Chronic stress found to be directly correlated with 16 significant health problems
Stress Affects Health in Various Ways, Increasing Risk of Several Medical Conditions
Chronic stress, a common response to the world's current state, can wreak havoc on an individual's health. Dr. Jessica Wright, the owner and operator of Rejuvenate Med Spa, explained that stress activates the autonomic nervous system, triggering the release of cortisol and adrenaline, which increase heart rate and cardiac output. Furthermore, the hypothalamus cannot distinguish real threats from perceived ones, increasing the risk of prolonged stress reactions in daily life.
Cortisol, often referred to as the body's own anti-inflammatory agent, can become detrimental when levels are chronically high. Dr. Wright warned that excessive cortisol can weaken the immune system, leaving individuals vulnerable to infections and illnesses.
Below are 16 medical conditions directly linked to constant stress:
- Dry eyes: Stress may contribute to dry eye disease, primarily due to systemic inflammation and reduced tear film quality caused by poor sleep quality and interrupted blink frequencies.
- Heart disease: Chronic stress can increase heart rate and blood flow, leading to higher levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the bloodstream. Consequently, it may increase the risk of heart attacks and other related cardiovascular problems.
- Sleep disorders: Prolonged stress can disrupt the body's natural sleep cycle, leading to restless nights and decreased sleep quality. This disrupts the cortisol and melatonin levels, making it difficult for the body to properly rest.
- Asthma: Stress can exacerbate asthma symptoms, including shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing. It triggers an immune response and inflammation within the lungs, potentially triggering an asthma attack.
- Hair loss: The stress of the ongoing pandemic may result in increased hair loss, as the delay between stressful events and visible hair loss is around three months.
- Skin breakouts: Cortisol, the body's stress hormone, can affect oil gland production, leading to an imbalance that may cause breakouts.
- Gum disease: Chronic stress can worsen gum disease, due to increased inflammation and bacteria within the mouth. Unchecked, it can result in tissue damage and bone loss around the teeth.
- Obesity: Drawn to comfort foods high in fat, sugar, and calories, people under chronic stress may develop unhealthy eating habits, leading to weight gain and additional health risks.
- Diabetes: Chronic stress can affect glucose metabolism, leading to chronic hyperglycemia in people with diabetes. It may result in high hormone levels that interfere with insulin's function, causing insulin resistance.
- Headaches: Sustained stress is linked to tension-type headaches and migraines, intensifying existing headaches or causing new ones due to tension build-up in the muscles.
- Depression and anxiety: Chronic stress leads to elevated cortisol and reduced serotonin levels, potentially contributing to higher rates of depression and anxiety.
- Gastrointestinal problems: Stress can cause a decrease in blood flow and oxygen to the stomach, leading to cramping, inflammation, and imbalances in gut bacteria. Additionally, stress can worsen various gastrointestinal issues, such as chronic heartburn and irritable bowel syndrome.
- Alzheimer's disease: Stress may worsen Alzheimer's disease by accelerating the formation of brain lesions. Reducing stress may help slow disease progression.
- Accelerated aging: Chronic stress can cause chromosomal changes associated with aging, potentially speeding up the aging process by 9 to 17 years.
- Premature death: Chronic stress can lead to increased levels of cortisol and other detrimental health effects, increasing the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, weight gain, and other health conditions that contribute to premature death.
Managing stress levels is crucial for maintaining overall health and reducing the risk of developing these various health complications. It is essential to be aware of stressors in our daily lives and implement stress-reduction techniques whenever possible, to ensure a healthier, happier, and longer life.
Sources:[1] Endocrinology.org: Cortisol[2] NIH.gov: Cortisol[3] HelpGuide.org: The Truth About Stress[4] Healthline.com: Stress and Weight Gain[5] WebMD.com: What Is Cortisol?
Psychology reveals that chronic stress, elevated due to the current state of the world, can trigger family stories and personal experiences related to stress, and understanding these can aid in developing coping mechanisms.
Dr. Jessica Wright, in her practice of health-and-wellness and mental-health, emphasizes the importance of nutrition in managing stress levels, as balanced nutrition helps maintain overall wellness and reduce cortisol levels.
Stories of the impact of stress on various medical conditions, such as dry eyes, heart disease, and sleep disorders, can serve as reminders of the need for stress management strategies.
Science unveils multiple links between stress and the development of mental-health conditions like depression and anxiety, underscoring the importance of stress management for our well-being. Considering the numerous health risks associated with ongoing stress, it is crucial to implement stress-reduction techniques to ensure a healthier, happier, and longer life.
