Effects of hypothyroidism on muscle fatigue and metabolites"When metabolic energy production fails, as in hypothyroidism, muscles fatigue easily, absorb excess water, and the barrier structure weakens. This allows macromolecules, ATP, and other metabolites to leak out, while foreign substances can penetrate. Typical muscle enzymes such as lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase appear in the bloodstream in typical hypothyroid myopathy, and cardiac proteins—including a specific form of lactate dehydrogenase and a muscle protein, troponin—appear in the blood following cardiac exertion or fatigue in combination with hypothyroidism or systemic inflammation." September 2019 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Blood-brain barrier and cellular stress: Evidence in the blood"The blood-brain barrier (BBB) has sometimes been considered unique, but it is just one special case of the cellular resilience that exists everywhere. After intense exercise, which causes fatigue and muscle damage, for example, a specific brain protein, S100B, considered a crucial component of the BBB, can be detected in the bloodstream. The exchange of substances—even proteins and nucleic acids—between cells and their environment increases under stress. The detection of substances like S100B in the blood is now recognized as an indicator of depression and brain damage." September 2019 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Serotonin production and the body's own defense mechanisms"The vast majority of the body's own serotonin is produced in the gut, where the tissue is constantly exposed to foreign material such as endotoxins. However, all cells in the body can produce serotonin and histamine under stress, and blood platelets are one of the body's defense mechanisms against serotonin: they can bind it, absorb it, and transport it to the lungs, where it is destroyed. The lungs have a great capacity to oxidize it." September 2019 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Cell stiffness and degenerative changes independent of cholesterol"The actual physical stiffness of entire cells and their environment is very important. For example, excitotoxicity (Fang et al., 2014) and other forms of energy deprivation can stiffen cells, and persistent energy deprivation as well as inflammation lead to degenerative changes—such as tissue calcification, fibrosis, and invasive, disordered cell movement. These stress-induced stiffenings of the cell substance and matrix are not directly related to the local amount of cholesterol." September 2018 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
The paradox of the lipid bilayer membrane doctrine"The fact that cholesterol strengthens cells and prevents them from breaking down under stress obviously has nothing to do with a lipid bilayer membrane. This membrane doctrine has made it seem paradoxical that the loss of cholesterol should make cells stiffer while simultaneously weakening them. Gilbert Ling has pointed out the numerous paradoxes faced by proponents of the lipid boundary membrane for over 65 years, but the membrane doctrine continues to prevail." September 2018 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
The role of nutrient-rich foods in normal development and stress"Any food that provides simple nutrients without causing inflammation or blocking enzymes supports the normal development of the animal without activating stress responses." September 2017 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Effects of an increase in parathyroid hormone on body tissues"When vitamin D or calcium is deficient, or when phosphate is present in excess – as well as in cases of hypoglycemia and stress (Ljunghall, et al., 1984) – parathyroid hormone levels rise. This can lead to softening of the bones and hardening of soft tissues, especially the arteries, and sometimes also the brain, skin, and other organs. Parathyroid hormone increases blood pressure even before calcium-induced stiffness is detected." September 2017 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Sodium: Influence on magnesium maintenance under stress"One of the most important effects of sodium is that it tends to conserve magnesium, which is easily lost under stress and in cases of hypothyroidism. If we eat salty foods when we crave them, we can retain our magnesium more easily." Nutrition For Women |
Estrogen production in men under stress and hunger"Men produce estrogen, especially under stress such as hunger, alcoholism, or liver damage. In a famine, men can even produce milk." Nutrition For Women |
Stress-induced estrogen increase and its effects on male behavior“Stress leads to an increase in estrogen and a loss of anti-estrogens such as thyroid hormone, progesterone, and (in males) testosterone. Male apes that are bullied have reduced testosterone levels, and this effect persists long after their environment has improved. The stress of submission appears to lead to an adaptation to passivity. This passivity prevents further injury, but we don't know how stressful their continued submission is.” Nutrition For Women |
Selye's discovery of the phases of the adaptation system and "stress immunization"“Hans Selye discovered that the adrenal glands are a central component of our adaptation system. In the first stress phase, there is a shock response (with changes similar to those of estrogen dominance) and damage to various tissues. In the second phase, the adrenal glands protect the animal, and this protection lasts until something is exhausted. By subjecting rats to preliminary stress, Selye found that he could trigger an adaptation to other, later stressors—a kind of immunization against stress.” Nutrition For Women |
Stress hormones, nutrition and longevity"Stress hormones cause various tissues to age, including the brain and collagen in connective tissue. Good nutrition – including the anti-stress substances found in certain foods – will simultaneously optimize mental performance and extend a healthy lifespan." Nutrition For Women |
Cysteine: Influence on thyroid function during stress and hunger"Cysteine, an amino acid abundant in muscles and the liver, inadvertently blocks the synthesis of thyroid hormone. When we are starving or under stress, cortisol causes these protein-rich tissues to be broken down. If metabolism continued at a normal pace, stress or hunger would quickly kill us. However, the cysteine released from the muscles in these situations inhibits the thyroid gland, thus slowing down the metabolism." Nutrition For Women |
Adaptive hypothyroidism due to stress and strenuous physical activity"Cortisone also inhibits the thyroid gland. Any stress – including intense physical exertion – leads to this protective slowing of the metabolism. The slow heartbeat of runners is largely the result of this adaptive hypothyroidism." Nutrition For Women |
Conversion of thyroid hormones during stress and aging"When a baby is born, or when someone else experiences stress, such as an infection, or when a person ages, the most well-known thyroid hormone, thyroxine, is not converted in the normal way into the much more active form T3 (triiodothyronine). Under these emergency conditions, reduced oxygen consumption is a useful adaptation." Nutrition For Women |
Effectiveness of natural thyroid gland under stressful conditions“Many people whose thyroid is suppressed by stress cannot respond to synthetic thyroxine (T4) because the same stress can block its conversion to T3. Natural thyroid (USP) is generally the most effective.” Nutrition For Women |
Estrogen, reproductive aging, and cancer theories"This antioxidant effect of estrogen suggests that research on reproductive aging is converging with Warburg's theory that impaired cellular respiration is the primary defect in cancer – and also with Selye's observation that the effect of estrogen is similar to the first, shock phase of the stress response." Nutrition For Women |
Stress, seasons and hormone levels in humans"Excessive stress (by increasing estrogen and/or decreasing progesterone, etc.) can trigger symptoms in someone who has never had any complaints before. A summer in Alaska with unusually long days can alleviate the symptoms of a chronically affected person. Dark, cloudy winters in England or the Pacific Northwest are strong stressors and lead to lower progesterone in women and lower testosterone in men." Nutrition For Women |
Adrenal gland response to inflammation and stress hormones"When the body senses inflammation or other stress (possibly by registering changes in blood sugar, lactic acid, or carbon dioxide – or all of them together), the adrenal glands release anti-stress hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol (provided these glands are not exhausted or deprived). Both adrenaline and cortisol can raise blood sugar to meet the increased demand." Nutrition For Women |
Effects of cortisone on protein utilization and immunity“Cortisone stimulates the conversion of protein to sugar, and since there are no stored proteins (apart from small amounts circulating in the blood), this means that cortisone begins converting the organism into fuel for the affected area. In acute emergencies, the lymphatic tissues are the first to shrink—which is fine, as they can be restored once the animal recovers—and their function—immunity—operates partly on a longer timescale, from days to weeks. However, if these tissues become chronically depleted due to stress or malnutrition, infections are more likely to be fatal, as is the case in the elderly or in impoverished populations.” Nutrition For Women |
Stress management through adjustments to diet and environment"Generally, stress should first be addressed by correcting the underlying defect – which may be environmental or nutritional. Increased nutritional needs usually include protein and fat; acute hypoglycemia may require a large amount of sugar, and this suggests that the adrenal glands may be exhausted. In this case, pantothenic acid, vitamin C, vitamin A, magnesium, and potassium should be provided in addition to other nutrients." Nutrition For Women |
Hans Selye's view on stress and tissue activation"According to Hans Selye, the activation or injury of tissue is the beginning of stress. The more cells involved, the greater the stress. An injury to a leg, which is only connected via blood vessels, triggers a stress response in the animal – the stress signal can therefore be transmitted via the blood, even though nerves are usually also involved. Adenine nucleotides have been suspected as a cause of shock (because they are vasodilators, as are many other stress products, including phosphate), but other possibilities include histamine, various polyamines, and low blood sugar." Nutrition For Women |
Selye's stress phases and their effects on tissue"Selye divides stress into three phases: alarm, resistance (or adaptation), and exhaustion. Three tissues usually show the first effects: thymolymphatic tissue shrinks, gastrointestinal tissue becomes inflamed and bleeds, and the adrenal cortex enlarges." Nutrition For Women |
Similarities between injury and exertion in energy requirements"Injury and exertion have in common that they require more fuel/energy. I therefore think that blood sugar levels are at least helpful in understanding stress, even if other substances are involved in the signaling or coordination process." Nutrition For Women |
Blood sugar as an integrating factor in stress"From my own experience, I am inclined to believe that blood sugar is an important integrating factor and that the body can probably perceive small or rapid fluctuations that would be very difficult to detect using standard laboratory methods. For example, it is known that men in particular release adrenaline under the stress of a blood draw, which tends to increase blood sugar concentration." Nutrition For Women |
Vitamin E alleviates iron-related stress arthritis in animals"Hans Selye sometimes used injected metals, such as iron salts, to experimentally sensitize animals to stress and thus more easily trigger arthritis. He found that vitamin E could weaken this effect of iron." Nutrition For Women |
Sugar excretion in urine during stress without any correlation with insulin requirement"Stress can cause sugar to appear in the urine – as can many other conditions – and this does not require insulin treatment." Nutrition For Women |
Effects of cancer on stress hormones and nutritional needs"Cancer overstimulates the anti-stress hormones of the adrenal cortex and usually causes extreme wasting through the mobilization of fat and protein; blood sugar and glycogen storage are disrupted. During or after cancer treatment, a hypoglycemic diet seems advisable: frequent small meals, liver (or similar nutrients), magnesium, potassium. Vitamins A, E, C and pantothenic acid are particularly important during stress, but all nutrients are necessary." Nutrition For Women |
Nutritional requirements for stress resistance and recovery"Stress appears to increase a person's need for all nutrients, including calories and protein. The vitamins most commonly used for stress resistance are A, C, E, and pantothenic acid. The minerals magnesium, calcium, potassium, and zinc can help in the early stages of stress, and sodium supplements may be necessary in the final, extreme stress phase when the adrenal glands are exhausted." Nutrition For Women |
Effects of stress on the thyroid gland and hormones"Stress inhibits the thyroid gland and can lower progesterone (and/or testosterone) while increasing estrogen. Recent work by Siiteri and his group shows a hormonal involvement in various autoimmune diseases. Women are significantly more susceptible to these diseases than men." Nutrition For Women |
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"Any activity can reduce stress if it is planned and completed as intended without interruption. Forced inactivity and the inability to achieve one's intentions are strong stressors." Nutrition For Women |
Nutritional and nutrient recommendations for the treatment of stress-related mineral deficiencies"During stress, adrenal hormones and mineral metabolism are disrupted—regardless of whether the cause is a disorganized lifestyle or an injury from surgery. The diet should include about 90 grams of protein (in frequent meals), eggs as a source of sulfur (which is needed, for example, for the synthesis of joint lubricants), and promote a high magnesium-to-calcium ratio (for example, through vegetables, bran, and fruit), while keeping phosphate intake low (this would involve using leafy greens instead of some meat, as well as consuming cheese). Vitamins C, E, and pantothenic acid are needed in particularly large quantities during stress. Vitamins A and B2 are also essential for the production of anti-stress hormones. Inositol is known to protect biological material from many types of damage and could have this effect in arthritis as well, but I am unaware of any research on this specific application." Nutrition For Women |
Protective effect of pantothenic acid against the effects of stress"Pantothenic acid has recently been described as protective against stress in very high doses – even in animals that have had their adrenal glands removed. Since this nutrient is needed to break down insulin, I think part of its anti-stress effect is to minimize hypoglycemia and thus reduce the amount of cortisone required." Nutrition For Women |
Thyroid gland as a fundamental anti-stress hormone at the cellular level"At the cellular level, stress reduces energy levels. Systemically, stress inhibits oxidative metabolism. Both observations suggest that the thyroid gland would be the fundamental anti-stress hormone." Nutrition For Women |
Chronic stress, low blood sugar and their role in diabetes“Animal studies have shown that cortisone can trigger diabetes – apparently by damaging the pancreas – and it has been suggested that chronic stress (which can be triggered by low blood sugar) may be a factor in the development of diabetes.” Nutrition For Women |
Insights from overlapping states on stress and aging"Aging, stress, menopause, Cushing's syndrome and premenstrual syndrome overlap so much that each of these conditions can probably give us insights into the others." Nutrition For Women |
Estrogen accumulation due to stress-related liver sluggishness"All types of stress tend to make the liver sluggish. Normally, the liver removes toxins and excess hormones from the body. Estrogen can accumulate to high levels if the liver is not fully active. One effect of estrogen is to promote a type of oxidation that does not provide energy – and thereby increase oxygen demand." Nutrition For Women |
Stress affects steroids and promotes degenerative diseases in the gastrointestinal system."Stress consumes steroids and produces the many degenerative diseases described by Hans Selye. The gastrointestinal system becomes inflamed or ulcerated, and fibrous tissue can proliferate. The adrenal glands enlarge, and lymphatic tissue shrinks in the initial stress phase (and may enlarge later)." Nutrition For Women |
Treating stress-related illnesses with progesterone and vitamins instead of cortisone"Stress-related illnesses typically have a dominant allergic aspect and respond to steroids. Cortisone is used medically, but has side effects that could be avoided by using progesterone (although medical progesterone usually contains allergenic solvents and preservatives such as phenol). Niacin, vitamin A, vitamin C, etc., help to produce progesterone and therefore often help with stress-related illnesses – even if the substances produced are themselves somewhat allergenic." Nutrition For Women |
The role of nutrition and the thyroid gland in stress-related illnesses"A diet rich in animal protein and other nutrients – including an appropriate amount of dried thyroid if refined proteins are used – can produce immediate improvement in many diseases specifically caused by stress." Nutrition For Women |
Lactate as a trigger for the stress response"Lactate is a sufficient stimulus to trigger the stress response." Nutrition For Women |
Health before conception and risks of breeding injured animals"Give yourself time to fully recover before becoming pregnant. C. Brown-Séquard bred injured guinea pigs and found that the offspring had a high rate of epilepsy and birth defects. Illness or trauma—including surgery—can trigger a chronic stress state that is accompanied by the depletion of many nutrients. A few months of supplemental nutrition and avoiding new stressors can restore the body's reserves." Nutrition For Women |
Central regulation of estrogen and its link to important factors in the body"Estrogen is centrally – and crucially – regulated by the liver. Estrogen, progesterone, iodine, sugar, and stress are closely linked." Nutrition For Women |
Salt solutions to maintain muscle tissue during fasting"A study from that time (1975) investigated the possibility that a balanced saline solution could prevent the destruction of muscle and other protein-rich tissues during fasting. I have noticed that such a solution relieves feelings of stress, so I think it will prove effective against protein waste." Nutrition For Women |
Fasting, stress, and the recovery of thyroid function"Fasting and stress suppress the thyroid gland and can therefore worsen many symptoms. Thyroid function is not always restored when the fast ends." Nutrition For Women |
Nutrition and health: Arguments for and against supplements"Individual characteristics and stress can make it extremely difficult to stay healthy with a normal diet. However, if meals consisting of liver, broccoli leaves, oysters, and papaya can be considered normal, supplements in general might be unnecessary." Nutrition For Women |
Muscle loss due to stress and cortisone during exertion"If the workload creates too much stress and too little actual muscle work, muscles can atrophy because cortisone shifts the amino acid metabolism towards glucose production." Nutrition For Women |
How stress depletes progesterone and affects menstruation"Stress depletes progesterone and can lead to the absence of menstruation." Nutrition For Women |
Athletic training, stress hormones and thyroid function"It is known that physical training slows the heart rate. Cortisone, which is produced by stress, suppresses the thyroid gland. (When the thyroid is underactive, less oxygen is needed – this is a useful adaptation to increase endurance.) These hormonal changes are now known to cause infertility in both men and women." Nutrition For Women |
Biophysical approach and individual nutritional needs“Emphasizing the uniqueness of individual needs should be seen in the context of the search for the most general principles: This can help us recognize meaningful connections and make seemingly trivial things significant. I think a biophysical approach to cytoplasm is one of the principles that will help in recognizing patterns. Other, more specific and immediately practical ideas concern stress, the efficient or wasteful use of sugar, and the energy charge of cells.” Nutrition For Women |
Stress-induced increase in serum cholesterol as an adaptive response"The stress-induced increase in serum cholesterol is an important protective adaptation." November 2018 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Survival mechanisms of the brain under stress and environmental demands"To facilitate adaptation, the brain orients the organism towards aspects of the environment that are most likely to meet its needs, and this includes assessments of possible future situations. When good prospects are lacking, the brain focuses on defensive changes: it increases stress hormones and fight-or-flight mechanisms and begins converting some of its own tissue into energy and materials needed for the survival of its essential organs – brain, lungs, and heart." November 2017 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Survival reactions of stressed cells and long-term consequences“Part of the basic cellular defense response involves enzymes that process toxins in a way that improves the immediate situation—but which can create new problems for the organism if they become chronic. For example, stressed tissues produce carbon monoxide and estrogen, which inhibit apoptosis and promote autophagy, providing a short-term survival advantage. However, in surviving under stress and the influence of CO and estrogen, cells produce cytokines that affect the sensitivity of surrounding cells to stress and inflammation, and gradually undergo epigenetic changes, tending to become a different type of cell.” November 2017 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
PUFA accumulation enhances cellular stress responses"The accumulating PUFAs act as amplifiers of cellular stress responses." November 2017 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
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"In experimental situations, the epigenetic changes triggered by stress are reversible. However, if the organism remains in the same type of environment that initiated the process, reversals become less likely with increasing age." November 2017 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
The role of the nervous system in emotional stress and survival"Emotional stress is organized by the nervous system and alters hormones and cell functions in such a way as to improve immediate survival." November 2017 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Stress-induced carbon monoxide and markers of chronic conditions"When carbon monoxide is produced during stress, the breakdown of the heme molecule also releases iron and biliverdin, which is quickly converted to bilirubin. Elevated bilirubin and carbon monoxide levels in body fluids or breath can be observed in many chronic conditions – along with changes in tissue iron content." November 2017 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Iron accumulation: Stress, aging and oxidative damage"The accumulation of iron in tissues during stress and aging makes it increasingly likely that severe damage will occur during moments of oxygen deficiency, as iron atoms catalyze reactions such as lipid peroxidation." November 2017 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Stress affects estrogen and progesterone"Damage to the ovaries or systemic stress tends to lower progesterone production, while the body's own estrogen production increases." November 2016 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Stress and endotoxins: inflammatory reactions and aromatase activation"Endotoxin, which is absorbed from the gut during stress, promotes many inflammatory responses and activates aromatase." November 2016 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Beyond TSH: Hypothyroidism and systemic metabolic disorders"Due to the inefficient use of glucose in hypothyroidism, fatty acids are mobilized from the tissue, and these contribute to stress and inflammation. In autoimmune diseases, free fatty acids are consistently elevated." November 2016 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Vicious cycle of estrogen and inflammation"Free fatty acids enhance the effects of estrogen and increase the production of inflammatory prostaglandins, which activate aromatase. Since estrogen increases lipolysis and free fatty acids, as well as promoting their conversion into prostaglandins, this stress-initiated process easily becomes a self-perpetuating vicious cycle." November 2016 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Altitude therapy and its connection with antioxidant activity"The changes that Meerson's group observed during altitude therapy are similar to those that occur with thyroid and antioxidant supplementation. The lower oxygen concentration in tissues at high altitude would increase the body's antioxidant reserves and make it more resistant to stress. Reducing the intake of unsaturated dietary fats similarly protects against oxidative stress." Mind And Tissue Russian Research Perspectives on the Human Brain |
Pharmacological benefits of ginseng and eleutherococcus at the cellular level"In a pharmacological approach, ginseng, eleutherococcus and 2-benzylbenzimidazole can be used to achieve a reduced utilization of glycogen, ATP and creatine phosphate (Dardymov, 1971) in combination with increased protein synthesis (Rozin, 1971) as well as increased resistance of cells and organisms to stress." Mind And Tissue Russian Research Perspectives on the Human Brain |
Chronic stress and its effects on inflammation and energy"In a state of chronic stress, oxidative energy production is low, and inflammatory mediators are likely to be chronically elevated. Typically, lactate production is persistently increased and/or its oxidation is decreased. I" May 2020 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Stress and lactate: Influence on inflammation and exosomes"Reduction through stress and/or lactate activates the channels, contracts the smooth vascular muscle and activates a wide range of other cellular activities – including inflammation and exosome secretion," May 2020 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Stress-induced exosome production and protective factors"Exosome production under stress is part of the body's normal restorative function (Zhang, et al., 2017). Only when protective factors such as progesterone and carbon dioxide are lacking does their production become counterproductive." May 2020 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Serotonin: Beyond the myth of the “happiness hormone”"The pharmaceutical myth of serotonin as a 'happiness hormone' has led most people – even researchers – to ignore the fact that it increases inflammation and activates the stress system, while at the same time reducing the efficiency of energy production." May 2019 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Estrogen, serotonin, and manipulation by pharmaceutical companies"The manipulation of information about estrogen by pharmaceutical companies was even more extreme than their handling of serotonin. Activated by stress – along with serotonin – it is one of the most important activators of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), which activates the pituitary gland and adrenal glands, promotes inflammation, and is an important factor in PPD (Glynn and Sandman, 29014, HahnHolbrook, 2016), as well as in other forms of depression, aging, and Alzheimer's disease." May 2019 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
When adaptive stress becomes maladaptive"Stress is experienced when processes that are normally beneficial to adaptation begin to have harmful (maladaptive) effects. This happens when the organism's resources are insufficient to meet the demands of the situation." May 2019 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Stress, metabolic energy and integration in the organism"In healthy individuals, the stimulation of CRH production by histamine, serotonin, endorphins, IL-1, nitric oxide, and/or estrogen leads to the activation of complex and appropriate anti-stress responses. However, when stress is very intense or prolonged, or when nutrition has been inadequate, all the activating signals—CRH itself and the anti-stress glucocorticoids—can produce effects that are not integrated into the organism's functions as it copes with its problems. This leads to symptoms and ultimately to degenerative processes and aging. This failure of integration is almost always a consequence of insufficient metabolic energy." May 2019 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Influence of stress hormones on mitochondria"The levels of aldosterone and parathyroid hormone are increased by stress, with serotonin acting on the adrenal cortex and parathyroid glands and increasing their secretion. All three of these hormones act on the mitochondria and lower oxidative energy production." May 2019 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Environmental factors that may contribute to autism“Things in the environment—or substances that arise in response to environmental stress—that could potentially cause autism include prenatal and neonatal radiation exposure, including isotopes from the energy sector, bomb tests, Chernobyl, and Fukushima; exposure to air pollution, including nitrogen oxides, ozone, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter (Jung et al., 2013); aluminum (Mold et al., 2018), lead, mercury, manganese, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, manganese, and nickel (Windham et al., 2006); acetaminophen, infections, endotoxins, exogenous and endogenous estrogens, hypothyroidism, progesterone deficiency, agmatine deficiency, serotonin excess, endogenous nitric oxide (Sweeten et al., 2004), and vitamin D deficiency.” May 2018 - Ray Peats Newsletter |
Seasonal fluctuations in breast cancer diagnoses"There is a clear seasonality in the diagnosis (occurrence) of breast cancer, with a maximum in spring and a minimum in autumn (Cohen, et al., 1983). The increased detection in spring coincides with rising gonadotropins (which are associated with breast and prostate cancer), and the lower detection in autumn coincides with higher vitamin D and lower stress hormones." May 2016 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
McClintock's discovery of gene mobility in plant stress responses"In the 1940s, Barbara McClintock discovered that plants under stress can 'shift' their genes to improve adaptation by producing more variation in their offspring. Instead of acknowledging that McClintock had discovered an aspect of life's creativity, they found the adaptive flexibility she discovered unbearably alien to their mechanistic understanding of life." March 2021 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Radiation, particulate matter and estrogen-induced stress reduction“Ionizing radiation, particulate matter and excess estrogen disrupt the system in different ways, but all produce reductive stress, inflammation, collagen synthesis and the loss of differentiated cell functions.” March 2019 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Sleep reduces stress-induced catabolism"The stress of darkness creates an inefficient catabolic state in which cortisol breaks down tissue to provide glucose – and sleep reduces this stress to some extent." March 2018 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Diastolic heart failure as a common age-related disease"The diastolic, relaxed phase of the heart contraction cycle often fails under stress or with age – even in fruit flies. The heart stiffens and does not fill completely, so it pumps less blood with each beat." March 2018 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Protective role of glucose for gut health under stress"Intense or prolonged stress damages the intestine, impairs its barrier function, and allows bacterial toxins – especially endotoxins – to be absorbed into the bloodstream. Glucose is the crucial factor in protecting the intestinal epithelium under stress." March 2017 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Stress causes a decrease in testosterone and an increase in estrogen."In men, testosterone levels decrease due to stress and aging, and its conversion to estrogen is increased by stress and inflammation. Endotoxin specifically increases the conversion of testosterone to estrogen." March 2017 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Stress-induced metabolic shift and formation of reactive toxins"When stress shifts the metabolism towards reduction – with the formation of lactic acid – iron atoms react cyclically with oxygen and the reducing agents, producing hydroxyl radicals and other highly reactive toxins." March 2017 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Dihydrotestosterone may be more effective than testosterone"Treatment with dihydrotestosterone (which cannot be converted to estrogen) could be more effective than with ordinary testosterone – given the increased aromatase activity with age, stress and inflammation, as well as the likely role of estrogen in the excitatory degenerative process." March 2017 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Overlooked effects of stress on the gut"Although the effects of stress on the gut have been known since Hans Selye described the General Adaptation Syndrome (with intestinal bleeding as an early sign of stress), this has not been taken into account in any of the major studies on brain trauma or stroke." March 2016 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Link between encephalitis and organs"The inflammatory, degenerative processes in the brain take several hours to develop, and during these hours, the stress signals from the brain cause changes in the gut that lead to a systemic inflammatory state." March 2016 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Oral progesterone as an appropriate response to severe stress"Administering progesterone orally seems appropriate in any serious stress situation, as the gut quickly becomes an amplifier of inflammatory responses." March 2016 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Serotonin: more than just a “neurotransmitter”"Serotonin is often described as a neurotransmitter and is thought to act via receptors to transmit information that is then processed similarly to digital information in computers. I find it more useful to think of it in terms of fields and formative processes that shape how the organism uses energy to adapt to stress and opportunities. It is involved in the energetic and structural changes that occur during stress and adaptation." July 2019 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
The role of free tryptophan in serotonin production in the brain"Elevated free tryptophan in the blood is the most important factor determining serotonin production in the brain, and free fatty acids – which are produced by stress – cause bound tryptophan in the blood to be released from albumin." July 2019 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Interactions between serotonin, cortisol and estrogen"Serotonin activates stress hormones, and the resulting cortisol can have a protective effect by inhibiting the enzyme that produces serotonin and activating the MAOI that breaks it down (Clark and Russo, 1997; Ou et al., 2006; Popova et al., 1989). Estrogen increases serotonin synthesis, reduces its binding, and inhibits its breakdown." July 2019 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
The theory of antioxidant protection is being questioned."The enzyme that breaks down superoxide – superoxide dismutase (SOD) – is sold as a dietary supplement, in line with the cultural script that aging is caused by oxidative stress and that antioxidants protect. This view is increasingly being challenged as a reductive cellular state is recognized as a common factor in shock, stress, and degeneration." July 2019 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
How ideology distorts the understanding of stress physiology"The ideology surrounding stress physiology – which distorts the importance of serotonin, estrogen, unsaturated fats, sugar, lactate, carbon dioxide and various other biological molecules – has obscured the simple remedies for most inflammatory and degenerative diseases." July 2019 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Mitigating the harmful effects of too much serotonin“Avoiding prolonged fasting and stressful training, which increase free fatty acids; combining sugars with proteins to keep free fatty acids low; and using aspirin, niacinamide, or cyproheptadine to reduce the formation of free fatty acids due to unavoidable stress; also avoiding an excess of phosphate relative to calcium in the diet, consuming milk and other anti-stress foods before bed or at night, and spending time in a brightly lit environment with regular sunlight exposure during the day—all of this can minimize the harmful effects of excess serotonin and reduce the associated inflammation, fibrosis, and atrophy.” July 2019 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Link between hypothyroidism, chronic stress and metabolic problems"In hypothyroidism with reduced oxidative metabolism, the organism is never far from stress and hyperventilation – with chronic production of lactate and ammonia. The inefficient metabolism in diabetes has similar effects." July 2017 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Various substances increase respiration and lower the important CO₂ level."Besides ammonia and lactate, other stress-related substances can also increase respiratory drive and thereby reduce essential CO₂ – for example, endotoxin, acetylcholine, serotonin, hydrogen sulfide, nitric oxide, carbon monoxide, angiotensin and estrogen." July 2017 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Hypothyroidism and the risk of reductive stress"The weak oxidative metabolism in hypothyroidism makes it easier to enter a state of reductive stress – with a shift towards higher concentrations of NADH and lactate." July 2017 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Influence of stress hormones on the thyroid gland under extreme stress"When the demands on a healthy organism are very intense or prolonged, stress hormones block the thyroid's function. This leads to this reductive shift, which activates the basic survival processes of cell renewal or reproduction." July 2017 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Reductive stress activates restorative cellular processes.“Reductive stress activates multiple levels of restorative processes (as alternatives to the protective functions of carbon dioxide) to stimulate respiration, increase blood flow, and provide energy and materials for the renewal of cell structures. Prostaglandins, cytokines, estrogen, and nitric oxide are produced in a coordinated manner, and cellular behaviors change defensively. The structures of the cytoskeleton are modified as reductive chemistry converts protein disulfides into sulfhydryls, thereby altering the shapes and—most importantly—the solvent properties of the cellular material.” July 2017 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Indications of the brain's redox balance in mental disorders"MRI can also directly measure the redox balance (NAD/NADH) of the brain, and it has been found that schizophrenics and manic-depressives have lower ratios – meaning their cells are less well oxidized. Even before any mental impairment develops, people who later develop Alzheimer's experience reductive stress." July 2017 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
The role of ACE and carbonic anhydrase in metabolism"Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and carbonic anhydrase have fundamental functions in regulating metabolism. Angiotensin II, the peptide produced by ACE, increases blood pressure and water retention and activates the stress hormones of the pituitary and adrenal glands, especially aldosterone. Both angiotensin and aldosterone activate carbonic anhydrase. It appears that any chemical that causes vasoconstriction also activates carbonic anhydrase." July 2017 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Stress-related breathing changes and their consequences"Stress alters our breathing and causes a vicious cycle: lactate and ammonia, which are produced when stimulation exceeds our oxidative capacity, further drive respiration. This results in more carbon dioxide loss, oxidative efficiency decreases, and the formation of ammonia and lactate increases." July 2017 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Cellular stress: when energy production cannot compensate"When a cell is stressed – that is, stimulated beyond its ability to generate the energy needed to return to a resting state through increased respiration – then the stress itself is a relatively reducing state." July 2016 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Metabolic shifts during extreme stress and "learned helplessness™""When the organism as a whole is overloaded – when the stress physiology transitions into states of learned helplessness™ or shock – its metabolism shifts towards a reductive, pseudohypoxic metabolism, in which the nervous system suppresses oxidative metabolism," July 2016 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Hydroxyl radicals caused by divalent iron under stress"The most important source of hydroxyl radicals during stress is the divalent iron ion (Fe²⁺), a reduced form of iron – for example, the iron that is released when heme oxygenase breaks down heme and produces carbon monoxide." July 2016 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Stress-related parasympathetic dysfunction and tumors"In cases of severe, prolonged stress, the body's stress-limiting parasympathetic nervous system can become counterproductive and promote excitotoxicity, inflammation, and tumor growth." July 2016 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Properly dosing heat: boosting metabolism and improving sleep"Before bedtime, a mildly warm bath can counteract low internal heat production, stimulate metabolism, and help increase glycogen stores and progesterone levels—thus promoting deeper, more restful sleep. However, if the bath is too warm or too long, or if the influence of estrogen is too strong, the increased metabolic rate can further exacerbate inefficient metabolism, deplete energy reserves, and lead to higher levels of stress hormones. Consuming additional carbohydrates before and during the warm bath enhances the therapeutic effect and reduces the risk of heat shock." January 2021 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Adaptive responses to stress to ensure survival"In general, the changes that compensate for stress damage protect the organism in terms of survival by making it less sensitive to stimuli that could otherwise lead to increased energy consumption." January 2021 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Early childhood stress affects longevity and brain development"Reduced energy production as compensation for stress at the beginning of life determines the quality of pregnancy and the long-term development of the life course. It limits the size of the brain, the ability to generate and use energy, as well as longevity." January 2021 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Obstacles to understanding key biological concepts"Some of the best-known ideas in biology – including genes, membranes and receptors – have hindered, and continue to hinder, our understanding of aging, cancer, stress, shock, epilepsy, regeneration, perception and thinking." January 2019 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Coacervates: spontaneous formation and structure“Coacervates formed by mixtures of polymers spontaneously form structures; electron micrograms have shown that the separated phases contain finely structured, fibrous internal structures. Stress granules that form under stress in the cytoplasm are now considered coacervates that arise from the interaction of RNA and protein.” January 2019 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
The role of progesterone in energy processes in the brain"It is likely that a fundamental part of progesterone's ability to protect the brain from stress is to support the energy-intensive mitochondrial oxidation of glucose to carbon dioxide." January 2018 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Stress due to a reductive state and unbalanced metabolism"Stress exists to the extent that cells are shifted into a reductive, pseudohypoxic state by an imbalance between stimulation and the rate of restorative oxidative metabolism." January 2017 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Reductive stress and its self-reinforcing biochemical cycles"The reductive state, caused by hunger or hypoglycemia, by an excess of lactate or fat, or by oxygen deficiency, activates the release of glutamate. The resulting excitation can switch off mitochondrial oxidation and thus exacerbate the pseudohypoxic state. The synthesis of nitric oxide activated by reductive stress is an important factor in the suppression of mitochondrial oxidation." January 2017 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Biological shift towards fat: adaptive mechanisms of energy use"The biological changes associated with the shift in energy carriers from glucose to fatty acids and amino acids during stress, aging, and dementia have been termed deprivation syndrome." January 2017 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Epigenetic changes through stress adaptation"In all these states of stress adaptation, epigenetic modifications of DNA are involved, with nitric oxide, along with estrogen and other hormones, contributing to DNA methylation and histone modification – as well as a variety of other, longer-lasting biochemical changes." January 2016 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Thyroid hormone balances the metabolism."Since the metabolic rate must be in balance with the availability of fuel, thyroid hormone – which directly activates respiratory enzymes – is particularly important. Just as an animal with hyperthyroidism could not hibernate, a fundamental mechanism for dealing with stress in non-hibernators is to reduce the production of thyroid hormone. Nitric oxide blocks the formation of thyroid hormone in response to thyroid-stimulating hormone." January 2016 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Recognizing reductive stress through metabolic conditions"With increasing age and under stress, the metabolism of animals shifts towards reduction – with a higher ratio of lactate to pyruvate, of NADH to NAD, of ascorbate to dehydroascorbate, etc.: a state of reductive stress." January 2016 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Reductive stress and the effect of parasympathetic nerves“Normally, parasympathetic nerves promote relaxation, but in a situation of prolonged or unavoidable stress, increased parasympathetic activity and the accumulation of nitric oxide – the state of reductive stress, pseudohypoxia – can occur.” January 2016 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Causes of hypothyroidism: Dietary and lifestyle factors"Besides fasting or chronic protein deficiency, common causes of hypothyroidism include excessive stress or aerobic (i.e., anaerobic) training, as well as diets containing beans, lentils, nuts, unsaturated fats (including carotene) and undercooked broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, or mustard greens." Generative Energy Restoring The Wholeness Of Life |
Overview of FZ Meerson's research on stress adaptation“A contemporary researcher, FZ Meerson, puts together a comprehensive picture of the biological processes involved in adapting to stress – including energy production, nutrition, hormones and changes in cell structure.” Generative Energy Restoring The Wholeness Of Life |
The role of blood sugar in the formation of cortisone"The basic signal that triggers the production of cortisone is a drop in blood sugar levels. The increased energy demand during any stress causes blood sugar to drop slightly, but hypothyroidism itself tends to lower blood sugar." Generative Energy Restoring The Wholeness Of Life |
The role of stress-induced cortisone in heart attacks"According to Meerson, heart attacks are triggered and worsened by cortisone produced during stress. (Meerson and his colleagues have shown that the progression of a heart attack can be stopped by a treatment that includes natural substances such as vitamin E and magnesium.)" Generative Energy Restoring The Wholeness Of Life |
Effects of hypothyroidism on cortisone and inflammation"While an underactive thyroid causes the body to need more cortisone to maintain blood sugar and energy production, it also limits the ability to produce cortisone. In some cases, stress therefore creates symptoms resulting from a cortisone deficiency, including various forms of arthritis and more general types of chronic inflammation." Generative Energy Restoring The Wholeness Of Life |
Balancing hydrocortisone use to manage the effects of stress"Often, a small, physiological dose of natural hydrocortisone can help the patient cope with stress without causing harmful side effects. While treating symptoms with cortisone in the short term, it is important to find the underlying cause of the problem – by checking for, for example, hypothyroidism, vitamin A deficiency, protein deficiency, lack of sunlight, etc." Generative Energy Restoring The Wholeness Of Life |
Stress: Effects on hormone production and deficiencies"The stress that can cause a cortisone deficiency is even more likely to disrupt the production of progesterone and thyroid hormone. Therefore, the fact that cortisone can alleviate symptoms does not mean that it has solved the problem." Generative Energy Restoring The Wholeness Of Life |
Limitations of cortisone without treating the underlying causes"Although cortisone supplementation can help with a wide variety of stress-related illnesses, no cure will occur as long as the underlying cause is not found. Besides the thyroid gland, the other class of adaptive hormones that is frequently imbalanced in stress-related illnesses is the group of hormones primarily produced by the gonads: the sex hormones." Generative Energy Restoring The Wholeness Of Life |
Analysis of the seemingly paradoxical properties of older blood“Two distinct differences have been found between old and young blood. The albumin in old blood is in a more oxidized state. (I think it was the famous gerontologist Verzar who first reported this.) Although—at least in aging individuals—there is much less oxygen in the blood, something causes the albumin in older blood to be more oxidized. The other distinctive feature of older blood also seems paradoxical at first: the red blood cells are younger. That is to say, in an old individual, the red blood cells are more fragile—possibly because they are more quickly damaged by oxidation—and are replaced sooner; therefore, they are, on average, many weeks younger than the cells of a healthy young individual. None of these features is paradoxical. Poor oxygenation is a stressor and leads to wasteful glucose consumption as well as compensatory mobilization of fat from stores, and the relatively reducing environment in the cytoplasm leads to the mobilization of iron from stores—in the toxic reduced (divalent) form. Products of the peroxidative The interaction of iron with unsaturated fats is detectable in the blood (and other tissues) under stress – and is particularly pronounced in older animals.” Generative Energy Restoring The Wholeness Of Life |
Nutrition and stress resistance in age-related oxidative changes“Avoiding oxidatively toxic heavy metals and maintaining respiration – while simultaneously eliminating highly peroxidizable unsaturated fats from the diet (and resulting in lower levels of these fats in storage tissues) – would likely make animals more stress-resistant (EFA-deficient mitochondria are more resistant to oxidative damage, and vitamin E prevents many stress-associated problems) and could inhibit age-related oxidative changes in serum albumin, red blood cells, and other tissues.” Generative Energy Restoring The Wholeness Of Life |
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"Premature reproduction can be triggered by stress – or, viewed from the other perspective: the conditions that prolong the growth phase can be understood as stress-free conditions." Generative Energy Restoring The Wholeness Of Life |
Brain atrophy associated with certain stress conditions"Instead of a programmed or random, continuous loss of cells, brain atrophy appears to be caused by certain conditions – such as stress with prolonged exposure to glucocorticoid hormones." Generative Energy Restoring The Wholeness Of Life |
Typical skeletal changes and stress hormones in old age"The skeletal changes (shrinkage, curvature of the back, forward displacement of the lower jaw) that are so typical of old age in humans also occur in other animals with age and under the influence of stress hormones." Generative Energy Restoring The Wholeness Of Life |
Mitochondrial damage affects hormone production and energy"Since the protective hormones depend on the mitochondria being able to convert cholesterol into pregnenolone, it is clear that damage to the mitochondria impairs our supply of protective hormones – precisely at the moment when the energy supply also fails. This forces us to switch to atrophy-promoting stress hormones, including cortisol." Generative Energy Restoring The Wholeness Of Life |
Pregnenolone's indirect role in hormonal balance and stress"Pregnenolone has no direct hormonal effects, but it is the precursor – and by slowing down excessive stress responses, it can probably help." Email reply from Ray Peat |
Influence of pregnenolone on steroid hormones and the reduction of stress"Pregnenolone is not a hormone, but it normalizes steroid hormones, prevents excess cortisol and helps normalize aldosterone – therefore it should be helpful in any stressful situation, including surgery." Email reply from Ray Peat |
Estrogen, PUFAs and insulin resistance in diabetes “Estrogen and PUFAs create insulin resistance, and the resulting state of diabetes and stress deprives tissues of energy,” February 2001 |
Estrogen's role in cortisol production and cell damage"An elevated cortisol level is a normal response to the cell-damaging effects of stress or inflammation. However, cortisol itself leads to the death of nerve and immune cells through excitotoxicity by blocking glucose metabolism. Estrogen increases cortisol production in various ways, acting both via the pituitary gland and directly on the adrenal glands." February 2001 |
The role of adrenaline in depression, stress and inflammation"Elevated adrenaline – like elevated cortisol – is a hallmark of depression, stress, and inflammation. By mobilizing fats, it can become part of a vicious cycle: Free fatty acids cause insulin resistance and thereby, in turn, activate stress responses." February 2001 |
Estrogen's evolutionary role and anti-estrogenic strategies“Because excitement or stress is something simple—namely, any disturbance of the rest of a living state—radiation damage, suffocation, nutrient deficiencies, various toxins, carcinogens, and irritants can mimic the effects of estrogen. Or, considering estrogen’s importance in evolution, one could say that estrogen mimics the natural threats that life encounters so that the processes of regeneration can be regulated and integrated into the life plans of organisms. This means that anti-estrogenic strategies are appropriate under very different conditions. Whatever the challenge, a successful response will return the organism to a new, energized state of readiness.” March 2000 |
Energy supply and reversal of genetic damage in the mitochondria"Providing energy while simultaneously reducing stress seems to be all that is needed to reverse the accumulated genetic damage to the mitochondria." July 2000 |
Glucose, glycolysis and energy production in cells“Glucose – and apparently also glycolysis – are necessary for the production of nitric oxide and, at least in certain cell types, for calcium accumulation. These coordinated changes reduce energy production. They could be triggered by a reduction in carbon dioxide – a physical change even more fundamental than the energy level represented by ATP. If substances of the Krebs cycle are used for the synthesis of amino acids and other products, this would reduce CO2 production. This creates a situation in which the system can have two possible states: the glycolytic stress state and the CO2-producing, energy-efficient state.” July 2000 |
Light's influence on glucose oxidation and the efficiency of cellular respiration"Light promotes the oxidation of glucose and has been shown to activate the crucial enzyme of cellular respiration. Winter illnesses (including lethargy and weight gain) as well as nighttime stress must be included in the concept of a respiratory defect: There is a shift towards the respiratory-inhibiting production of lactic acid, which damages the mitochondria." July 2000 |
Hypothyroidism, hyperventilation and a vicious cycle of energy loss"Hypothyroidism suppresses respiration as an energy source, resulting in low carbon dioxide production and the formation of lactic acid, even in the absence of apparent stress. This is similar to hyperventilation, as carbon dioxide loss is the defining characteristic of hyperventilation. However, the presence of abnormally high adrenergic activity and free fatty acids stimulates further hyperventilation and exacerbates carbon dioxide loss. As carbon dioxide levels drop, respiration becomes even more impaired, leading to increased lactic acid production; this, in turn, further increases adrenergic activity – and so on, in a vicious cycle." January 2000 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Role of anti-estrogens in protecting tissue from stress"If estrogen can cause edema in any tissue, then anti-estrogens – such as progesterone – can probably protect against stress in any tissue." January 2000 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Role of iron and calcium accumulation in aging and stress"Iron and calcium tend to accumulate with age or under stress, and both promote excitation-related damage. Bicarbonate helps keep iron in its inactive state and likely has a similar effect against a broad spectrum of excitatory substances." December 1999 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Lactic acid, CO2 and its connection to degenerative brain diseases"If an excess of lactic acid in brain tissue is typical for Alzheimer's and multiple sclerosis, then the lactate paradox suggests that a slightly higher carbon dioxide retention in the brains of Kashmir's inhabitants would counteract chronic excitotoxic effects. This would dampen the stress metabolism that leads to the degenerative brain diseases." December 1999 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
The role of carbon dioxide in the prevention of edema and water retention"The 'waterlogged' state seen in blood vessels, lungs, and other organs during shock or stress, as well as cerebral edema and cataracts that occur after various metabolic disorders, appear to be associated with the uptake of free water while simultaneously losing bound (non-freezable) water. Carbon dioxide appears to promote the retention of bound water and protect against edematous conditions." 1998 - Ray Peat's Newsletter - 3 |
Muscle swelling during hypoxic stress associated with lactic acid"The swelling of the muscles during hypoxic stress probably represents the basic process by which lactic acid and pH levels rise while CO2 is lost." 1998 - Ray Peat's Newsletter - 3 |
The role of inflammation in aging and degenerative diseases"What we call inflammation provides a good conceptual link between studies on excitotoxicity or cellular stress and newer approaches to treating aging and degenerative diseases, which are based on notions of regeneration and development. Controlling inflammation becomes part of promoting regeneration." 1998 - Ray Peat's Newsletter - 2 |
Altitude and lactic acid metabolism in stress and cancer"Under all conditions studied, the lactic acid metabolism typical of stress and cancer is suppressed at high altitude because respiration becomes more efficient. The Haldane effect shows that carbon dioxide retention increases at high altitude." 1998 - Ray Peat's Newsletter - 2 |
ACTH levels in runners at different altitudes"Comparing very low altitude (Jordan Valley, over 1000 feet below sea level) with medium altitude (620 meters above sea level), ACTH levels in runners were only elevated at the low altitude after a race. This suggests that the stress response was prevented by a moderate increase in altitude." 1998 - Ray Peat's Newsletter - 2 |
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“Stress alters the physical properties of cell substance in such a way that the cell is activated; in this case, it will either die from exhaustion or grow into new cells. The replacement of damaged cells means that mutations do not necessarily have to accumulate, and this renewal with the elimination of mutated cells has been observed in sun-damaged skin. Among the many levels of form-forming and form-stabilizing systems, the balance of electric fields plays a fundamental role.” 1998 - Ray Peat's Newsletter - 2 |
Cell damage, repair and adaptive responses in organisms"When a cell is damaged (for example, by radiation or toxins), its reduced efficiency creates a small, local distortion in the fields, which—to the extent that the organism's resources allow—stimulates processes of repair, removal, and replacement. When stress is so severe that the entire organism is exposed to lactic acid, the organism's adaptive resources are challenged, and potentially harmful reactions are triggered. For example, a sluggish liver during stress may allow the lactate concentration in the blood to rise, and this can lead to the release of endorphins and pituitary hormones (Elias et al., 1997). The endorphins can increase histamine release, and growth hormone increases free fatty acids; increased vascular permeability can allow proteins and fats to leak out of the bloodstream—with cumulative, harmful effects." 1998 - Ray Peat's Newsletter - 2 |
Sodium and carbon dioxide loss during stress“Sodium and carbon dioxide are crucial for maintaining normal fields, and these substances work together in such a way that both are lost under stress. In hypothyroidism, sodium is permanently lost, while carbon dioxide is chronically replaced by lactic acid. Both sodium (Veech, et al.; Garrahan and Glynn) and carbon dioxide—by stimulating the Krebs cycle and keeping respiratory enzymes active—help maintain normal ATP levels and protect against stress and shock.” 1998 - Ray Peat's Newsletter - 2 |
Interconnected basic characteristics of cell excitation and energy during stress adaptation"The interconnected fundamental features of cell excitation/relaxation, electrical potential, lactic acid/carbon dioxide, water retention/water loss, salt regulation, pH, and energy levels allow us to understand the biological significance of stress and adaptation in a coherent way. Interacting with these physicochemical processes, there are many levels of biochemical and physiological processes that enhance or modify them—including regulatory systems such as hormones and other biological signaling molecules, nutrient supply, and the type of fuel used." 1998 - Ray Peat's Newsletter - 2 |
Estrogen increase in men with age and under stress"It was recognized decades ago that estrogen levels in men increase with age (Pirke and Doerr, 1975) – just as they increase with stress, illness, malnutrition and hypothyroidism (which are also associated with age)." May 1998 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Heme synthesis and factors involved in red blood cell production"The synthesis of heme/porphyrin and the formation of red blood cells are stimulated by oxygen deficiency or by toxins such as arsenic and iron, which cause oxidative stress. Emphysema, high altitude, sluggish circulation, and nighttime breathing problems can cause sufficient oxygen deficiency to stimulate the formation of new red blood cells." 1997 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Progesterone deficiency in old age and stress-related infertility"It has now been proven that aging animals, at the point when they become infertile, have a progesterone deficiency but continue to produce estrogen. Even in young individuals, stress at the time of ovulation can disrupt progesterone production and thus prevent implantation. If progesterone becomes deficient only after the embryo has implanted, a miscarriage occurs." August/September 1995 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Stress, estrogen and the role of the brain in menopause and aging“Stress – especially when amplified by estrogen – leads to injury, exhaustion, and aging. The uterus and ovaries are involved in the stress response, but (as Zeilmaker and Wise have shown) the brain is more directly involved in menopause than either the ovaries or the uterus. Coordination proves crucial for complex processes such as ovulation, fertilization, and implantation. The destruction of nerve cells that regulate the pituitary gland makes coordination impossible.” August/September 1995 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Adrenal cortex regeneration and stress-induced cell differentiation"The outer cell layer of the adrenal glands can form the other two cell types, and since stress or ACTH converts them into the other types, new cells must be formed. If the inner layers are removed, the entire adrenal cortex can regenerate from the outer layer. Obviously, cells from the inner layers disappear when stress causes cells to proliferate and differentiate." August/September 1995 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Estrogen excess, androgens and “defeminization” in menopause"During menopause, an excess of estrogen – with a lack of progesterone – can promote the production of androgens, which tends to 'defeminize' the woman. This is often a result of stress and sometimes a consequence of hypothyroidism. In such situations, it becomes clear that estrogen is not a feminizing hormone; it is unable to neutralize the male hormones that the body produces in response to the excess estrogen." August/September 1995 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Creative adaptation versus blind faith in authority and stress"As soon as we submit to a cultural stereotype or a textbook answer, we give up our creative capacity for mental adaptation and begin to avoid problems, questions, and mysteries. Because adaptation at any level other than creative imagination means physical stress; the acceptance of authority obliges a person to exercise whatever authority they have—or to helplessly adapt to the authority of others." November 1994 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Adaptive culture as protection against stress“Meerson, a researcher in stress physiology, speaks of adaptive culture as the first level of protection against harmful conditions.” November 1994 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Recent studies on reperfusion injury and factors of aging"Reperfusion injury, any stress that causes oxygen depletion and an excessively reduced (electron-rich) cellular state, the importance of lipid peroxidation and iron in aging, and the role of iron in damaging steroid synthesis in steroid-producing tissues have recently been important areas of research." June 1994 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Effects of oxidative cell stress on iron retention"Various studies* show that oxidative cell stress promotes iron retention. This is logical, because iron is essential for respiration, and cells that struggle to breathe would tend to use evolved mechanisms to retain the iron needed to produce new respiratory enzymes." June 1994 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
The heart as an indicator of stress resistance and longevity"The heart gives us some clues about our overall resilience to stress, aging, illness, and death. The heart and brain are the most stress-resistant organs, and while moderate stress and malnutrition can cause the skin and thymus gland to lose more than 90% of their substance, only the most prolonged and intense stress can cause the heart and brain to lose more than a quarter of their substance." June 1992 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Stress-induced shrinkage of the thymus and increase in heart mass"In fact, moderate stress that shrinks the thymus by more than 90% can cause the heart to increase in mass by 80%." June 1992 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Adaptive organ response under stress conditions"If we are able to respond appropriately and adaptively to stress, there is a shift of substance from less efficient organs (usually skin and thymus) to the organs that bear the greatest burden – usually the heart and brain." June 1992 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
The catabolic role of glucocorticoid hormones during stress"The stress-related glucocorticoid hormones fulfill the important catabolic task of mobilizing substance from less active organs to support the working organs." June 1992 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
The heart's resilience to stress and glucocorticoid resistance"The many ways in which the heart can resist and even thrive under stress can be generalized to develop ways of protecting other organs and the whole body from the chronic and escalating stresses that lead to generalized atrophy, declining function, and aging. Under stress, the heart and other working organs become resistant to glucocorticoid hormones. If you give a person radioactive testosterone, you will see that it reaches its highest concentration in the heart. It is the antiglucocorticoid effect of testosterone that causes skeletal muscle growth during moderate exercise." June 1992 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Stress as an information gap and adaptation of the organism“Stress – that is, the need for adaptation – can be understood as an information gap between a need and the possibility of fulfilling that need. A suitable change in the organism's structure closes this information gap. The new structural trace, or ‘memory,’ can develop as either a phenotypic or genotypic change. Mutations are important for the adaptation of bacteria, and learning is important for the adaptation of mammals.” June 1992 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Brain adaptation and stress resistance mechanisms"Our brain is the newest and most powerful organ for adapting to and resisting stress. It enables the simpler systems of circulation and metabolism to align themselves in such a way as to achieve the greatest possible benefit with the least possible damage. Just as there are pro- and anti-catabolic hormones and circulatory patterns, the brain also has stress-promoting and stress-limiting systems." June 1992 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
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"If perception and orientation control the stress response, the ability to suppress certain parts of this response enables fine coordination and high efficiency." June 1992 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
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"A single experience, a single insight, has enormous power to shape the way a rat deals with stress. Insights and ideas can be gained through practice, but they can also be passed down culturally. We can learn to prepare ourselves to respond optimally to stress, while at the same time trying to prevent the environment from becoming too stressful." June 1992 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Heart attack risk in low-status workers and biosocial stress"Workers in physical occupations have more heart attacks than sedentary workers, and the biosocial stress of low status can be seen as a strong factor in mortality from heart attacks. The helpless feeling of low status is analogous to surrender stress." June 1992 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Heart failure and the response of protective systems to stress"If stress is severe and prolonged enough to overcome the heart's numerous protective systems, the heart will fail in specific, clearly defined ways – both functionally and structurally. But before damage occurs, the stress-limiting self-regulatory systems of the heart, the endocrine system, and the brain must first fail." June 1992 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Progesterone activates the respiratory center to combat stress"Under stress, even the respiratory center in the brain becomes underactive and tolerates the state of hypoxia. Since progesterone activates the respiratory center, the reduced breathing caused by stress is consistent with a progesterone deficiency." June 1992 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Effects of stress on glucose and fat utilization"When tissue oxygenation is insufficient, glucose is rapidly depleted. Under prolonged stress, the liver's gluconeogenic response to glucocorticoids is suppressed, as is its ability to produce and store glycogen. When less glucose is available, blood adrenaline levels rise, and fat is mobilized from stores as an alternative energy source. Free fatty acids, especially unsaturated fats, are toxic to the mitochondrial respiratory system: they block both the ability to utilize oxygen and the ability to produce energy. The increased use of fats instead of glucose leads to increased lipid peroxidation." June 1992 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Electrical instability of the heart and adrenergic stimulation"The electrical instability of the heart caused by excessive adrenergic stimulation can also make the sinoatrial node more susceptible to vagal inhibition. (I think this effect can be observed in the skipped beats that people with hypothyroidism frequently experience under stress or fatigue. In other situations of prolonged and intense stress, vagal stimulation protects against fibrillation.)" June 1992 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Severe stress and deterioration of liver function"When stress is severe and prolonged, the liver loses enzymes from the detoxification system and also from the system that produces bile acids. This creates a tendency towards abnormal fat metabolism, including hypercholesterolemia." June 1992 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
The role of adrenaline and calcium in heart disease and blood clotting"Excessive adrenaline and calcium also promote coagulation, and when beta-adrenergic receptors become desensitized, spasms occur in the coronary arteries. Altered vascular tone, which can be triggered by severe stress, can lead to venous pooling of blood; this acts synergistically with impaired relaxation of the heart and can cause cardiogenic shock." June 1992 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
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"Uridine, a cofactor in glycogen synthesis, can also prevent stress by improving glycogen storage." June 1992 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Toxicity of corn oil and the protective effects of saturated fats"Selye's finding that corn oil is toxic to the heart is an important piece of the puzzle in understanding stress damage and adrenaline toxicity. The protective effects of saturated fats are not surprising when viewed against the backdrop of the toxic effects of adrenaline, which mobilizes free fatty acids and thereby triggers lipid peroxidation." June 1992 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Heart protection against stress and general aging"When reflecting on Meerson's success in protecting the heart from stress, it's important to remember that the heart is our most stress-resistant organ – and that what protects the heart from lethal stress also protects other organs from the everyday stresses that accumulate and lead to the problems of general aging. The liver, lungs, pancreas, and other vital organs are susceptible to the same kinds of damage as the heart, but under conditions that are comparatively mild and commonplace." June 1992 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Comparison of the stress resistance of the heart and liver"The resilience of the heart and liver can be compared in various ways. For example, DNA replication in the liver is more easily suppressed by stress than in the heart, but DNA repair is not affected by stress in the same way. An overactive heart stabilizes DNA against damage, so DNA repair is stronger in the liver than in the heart and weakest in the brain." June 1992 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Anti-stress effects of GABA and protective mechanisms“Meerson’s lab has investigated the anti-stress and anti-adrenaline effects of GABA and its metabolite gamma-hydroxybutyrate, particularly in the form of the lithium salt. (Lithium appears to have its own anti-stress effect—presumably partly as a sodium agonist and partly through its ability to bind ammonium, which is produced in the brain during fatigue, precisely when the GABA system becomes active.) GHB protects against stress-related damage in many tissues. It prevents stress-induced enzyme leakage from tissues, gastric ulceration, lipid peroxidation, epileptic seizures, impaired cardiac contractility, and cardiac arrhythmias triggered by stress or ischemia.” June 1992 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Relationship between oxygen deficiency, aging and estrogen excess"The consistency with which oxygen becomes scarce with aging, stress and excess estrogen suggests that a basic coordination mechanism may be involved, shifting towards conditions that activate the expression of certain genes – possibly the hypoglycemia/stress/heat shock proteins or perhaps simply the proteins of cell division and growth." June 1992 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Autoimmune antibodies as an indicator of organ stress"Antibodies against certain tissues are likely part of a normal process to eliminate damaged cells. For example, simply twisting a piece of cartilage makes it antigenic. After speaking with many people who had anti-thyroid antibodies that disappeared shortly after their thyroids returned to normal through physiological therapies, I concluded that autoimmune antibodies are useful in indicating which organ is under stress, but should not be interpreted as a sign of an immunological disease." December 1992 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Morphine's influence on immunity and stress"The direct immunosuppressive effect of morphine is not understood, but it is suspected to be related to stress-induced immunosuppression (for example, the loss of function of natural killer cells) – with morphine replacing stress-induced endorphins. White blood cells – like nerve cells – have surface receptors for morphine that would normally be activated by endorphins. As abnormal material bound to the cell surface, it likely represents a hapten, something recognized as foreign by other white blood cells. It would be healthy to eliminate such abnormally altered cells – and possibly even cells containing the natural endorphin molecule. However, in a weakened organism, the formation of new cells may lag behind the elimination of the altered cells." December 1992 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Dietary supplements in the treatment of degenerative diseases"In degenerative diseases, the stress- and age-related accumulation of iron and other substances toxic to mitochondria (e.g., calcium, aluminum, and products of lipid peroxidation, including age pigment), as well as the failure of detoxification systems, renders therapy with ordinary dietary supplements rather ineffective. A more sensible approach is the direct supplementation of various natural protective substances (or their analogues) in addition to protective vitamins (especially E) and minerals (especially magnesium)." August/September 1992 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Recompensation processes in addiction: Energy and metabolic balance"It is important to think specifically about the processes of recompensation or the restoration of balance. Some of the processes we should consider in connection with addiction are: the energetic 'charge' of the tissue, metabolic detoxification and elimination, permeability and barrier functions, excitation and inhibition, and poorly compensated stress responses." June 1991 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Increased adaptability of the organism to toxins"Aging, stress, and high alcohol consumption increase intestinal permeability and lead to greater absorption of microbial toxins. Laxatives, carrot fiber (not carrot juice), activated charcoal, and a small amount of sodium thiosulfate reduce the formation and absorption of toxins, thereby increasing the body's adaptability. Belladonna can improve bowel function if cramps occur during drug withdrawal." June 1991 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Estrogen's systemic effects and stress adaptation"Around 1940, Hans Selye observed that the systemic effects of estrogen mimic the shock phase of the stress response. In shock, insufficient blood flow—and thus insufficient oxygen supply to the tissues—is the main problem. Selye considered adrenal steroids crucial to solving this problem and enabling adaptation to stress." July 1991 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Cellular resistance to osmotic stress and energy levels"Cells with high energy can withstand the osmotic stress of too much water in their environment – exhausted cells cannot. Removing the stress by making the surrounding fluid isotonic or slightly hypertonic can protect the cells' energy levels and allow them to recover." July 1991 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Link between stress hormones and aging with light research"Having studied the effects of light on hormones and health for years, I began to realize that the existing knowledge about the role of stress and glucocorticoid hormones in the aging process perfectly matched my concept of winter sickness." January 1991 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Cortisol levels in darkness and stress response"People who are awake in the dark have higher cortisol levels than when they sleep in the dark – meaning that sleep is a partial protection against the stress of darkness. The cortisol (an adrenaline hormone) released in darkness or other stress has the important function of maintaining blood sugar levels." January 1991 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Stress and the damaging effects of glucocorticoids on the brain"It is now clear that both stress and an excess of glucocorticoid hormones cause brain damage (as well as damage to all other organs). Marion Diamond's work with rats (caged or free) showed that stress causes very general brain damage, including the cerebral cortex, and others have shown specific damage to the hypothalamus, hippocampus, and other brain areas." January 1991 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Aging process: Heavy metals, fats and copper loss"The accumulation of iron and other heavy metals, as well as unsaturated fats, and the progressive loss of copper under the influence of the stressor darkness are probably the central events in the aging process." February/March 1991 - Ray Peat's Newsletter (1) |
Estrogen's role in blood clotting"Forty-five years ago, the Shutes discovered that estrogen promotes blood clotting. At the same time, Knisely was investigating the phenomenon of 'blood sludging' (blood stagnation/clumping), which occurs under many types of stress. At that time, it was known that there is a balance between the formation of clots and their breakdown (fibrinolysis)." April 1991 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Convergence of interests in the oxidative metabolism of the uterus"Although I had studied the link between estrogen and cancer, and knew from my own experience with migraines that stress, diet and hormones interact strongly, it was not clear to me at the beginning of my investigation into the oxidative metabolism of the uterus that several of my main interests would converge." October 1990 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Estrogen treatment and the shock phase of the stress response"Hans Selye pointed out that estrogen treatment mimics the first, shock phase of the stress response. An excess of estrogen (or any stressor) causes the pituitary gland to release prolactin and ACTH, and both hormones act on the ovaries in such a way that progesterone production stops." October 1990 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Seasonal effects on respiratory energy, hormones and immunity"In winter and at night, the energy-producing respiratory system is damaged, protective hormones decrease, and harmful stress hormones increase. The immune system becomes less active." October 1990 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Positive feedback systems with progesterone and thyroid hormones"However, the existence of some positive feedback (self-stimulation) systems shows that in our basic structure we tend in an expansive, upward direction. Progesterone (and its precursors pregnenolone and cholesterol) as well as thyroid hormones are involved in some important positive feedback systems affecting energy production, stress resistance and brain growth." October 1990 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Potential of thyroid supplementation to restore normal thyroid function"In a small percentage of people with hypothyroidism, short-term treatment with thyroid hormones can trigger the recovery of normal thyroid function: by activating the brain-pituitary system, increasing blood sugar (which activates the liver enzyme system that produces T3) and reducing antithyroid stress hormones." August/September 1990 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Cyanide inhibition of respiratory energy and cytochromes"Since carbon monoxide binds to metal atoms, it could be kept in a form that readily reacts with ammonia. Then, under stress – which causes both lipid peroxidation and ammonia formation – rhodanese would be needed to protect the respiratory cytochromes from cyanide, which would otherwise inhibit the energy production of cellular respiration and other cytochrome-dependent processes." January 1989 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Magnesium supplementation is recommended for stress and hypothyroidism."Magnesium is poorly retained under stress or in cases of hypothyroidism, therefore a daily supplement of several hundred milligrams is desirable." January 1988 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Non-catabolic effects of stress: enzyme inhibition and aging"Some consequences of stress are not catabolic. When detoxifying enzymes are lost, intestinal toxins block other fundamental enzyme systems. This leads, for example, to a slowed protein turnover and reduced superoxide dismutase activity. The resulting increase in lipid peroxidation reduces steroid synthesis." August/September 1988 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Stress-induced intracellular toxins and cellular blockage"Stress also leads to the formation of intracellular toxins, including ammonia and carbon monoxide, which tend to maintain the blocked state." August/September 1988 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Ray Peat on stress
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