HMS, BM EQ-Bank 902

Sample Answer

Overview Statement:

• Chronic stress affects both digestive and endocrine systems through elevated cortisol levels.
• The main relationships involve hormone disruption, nutrient absorption problems, and metabolic changes.
• These interactions result in significant performance decline in athletes.

Component Relationship 1:

• The endocrine system’s cortisol production interacts with digestive function during chronic stress.
• Elevated cortisol diverts blood flow away from digestive organs to muscles.
• The pattern shows reduced enzyme production and slower nutrient breakdown.
• Athletes experience poor vitamin and mineral absorption despite adequate diets.
• Evidence indicates that stress hormones prioritise immediate survival over digestion.
• Therefore athletes cannot access nutrients needed for recovery and energy production.

Component Relationship 2:

• Chronic cortisol elevation influences both growth hormone release and insulin sensitivity.
• High cortisol prevents muscle protein synthesis while causing muscle breakdown for energy.
• Research reveals how the endocrine system’s stress response works against recovery.
• Reduced insulin sensitivity leads to poor glucose uptake by muscles.
• Consequently, athletes experience fatigue and decreased strength gains.
• The implication is that hormonal imbalance creates multiple energy problems.

Implications and Synthesis:

• Both systems work together creating compound effects on performance.
• Poor nutrient absorption combines with hormonal disruption to impair recovery.
• Analysis demonstrates how chronic stress affects many body functions at the same time.
• Therefore, managing stress becomes essential for athletic success.
• The overall significance is that when systems work together, stress causes more damage than expected.