How Does Stress Affect Health?
Ann Triune
It's not uncommon for people to ask, "How does stress affect health?" We have often heard rumors about how stress can ruin you physically and mentally. Is there any truth to it?
The truth is that researchers are still trying to determine the exact effects of stress. There are several studies that show a tentative but strong connection between stress and certain health problems. Some things are already certain though. Studies show for example that at the most, 90% of complaints in clinics are due to stress with 43% of people suffering badly from stress. The OSHA itself has said that stress is a major work hazard.
There are many possible health problems that could be due to stress. Here are only some of them:
- Heart disease is one of the top killers in America. Aside from diet and lifestyle habits, stress seems to have a hand in the development of heart problems. Heart rate and blood pressure shoot up in moments of extreme stress. Prolonged episodes like this can harm the arteries. Heart disease could follow.
- How does stress affect health on a daily basis? Stress can actually weaken your immune system. This happens when stress hormones suppress the function of the immune system. With the system not functioning at 100%, a person under stress becomes more susceptible to colds, flu, and other kinds of bacterial and viral infections.
- You could gain more weight when under stress. This is due to the body's quick use of carbohydrate stores. This in turn could encourage you to eat more. On the flip side, those who are too busy to even eat could lose weight and consume all of their energy stores. That would leave them with nothing to draw energy and nutrients from.
- Stomach distress is a common bedfellow of stress. You may feel like wanting to discharge when you are tense. This is caused by the speed up of the digestive process that is brought about by the effects of the stress hormone. You could also develop hyperacidity if you make it a habit to prioritize your responsibilities over your meal schedule.
- People who are too tense are in danger of developing mental disorders. This can only be expected since too much anxiety can naturally lead to an anxiety disorder or to depression. When mental problems surface, the social and physical aspects of oneself can also become affected and potentially neglected.
- Stress can rob you of your sleep. Night sleep is the body's way of recharging itself so you can face the next day with renewed energy. If you lose sleep, your body would not have been rested well enough. This naturally takes its toll on your daily performance. Your vital organs suffer too since they have been on working mode from dusk till dawn.
- Those who experience stress complain of various other conditions. You may experience, headaches, rashes, gum problems, menstrual irregularities, hair loss and sexual problems.
You should stop wondering about how does stress affect health. There is no question that it does. You have to learn how to manage stress fast if you want to better.
Prevent stress-related diseases. Learn answers to questions on
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