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| “The doctor of the future will give no medicine but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease.”
—Thomas A. Edison |
History of Medicine:
2000 B.C.
Eat this root
1000 B.C.
Roots are heathen. Say a prayer.
1850 A.D.
Prayer is superstition. Take this potion.
1900 A.D.
That potion is snake oil. Take this pill.
1940 A.D.
That pill is useless. Take this antibiotic.
2000 A.D.
That antibiotic is no longer effective. Eat this root. |
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Metabolic Effects of Elevated Cortisol (Related to Weight Gain)
Loss of Muscle Mass
- Breakdown of muscles, tendons, and ligaments (to provide amino acids for conversion into glucose)
- Decreased synthesis of protein (to conserve amino acids for conversion into glucose)
- Reduced levels of DHEA, growth hormone, IGF-1, and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
- Drop in basal metabolic rate (i.e., a reduced number of calories is burned throughout the day and night)
Increase in Blood-Sugar Levels
- Reduced transport of glucose into cells
- Decreased insulin sensitivity
- Increase in appetite and carbohydrate cravings
Increase in Body Fat
- Increase in the overall amount of body fat (due to increased appetite, overeating, and reduced metabolic rate)
- A redistribution and accumulation of body fat to the abdominal region
Metabolic and Long-Term Health Effects of Elevated Cortisol Levels
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Metabolic Effect (cortisol-induced)
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Chronic Health Condition
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Increased appetite, accelerated muscle
Catabolism (breakdown), suppressed fat
Oxidation, enhanced fat storage
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Obesity
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Elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels |
Heart Disease
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Elevated blood pressure |
Heart Disease
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Alterations in brain neurochemistry (involving dopamine and serotonin)
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Depression/Anxiety
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Physical atrophy (shrinkage) of brain cells |
Alzheimer’s disease
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Insulin resistance and elevated blood-sugar levels
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Diabetes
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Accelerated bone resorption (breakdown) |
Osteoporosis
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Reduced levels of testosterone and estrogen
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Suppressed libido (reduced sex drive)
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Suppression of immune-cell number and activity
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Frequent colds/flu/infection
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Reduced synthesis of brain neurotransmitters
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Memory/concentration problems
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