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What Is Allostatic Load?
Allostatic loadrefers to the cumulative effects thatchronic stresshas on mental and physical health.
When events occur that exceed an individual’s capacity to cope, allostatic overload may occur.
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Allostatic load was introduced by neuroendocrinologist Bruce McEwen and psychological psychologist Eliot Stellar in 1993.
McEwen described allostatic load as the price people pay for adapting to stress.
It is meant to objectively measure the biological consequences ofprolonged stress.
When faced with stress, the body responds in a variety of ways to cope with the threat.
Allostasis refers to how the body’s physiological systems change for meet the demands of the environment.
This ability to adapt is essential for survival.
Recap
Allostatic load refers to the damage that stress can do to the body over time.
This can contribute to an increased vulnerability to disease.
Stress leads to thefight or flight response, which triggers the release of hormones, includingcatecholaminesandglucocorticoids.
However, constant exposure to these hormones has damaging effects on the body.
This damage can contribute to the onset of illness and accelerate disease progression.
Stress hormones, includingcortisoland catecholamines, are essential for adaptation to manage acute challenges.
Nevertheless, these daily hassles create stress that has cumulative and lasting consequences.
Signs of allostatic load are divided into 10 markers, which include primary mediators and secondary outcomes.
Damaging health behaviors can also increase allostatic load.
Such behaviors include lack of exercise, alcohol consumption,poor sleep, smoking, and diet.
Impact of Allostatic Load
Allostatic load can have an impact on the course of health conditions.
Increased allostatic load accounts for health disparities in minoritized communities as well.
And as always, consider seeking professional mental health services if you are feeling particularly burdened or overwhelmed.
While exercising regularly won’t eliminate stress, it may make it easier for you to manage stress.
It can also help you induce a relaxation response once the immediate threat has passed.
The events that you face each day create challenges.
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