Monday, December 7, 2009

How Cortisol Produces so Much damage

Cortisol is the stress hormone produced by the adrenal glands.

How Cortisol Produces so Much Damage

  1. It is so toxic it kills and injures brain cells by the billions through the free radical cascade.
  2. Cortisol is released same time as adrenaline but stays longer giving the hippocampus a toxic bath.
  3. It interferes with glucose supply (brain food for laying down memories and retrieving others.)
  4. Interferes with function of neurotransmitters. Vital for to keep your horse calm and attentive.
  5. Causes an influx of calcium which creates fee radicals leading to death of cells.
  6. Cortisol depletes vitamin C and E stored in the adrenal glands
  7. Triggers the release of neuro-petide Y causing the desire for carbohydrates. (an intersting fact for dieters)
  8. Adrenaline constricts blood vessels, raises blood sugar temporarily.
  9. Governs fat metabolism. (there is a correlation between stress and fat deposits around the midrif.
  10. Magnesium is excreted when cortisol levels rise. This will affect the horse's behaviour.
  11. It also has an antagonistic effect upon insulin production.
  12. It will cause vasoconstriction and inhibit the conversion of T4 to T3 for thyroid function.
  13. It shrinks and kills off hippocampus cells depleting emotional memory
How We can Protect our Horse from this Damage
There are a number of herbs and nutrients that can act as tonics for the adrenals

More on

I have had a bit of difficulty opening up a response further down. You are welcome to email us direct at .My next post will further explore the effect of stress on the horse and how it affects magnesium levels, the blood supply to the hoof and movement.