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Survival Mechanisms

Meaning

Survival Mechanisms are the set of fundamental, evolutionarily conserved physiological and behavioral responses that prioritize immediate life preservation and resource allocation over long-term health and reproduction. These mechanisms are primarily governed by the stress axes, notably the HPA axis, which orchestrates the fight-or-flight response, and metabolic shifts that favor fat storage and energy conservation. While essential for acute threats, the chronic activation of these mechanisms in modern life is a major driver of hormonal dysregulation and chronic disease.