Posted by Larry Hoover on April 4, 2003, at 11:35:46
In reply to Re: Magnesium--HELP anyone, posted by noa on April 4, 2003, at 9:46:13
> >> I believe cortisol is a stress hormone. You don't usually release it while exercising (I don't think you do anyway) unless you're stressed out about something.
>
> In fact, I believe exercise helps to reduce cortisol. Our stress response is designed for dealing with acute, immediate survival situations. Cortisol and adrenaline help make available immediate energy for running for your life. Of course, we have more chronic stressors, and our biological stress response system isn't well suited for that. That is why regular exercise is recommended to help manage our stress. See Robert Sapolsky,PhD., "Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers".
> >I'll just jump in here, and try to address some of the ideas in on message.
John: My simple advice is to go gently. Don't push for results (from exercise). Overexertion will undo the effect of the magnesium. Focus on exertion vs. over-exertion. I wonder if you have something akin to chronic fatigue syndrome, characterized by an exaggerated rebound fatigue following exertion. The only management technique that works is monitoring exertion levels, and limiting over-exertion (truly only assessed in hindsight). In other words, you need to practice assessing your exertion level, and calling it quits *before* you're exhausted.
With respect to cortisol release and exercise. All exercise increases cortisol release. Exercise is used as an experimentally-controlled variable to induce cortisol release, both in man, and laboratory animals. This is an acute response. Stress reduction from exercise is more likely mediated by other hormones released during exertion. These other hormones help to balance out the body's response to cortisol. IMHO, it's the lack of balancing hormones which makes for the cortisol/stress correlation.
Lar
poster:Larry Hoover
thread:214008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030402/msgs/216187.html