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Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers
Book

Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers

The Acclaimed Guide to Stress, Stress-Related Diseases, and Coping

Henry Holt, 2004
First Edition: 1994 подробнее...

автоматическое преобразование текста в аудио
автоматическое преобразование текста в аудио

Editorial Rating

10

Qualities

  • Innovative
  • Applicable

Recommendation

Your body is a sophisticated machine. If it were an automobile, it would be a top-of-the-line, luxury-class vehicle with all of the latest options. There’s just one problem: Your body was designed for the savannas of Africa, not the streets and sidewalks of some urban metropolis. This is a major issue due to one of your body’s great fail-safe systems: the stress-response mechanism, also called the “fight-or-flight syndrome.” This mechanism provides your body with its best chance to get away safely from sudden peril, such as when a lion attacks you. It immediately floods your muscles with robust energy. Thus strengthened, you are far more able to evade the hungry predator. Unfortunately, this same stress-response also kicks in during psychological stress. In much of modern city life (even without stalking lions), such stress is often chronic, making your stress-response mechanism work dangerously overtime, and putting your body at risk of numerous stress-related disorders and diseases. Robert M. Sapolsky, a leading neuroendocrinologist, explains it all in this lively and entertaining, yet highly informative book. He writes with delightful, ironic verve and dry, irrepressible wit. He details how chronic stress can undermine your health, and explains what you can do about it, even in the urban jungle. getAbstract feels calmer just suggesting that anyone experiencing stress could benefit from reading this book.

Take-Aways

  • The stress-response mechanism sends energy to the muscles during a short-term physical crisis. This “fight or flight” response helps you escape from sudden danger.
  • Chronic stress can trigger this mechanism and keep it activated for long periods.
  • Such sustained stress-response activity can be horribly damaging to your health.

About the Author

Robert M. Sapolsky is a professor of biological sciences, neurology and neurological sciences at Stanford University. He conducts research on stress and neuron degeneration. In 1987, he received a MacArthur Fellowship “genius” grant.


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    S. S. 8 months ago
    Interesting read.
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    M. H. 1 year ago
    interesting, i am now following few thing to do
  • Avatar
    M. J. 2 years ago
    I can now say I have Chronic Stress and will be talking with my Doctor soon

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