How Does Stress Affect the Body?

What is Stress? 

Stress is a physical and emotional reaction that people have when they are confronted with life events. Stress is a common occurrence. Long-term stress, on the other hand, can cause or exacerbate a variety of health issues, including digestive troubles, headaches, difficulty sleeping, and other symptoms.

Stress signs and symptoms

The following changes could indicate that a person is stressed out:

• Appetite or weight changes
• Changes in sleeping habits
• Loss of interest in hobbies and activities
• Restlessness
• Sadness, guilt, or irritation are all common emotions.
• Negative thinking

How stress affects the body 

high levels of stress can lower immunity, making people vulnerable to more severe conditions like those listed below.

Stress and the immune system 

Although immune activity rises temporarily during the fight or flight response, if stress continues, nutrients required to satisfy the demands of stress, such as B vitamins, may become reduced. The stress hormones adrenaline and norepinephrine also decrease the immune system when people are under a lot of stress. 

Stress and cardiovascular health 

Cortisol has the potential to harm your cardiovascular system. Chronically high cortisol levels have been shown in studies to raise blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglycerides, all of which raise your risk of hypertension, stroke, and heart attack.

Stress and inflammation

Asthmatics and allergy sufferers may be more vulnerable to attacks following a stressful incident. Stress was linked to atopic dermatitis (an inflammatory skin disorder), nasal congestion, and asthma in a survey of almost 10,000 college students.

Stress Management 

• Determine what is causing you to be stressed.
• Consider methods for dealing with your stress (e.g., working fewer hours).
• Talk to friends, relatives, coworkers, or a therapist about how you're feeling.
• Consider walking, running, or meditation as a kind of physical and mental exercise.

If you're stressed, talk to your integrative healthcare practitioner about how you can lessen your stress levels.