The DUTCH Podcast Decoding the HPA Axis: How Stress, Cortisol & Circadian Rhythms Shape Our Health
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Nov 26, 2024 
Tom Guilliams, a dietary supplement expert and founder of the Point Institute, joins Dr. Jaclyn Smeaton to decode the HPA axis's role in stress and health. They explore how cortisol affects metabolism and discuss the impact of early life stressors. The conversation touches on circadian rhythms, gut inflammation, and the link to obesity. They also delve into holistic approaches for HPA dysfunction, emphasizing adaptogens and the necessity of physical activity for resilience. Gender differences in stress responses and burnout factors are highlighted for a comprehensive understanding.
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HPA Axis as Metabolic Regulator
- The HPA axis is not just a stress response system but also a key metabolic regulator.
- It manages glucose levels primarily, explaining cortisol's classification as a glucocorticoid.
Cortisol's Role in Glucose and Immunity
- Cortisol rapidly responds to hypoglycemia by increasing blood glucose and inducing insulin resistance to prioritize glucose for essential organs.
- While beneficial short-term, chronic activation leads to insulin resistance and immunosuppression.
Perceived Stress Drives HPA Activation
- Perceived stress hinges on novelty, unpredictability, threat, and a loss of control, assessed by validated questionnaires.
- This perception drives HPA axis activation more than the objective event itself.