealthy Lifestyle: The relationship between diet and stress is complex. Studies have shown an increase in stress in obese people, which is even greater in the presence of metabolic syndrome. Stress can lead to an increase in overeating, obesity and eating disorders. Fats are known to interfere with serotonin synthesis, while proteins have the opposite effect. Bad eating habits, and the Western-style diet, characterized by a high intake of red meat, saturated and trans fats and a low ratio of omega-3/omega-6 fatty acids reduce the beneficial effect of Ω3 on this system.
- The gut microbiota: Recently, the role of the gut microbiome in influencing brain function has been recognized, with possible implications for the development of stress disorders in the context of nutrition and metabolism. The gastrointestinal flora consists of a number of bacterial species that have beneficial effects on our digestion and other functions. These are also affected by factors such as stress and a high-fat diet and affect brain function through the release of various signaling molecules. In addition, they interact with neurotransmitters and neuropeptides, which can lead to changes in stress reactivity. High-fat diets can lead to leakage of the gut epithelium, resulting in the release of inflammatory factors and infiltration of gut flora into the intestinal wall, which may further increase the risk of disorders through changes in signaling pathways that lead to in the brain (for more information fgacenter.gr/o-rolos-tou-mikorobioma-tou-entero/ ).
- Energy Intake and Metabolism: It is clear that stress can affect energy balance in many different ways and at different levels. Chronic stress can compromise homeostatic energy balance by disrupting critical metabolic processes. Stress-related disorders have been linked to disturbances in energy metabolism. The important metabolic changes caused by stress include the actions of hormones, the uptake of glucose and the adaptations of the mitochondria of the cells (for more information fgacenter.gr/meleti-anaskopisis-poš-to-stres-éphire/ ).
The FGA Center approach
Our approach includes:
- Personalized Metabolite Analysis: We identify metabolites related to nutritional deficiencies, trace elements, energy intake and metabolism, the antioxidant mechanism and its functions, microbial flora, the influence of diet and environmental factors.
- Personalized Nutrition Programs: According to your specialized results, we propose specialized and individual nutrition programs that respond to the best treatment of metabolic complications.
- Dietary Supplements and Lifestyle: We provide advice on specific supplements and lifestyle changes.
- Continuous Support: We monitor the biological needs that arise in order to address them at whatever stage they appear.
Discover the possibilities that science gives us with the help of the FGA Center.