Often thought of as a mental or emotional reaction, stress can have surprising and far-reaching effects on the whole body.
While it’s natural to associate stress with mental strain, it’s important to recognise its physical effects.
In response to stress, our bodies experience changes in hormone and chemical secretions. Most of these secretions are produced by the adrenal gland, a small organ located on top of the kidneys.
The hormones released by this gland have many functions, including initiating the ‘fight or flight’ response, regulating metabolic processes such as blood sugar levels, managing salt and water balance, and facilitating pregnancy.
While these hormones can be life-saving in moderation, their prolonged presence can have significant detrimental effects.
Cortisol, the primary stress hormone, is primarily concerned with inhibiting processes that might interfere with the body’s ‘fight or flight’ response. More specifically, it alters the way the immune system responds and interferes with the proper functioning of the digestive, reproductive and growth-related systems.
Stress is a complex enemy that can negatively affect many areas of your health. It can trigger a range of digestive problems, from upset stomach and indigestion to conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Stress can also affect your eating habits, causing bouts of overeating or under-eating, which can contribute to fluctuations in body weight.
As well as affecting your digestive system, stress can also affect your skin, aggravating conditions such as acne, psoriasis and eczema. It can also trigger allergic reactions, often leading to uncomfortable skin problems such as hives.
The effects of chronic stress go even further, affecting your cardiovascular health. It’s been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and atherosclerosis. Stress hormones, particularly cortisol, have the ability to raise blood pressure and promote inflammation in the blood vessels.
In women, stress triggers a reduction in the production of estrogen and progesterone, while increasing cortisol levels. This particular mix often leads to irregular and uncomfortable menstrual cycles and can have a negative impact on both emotional wellbeing and libido.
In men, stress causes testosterone levels to fall and cortisol levels to rise, resulting in fatigue and a marked decrease in sexual desire.
When it comes to lifestyle interventions, physical activity is a top recommendation.
Exercise has been shown to be the most effective way to reduce stress and lower cortisol levels.
Avoid answering non-urgent emails and phone calls.
Consider taking breaks or practicing relaxation techniques to manage stress effectively.
Eating a balanced, nutritious diet and not smoking, drinking alcohol or using recreational drugs are basic steps to reducing stress.
However, it’s important to remember that if you feel that stress is having a significant impact on your health and overall quality of life, it’s wise to seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Based on your medical history and unique situation, a healthcare professional can provide personalised advice and solutions.
Practicing stress management techniques, such as meditation and exercise, and seeking professional support can help reduce these surprising and often harmful effects on the body.
