2023-10-28 08:14:00
The Effects of Stress on the Body and How to Combat It
When we experience constant stress, it not only affects our mood, but also has an impact on our body. The gastrointestinal area, muscles, and cardiovascular system are particularly affected. So, what signals does the body send in response to stress, and how can we find a way out?
While stress is often dismissed as a purely negative thing, it is actually a natural and useful reaction of the body. When we perceive a situation as threatening, our bodies switch to alert mode. “The reaction is triggered in the brain,” says Dr. Ralf Suhr, chairman of the Health Knowledge Foundation. This leads to the release of stress hormones such as norepinephrine, adrenaline, and cortisol.
These hormones help release more energy in our bodies, making us more alert and able to react quickly. This was crucial for our ancestors when faced with a dangerous animal they needed to flee from.
However, in today’s world, stress is rarely triggered by encounters with wild animals. Instead, everyday life itself can cause long-term stress, which has a negative impact on our health. The ongoing stress doesn’t give our bodies enough time to recover, and disease-causing processes can accelerate as a result. While it may not be easy to prove a direct connection between stress and certain diseases in studies, various diseases are associated with chronic stress.
Chronic stress can suppress the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections. It can also lead to unhealthy behaviors, such as poor sleep, unhealthy eating habits, and smoking.
So, how does stress manifest itself in the body? Here are some examples:
1. Gastrointestinal Problems: Stress can cause digestive problems, even with foods that are normally tolerated well. Some people might experience diarrhea, while others may have sluggish intestines or a decrease in appetite. Stress can also contribute to heartburn or irritable bowel syndrome.
2. Cardiovascular System: Acute stress increases heart rate and blood pressure. If stress becomes a chronic condition, it can promote diseases like high blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmias, heart attacks, or strokes.
3. Muscles: Stress can lead to muscle tension, resulting in neck stiffness or back pain. The musculoskeletal system can be strained incorrectly, leading to conditions like herniated discs or lumbago.
4. Metabolism: Stress may contribute to metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes or elevated cholesterol levels. The body releases more energy reserves, leading to increased blood sugar levels. Stress hormones like cortisol can also lead to excess sugar and fat, causing increased abdominal fat storage and promoting metabolic diseases.
5. Psyche: Chronic stress affects the brain and psyche. It puts the body on permanent alert, leading to mental illnesses like depression. Cortisol release can cause difficulties with concentration and memory problems. Stress can also result in feelings of fear, anxiety, and panic attacks.
To combat stress, it is important to incorporate regular recovery phases into our everyday lives. This can include short mindfulness exercises and regular exercise. Additionally, working on stress-promoting thought and behavior patterns, cultivating friendships, and pursuing hobbies can help counteract the constant biological alarm in the body.
Stress may be a natural reaction, but it is important to find ways to manage and reduce its impact on our health. By recognizing the effects of stress on our bodies and taking proactive steps to combat it, we can lead healthier and happier lives.]
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