Blog — Nervous System
Stress, Cortisol, and the Hormonal Loop of Anxiety
Posted by Behcet Bicakci on
Stress, Cortisol, and the Hormonal Loop of Anxiety When the body perceives danger, the brain activates the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis — an internal alarm that releases cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. For short-term challenges, cortisol is beneficial. It sharpens focus, boosts energy, and prepares muscles for quick action — the classic “fight or flight” response that once ensured survival. When Stress Becomes Chronic Trouble begins when stress never switches off. Prolonged cortisol exposure interferes with healthy brain function, damaging neurons in the hippocampus (responsible for memory) and the prefrontal cortex (which governs decision-making and emotional control). As these areas...
Neurotransmitters: The Body’s Chemical Messengers & Why Testing Matters
Posted by Behcet Bicakci on
How Neurotransmitter Imbalances Affect Health. When neurotransmitters are out of balance, your brain and body may become over- or under-stimulated. Common scenarios include: Anxiety & Depression, Chronic Fatigue, Impulsivity, Insomnia, PMS & PMDD..
Herbal Remedies for Sleep Disturbances & the Nervous System
Posted by Ben White on
O sleep, O gentle sleep, Nature's soft nurse, how have I frighted thee,That thou no more wilt weigh my eyelids downAnd steep my senses in forgetfulness? William Shakespeare, Henry IV A good night's sleep is important to health. During sleep the body is in an anabolic state when energy conservation, tissue repair and growth take over. The body temperature drops, growth hormone is secreted and immune cell production is increased. Thus sleep is essential for a healthy body and a peaceful mind. Insomnia is defined as difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep and affects roughly 50% of all adults. It...