Day 13 .:: Reversing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM): Eustress and Distress ::.

 

Stress is constant. When the brain is exposed to any new information, by any sensory system,the overwhelmed brain stops for few seconds trying to consider the next move. Depending on the emotional intelligence, cognitive capabilities, and discrimination ability, the brain responds tothis information overload in multiple ways.

In animals, often, the brain responds to any sudden information with a response of fear. The scared animal now indulges in the fight or flight mechanism for self protection. The fear releases a hormone called Cortisol. Cortisol tightens the muscles, as well as increases heart rate and pressure in blood vessels. Cortisol causes the increase in blood glucose levels. These are fewof necessary mechanisms initiated to protect the animal, as nature is not sure how long the fight or flight is going to last. The animals being perpetually locked in present moment, stop the production of Cortisol after the danger is over. Often the prey and the predator share the same pond to quench their thirst once the moment of stress is passed. Even the predator engages in the release of Cortisol during hunt. Cortisol is a protective hormone, it enables survival of the strong.

Humankind is different. The higher primates evolved to the present day human over 2-3 millions of years. In humans, the forebrain and, therefore, cognitive functions are highly evolved. Humans have memories, a capability to subjectively recall past events. Humans can integrate different memory lessons and create new beginnings out of those lessons. Humans have the capacity to analyse the past, after single intense emotional experience, unlike the animal where multiple repeated experiences are essential for learning. These complex functions of the brain have resulted in humans evolving as apex predators, despite not being the strongest, fastest or biggest in terms of physical capabilities. These mental traits have been our greatest strength in the past, yet has turned into our enemy when treating mental disorders because humans are  often stuck in a past event.

Most cases of T2DM have been strongly linked to events of death in family, relocation of job, home, or town, separation, or domestic disputes, and financial losses. Following these traumatic events, humans gets fixated on the past. Humans lament, lose sleep, and overeat, carbohydrates and sweets for an instant boost of depleted energy levels (for further information, see the section on Ghrelin from my article on sleep). When humans are stuck in painful events of the past, the result is a sustained release of Cortisol. The physical or emotional stress is translated in the body as a sustained hyper-glucose state. This is a state of “Dis-stress,” or bad stress. Although it might sound over-simplified, a sustained state of distress is T2DM.

The attitude of the brain is to protect humankind. Nature is well aware of human tendencies to rely on past experiences for evolution. When the brain reacts to past experience with an attitude of GRATITUDE, the emotions of surprise and excitement emerges. Brain releases a hormone called "Oxytocin." This hormone is also responsible for ​ motherly love ​ , affection and care.

The trigger of being overwhelmed with information is not under our control. Loud noises,information from media, people around, subtle visual information around us, can all be triggers We can learn to utilize these triggers for our personal benefit. Learn to analyse the event with attitude of gratitude ​ . "How is this rude person teaching me in my life?" Despite the anger and frustration, what can I learn from this event?" When you freeze with the shock of information overload, train your fore-brain to view life with gratitude. This method transforms every stressful event into EUSTRESS (pronounced: “​ yo͞ o ˈstres” )​ . Good stress, or eustress, is beneficial for accelerated growth and evolution. Eustress doesn't cause increased glucose levels. Eustress is benefit of positive mental outlook and gratitude. Eustress helps in faster learning. Eustress establishes feedback mechanisms which are necessary for a positive mindset. This establishes a beautiful cycle for a ​ success mindset ​ , happiness, and health.

For today, don't be stuck in past and engage in distress. Always utilize stress with positive
outlook and enjoy eustress!

Dr.A