Reason 1 : What is Adrenaline?

This picture demonstrates the anatomical location of the adrenal glands and labels them as well. (Adrenal Support with Essential Oils." Essentialthree.com. N.p., 31 July 2013. Web. 19 Apr. 2017.)

Adrenaline has varied effects on the human physique and mind. When released, adrenaline essentially allows the body to be pushed to the limit for a period of time, due to human anatomy. Reason being is because the body can only be pushed to its limit for a certain period of time before it starts to cause self harm. It can also increase one's strength, performance, and senses. The effects of adrenaline can still be felt hours after it has been secreted into one’s bloodstream (Hormone Health Network, 2017). After the initial creation of adrenaline, it can still be found in one’s system for hours. This allows adrenaline to possibly be used as a long term energy source. If adrenaline can be used as a long term energy source, it’ll give athletes the ability to push their bodies to their limits for as long as they need to. This could then increase their athletic performance as well as hurt it. If the athlete’s body is not durable they could hurt themselves by pushing their bodies to the limit. Whereas if an athlete’s body is durable, they can push their body to the limit and not feel the drastic effects as if their body was not durable. Adrenaline, also known as epinephrine, is produced by the adrenal gland which is located at the top of both kidneys. Adrenaline is released into the body when something either “real or perceived” causes your body stress. After adrenaline has been secreted into the bloodstream, the body begins to kick into high gear. The body then begins shutting down unnecessary bodily functions in order to prepare to deal with the stress. The body stops producing insulin, and blood vessels begin to dilate in order to increase oxygen intake within one’s body (Bennington, Vanessa). The body produces adrenaline when it’s stressed by real or perceived stressors. This means that the body can be stressed by things that are a real threat or something that the body believes is a threat. For example, a perceived threat would be something one’s mind has made up. Real stress can be anything ranging from a test to work. Once adrenaline is secreted, the body shuts down all unneeded functions to allow other essential body parts to consume energy that is needed. Regardless of whether or not the stress is perceived or real, the athlete will produce adrenaline. Once the athletes produce adrenaline, they will feel it’s effects. When the body shuts down unneeded functions, it allows the athlete to use the extra energy needed to boost their senses, which will increase their athletic performance.

This video breaks down what adrenaline is, how it works, and how it's induced. “The Science of Adrenaline”, Life Noggin, Youtube. February 18, 2016

In order for adrenaline to be effective, a large amount of energy is required. As the body begins to prepare to deal with stress, a large amount of glycogen is consumed in order to create ATP, which is the energy source one’s body uses. The large amount of ATP that is created allows the body and mind to have more energy to handle stress. Other hormones are secreted as well into the bloodstream which causes muscle fibers to contract with more power than usual. When the muscles contract with more power, it causes one to be more prepared for intense workouts. The adrenal gland is similar to a muscle, in terms of functioning. The more one exercises, the more the adrenal gland is used. Due to the overstimulation of the adrenal gland, it begins to grow in size. Thus, being able to produce more adrenaline when needed. This is typically why athletes tend to have more adrenaline in their system opposed to non-athletes (James, 2012). The body begins to produce more glycogen when adrenaline is released to give one’s body enough energy to deal with the stress. The glycogen that is created helps the athlete not only have enough energy to deal with the stress, but it also allows their body and mind to work harder than it would normally work. The increased glycogen allows one to think faster and increases one’s strength if needed. Essentially, the adrenal gland is similar to that of a muscle. The more one uses it the larger it becomes allowing more adrenaline to be produce. Due to the increased glycogen that is created an athlete is able to increase their strength which can cause them to increase their athletic performance.For example, when one’s blood vessels dilate in order to allow an increase of oxygen, they’re able to perform at a higher rate. The same goes for when one’s body begins to create a vast amount of ATP to be used whenever needed during a stressful situation. Once the body is filled with adrenaline it’s solely up to the athlete to determine how to use it. In order for an athlete to use adrenaline effectively they’ll need to be able to synchronize both their mind and body.