Stressed Out? 4 Ways Stress Affects Your Health

In this study, it was also reported that the participants who regularly did yoga felt less anxious and depressed. It is believed that yoga can play a role in slowing down the harmful effects that stress can cause the body both physically and psychologically.4 Weakened Immune System Studies show that stress is linked to a malfunctioning immune system. When immune cells are suppressed, tissues are harmed by chronic inflammation. Patients with autoimmune diseases report flare-ups around stressful times in their lives. This could be the reason behind why people may get sick when going through stressful situations, leaving the body vulnerable to illnesses such as the cold or flu. As we know, sometimes stress is uncontrollable whether it be temporary or chronic and the feeling can quickly become overwhelming. We must listen to our bodies and adjust whatever the factor may be that is causing stress otherwise, the immune system may be affected. The stress hormone cortisol is good in small amounts, but over time it can cause inflammation in your body. Chronic inflammation can contribute to more serious immune system disorders such as arthritis, lupus, psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease.5 Stress also decreases the count of lymphocytes in the body, which are white blood cells that fight off infection, keeping you healthy. Digestive Issues Stress can wreak havoc your digestive system. It’s believed that problems between the brain and stomach are due to the “gut-brain connect...
Source: World of Psychology - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: Health-related Mental Health and Wellness Stress Blood Pressure brain-gut connection Chronic Stress Heart Disease Ibs Inflammation stress reduction Yoga Source Type: blogs