The first person to isolate and identify the adrenaline substance in 1895 was in fact a Polish physiologist - Napoleon Cybulski. Napoleon called it “nadnerczyna” back then.
Adrenaline helps our bodies adjust to sudden stress factors. When a person becomes frightened or angry, adrenaline is released into the blood. The hormone causes changes in the body to make it more efficient for “fight or flight” response.
The “fight or flight” response is a rapid and severe stress response. It’s an instinct that we cannot control. The aim of it is quite simple in fact - to keep us safe. Humans utilize adrenaline as a survival technique, our bodies are preparing for fight or flight, even though the situation may call for neither. Still, it’s a vital part of our most basic survival mechanism.
The “fight or flight” response alarms us and prepares our body for an action. It can either be a fight when faced with a sudden danger, or a runaway when fighting isn't an option. Thanks to the “fight or flight” response people are able to push their bodies to the limit. The danger triggering an adrenaline rush can be real or imagined. Whatever the reason is stress causes adrenaline to be produced.
“Adrenaline increases the strength and rate of the heartbeat and raises the blood pressure. It also speeds up the conversion of glycogen into glucose, which provides energy to the muscles.” (source: http://hubpages.com)
Alcohol and some drugs are also sources of adrenal hormones production that gives us the same rush effect when facing a real-live danger. It’s been proven that substances like heroin, caffeine and cocaine create a dopamine hormone, which might result in a feeling of being “high on adrenaline” which can be highly addictive.
Adrenaline can also be used to treat some cases of sickness. “Epinephrine injection is used to treat severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) to insect stings or bites, foods, drugs, and other allergens. Epinephrine is also used to treat exercise-induced anaphylaxis.” (source: http://www.drugs.com)
Discussion topics:
- When is the last time you've faced a situation which in turn resulted in a "fight or flight" reaction? Did you fight or flight?
- Are you one of the people who are highly motivated and get a rush when faced with a stressful situation?
- Taking into account that we live in a developing, civilized and computerized society, do you think humans will ever degenerate the adrenaline hormone that helped us survive for ages?
