FDN Module 2 Lesson 1: Stress and Metabolic Chaos

Flashcards covering the HPA axis, the physiological impact of chronic stress, and the transition from the 'adrenal fatigue' model to 'Metabolic Chaos.'

What is the cluster of symptoms traditionally (though inaccurately) called 'adrenal fatigue' according to the transcript?

Feeling stressed out, weight gain, fatigue, brain fog, poor sleep, eyes sensitive to light, dizzy on stand, anxiety, need for coffee to get started, and immune system problems.

What does the acronym HPA axis stand for?

Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal axis.

Where does the normal stress response usually begin in the brain?

The limbic system, specifically the amygdala.

Which part of the adrenal gland produces epinephrine and norepinephrine?

The adrenal medulla.

What are the four general categories of stressors identified in the lecture?

Mental/Emotional, Physical, Chemical/Biochemical, and Existential.

What hormone is released by the hypothalamus to stimulate the pituitary gland during the stress response?

Corticotropin Releasing Hormone (CRH), which is also known as corticotropin releasing factor.

In what specific part of the hypothalamus is CRH produced?

The paraventricular nucleus (PVN).

What hormone does the pituitary gland release to signal the adrenal cortex?

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH).

What are the three layers of the adrenal cortex responsible for producing?

Mineralocorticoids (like aldosterone), glucocorticoids (like cortisol), and anabolic hormones (like DHEA).

What is the primary function of aldosterone?

It helps regulate sodium levels and hydration.

Why is cortisol characterized as a catabolic hormone?

It breaks the body down by raising blood sugar, breaking down protein and muscle tissue, and suppressing non-essential functions like digestion and reproduction to ensure survival.

What is the function of DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) in the stress response?

It acts as a counter-regulatory anabolic hormone responsible for sex hormones and the sex drive.

How does the body normally stop the stress response once the threat has passed?

Through a negative feedback loop where the hypothalamus and pituitary sense high cortisol levels and shut down further stimulation.

What happens to the negative feedback loop during chronic stress?

The hypothalamus and pituitary become less sensitive to cortisol levels, leading to negative feedback loop dysfunction.

What is the 'Key Finding' for an FDN practitioner regarding cortisol and DHEA?

An elevated cortisol to DHEA ratio, indicating a catabolic state.

How does chronic stress affect bone density?

High cortisol levels suppress the cells that build bone.

According to the lecture, what percentage of the immune system is located in the gut?

$$80\%$$

What specific immunoglobulin produced in the gut is suppressed by stress?

Secretory IgA.

What is 'gluconeogenesis' in the context of the stress response?

The process where the body breaks down muscle and organ tissue to create blood sugar.

What term does the lecturer use to replace the diagnosis of 'adrenal fatigue'?

Metabolic Chaos.

What is the role of Cortisol Binding Globulins (CBG) produced in the liver?

They bind to cortisol to regulate how much of the hormone is 'free' or active in the blood.

What occurs during a 'cortisol shunt'?

The body changes active cortisol into inactive cortisone as a protective measure or due to enzyme/cofactor issues.