We all wonder why adrenaline is so addictive, sometimes towards the point of risk. “I like extreme sports because I love the adrenaline rush throughout my body”! We all have a friend or acquaintance who loves to live at the limit. And we have often wondered why they do it. Adrenaline is produced by the adrenal glands and released into the bloodstream. Upon dealing with a stressful situation, it stimulates the nervous system. Imagine you are riding your bicycle and suddenly a person appears in front of you, forcing you to turn around. The adrenal glands will release adrenaline, which will enter the bloodstream and cause an immediate physical reaction. You may sweat, feel your heart pounding, or your body shaking. This is a healthy, normal reaction. By putting yourself in a dangerous, unsafe or problematic situation, adrenaline helps you to react quickly.
Characteristics of adrenaline
The production of adrenaline along with cortisol and aldosterone is initiated in situations of crisis or when feeling strong emotions, such as excitement or fear. This is an automatic mechanism. Upon release, messages are sent to various organs in your body, such as the heart and lungs. A person might experience the following:
- Increased blood pressure
- Increased heart rate
- Increased sensations
- Decreased sensitivity to pain
- Enlarged pupils
- Tremors in the extremities
- Excessive sweating
During an intense state, adrenaline may cause you to run faster than usual or feel no pain, even when injured. Once the situation changes and you are no longer in stress or danger, your body will calm down and the symptoms will subside.
How it affects your body and mind
Excess adrenaline can become a problem, especially if you suffer from chronic stress. If you are constantly “alert”, you will experience persistent symptoms that can damage your brain and body. Frequent rush overload in the body can lead to:
- Digestive problems
- Headaches
- Muscle tension
- Insomnia
- Weight gain
- Anxiety
- Depression
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Stroke
With information from iatropedia.gr and verywellmind.com
