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5 Surprising Ways Stress Affects Your Body
Stress is a part of life. We all experience it at some point, whether it’s due to work, relationships, or any other life circumstance. While some stress can be beneficial in motivating us to get things done, chronic stress can have negative effects on our bodies.
Here are five surprising ways that stress affects your body:
Increased Risk of Heart Disease
Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, and chronic stress is a major risk factor for developing heart disease. When you are stressed, your body releases cortisol and adrenaline, which can cause your heart rate and blood pressure to increase. Over time, this can damage the walls of your arteries, leading to a buildup of plaque and increasing your risk of heart disease.
A study published in the American Journal of Cardiology found that people with high levels of stress were more likely to have plaque buildup in their arteries, even if they didn’t have other risk factors like high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Another study published in the European Heart Journal found that people who reported high levels of stress at work had a 68% higher risk of developing heart disease compared to those who reported low levels of stress.
Impaired Digestion
When you’re stressed, your body enters into a “fight or flight” mode. This causes your body to redirect blood flow away from your digestive system and toward your muscles, so you can either fight or run away from a threat. This can cause a range of digestive problems, including stomachaches, diarrhea, and constipation.
In addition, stress can also disrupt the balance of bacteria in your gut, which can lead to inflammation and other digestive issues. This is because stress can trigger the release of cytokines, which are proteins that can cause inflammation throughout your body.
Weakened Immune System
Your immune system is responsible for fighting off infections and diseases, but chronic stress can weaken your immune system and make you more susceptible to illness. When you’re stressed, your body produces cortisol, which can suppress your immune system and make it harder for your body to fight off infections.
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that people who reported high levels of stress were more likely to develop colds than those who reported low levels of stress. Another study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that people who reported high levels of stress were more likely to develop herpes than those who reported low levels of stress.
Skin Problems
Stress can also affect your skin. When you’re stressed, your body produces more oil, which can lead to acne and other skin problems. In addition, stress can also cause inflammation throughout your body, which can exacerbate skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema.
Stress can also affect the healing process of your skin. When you’re stressed, your body produces less collagen, which is a protein that helps your skin stay firm and elastic. This can slow down the healing process of wounds and make scars more noticeable.
Cognitive Impairment
Chronic stress can also have negative effects on your brain. When you’re stressed, your body produces cortisol, which can interfere with the communication between neurons in your brain. This can lead to cognitive impairment, including problems with memory and concentration.
A study published in the journal Biological Psychiatry found that people who reported high levels of stress had smaller brain volumes in areas of the brain responsible for memory and learning. Another study published in the Journal of Neuroscience found that chronic stress can cause changes in the brain that can lead to anxiety and depression.
Managing stress
Stress is a part of life, but chronic stress can have negative effects on your body. It can increase your risk of heart disease, impair your digestion, weaken your immune system, cause skin problems, and even impair your cognitive function. To reduce the negative effects of stress on your body, it’s important to find ways to manage stress in a healthy way.
One way to manage stress is through exercise. Exercise can help reduce stress levels by increasing endorphins, which are feel-good chemicals in the brain. It can also improve your mood, boost your energy levels, and improve your overall physical health.
Another way to manage stress is through relaxation techniques, such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises. These techniques can help reduce stress levels by promoting relaxation and reducing muscle tension.
Getting enough sleep is also important for managing stress. Lack of sleep can increase stress levels and make it harder for your body to recover from stress. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night to help manage stress.
In addition, it’s important to make time for activities you enjoy and to spend time with loved ones. Social support can help reduce stress levels and improve your overall well-being.
Finally, it’s important to seek help if you’re struggling with chronic stress. Talk to your doctor or a mental health professional near you if you’re experiencing persistent stress or if you’re having trouble managing stress on your own.
Chronic stress can have negative effects on your body, including an increased risk of heart disease, impaired digestion, weakened immune system, skin problems, and cognitive impairment. To reduce the negative effects of stress, it’s important to find ways to manage stress in a healthy way, such as exercise, relaxation techniques, getting enough sleep, spending time with loved ones, and seeking help when needed. By taking steps to manage stress, you can improve your overall health and well-being.
Finally, it’s important to seek help if you’re struggling with chronic stress. Talk to your doctor or a mental health professional if you’re experiencing persistent stress or if you’re having trouble managing stress on your own.
To easily search, compare and book an appointment with a mental health professional near you, visit medimap.ca.