In today's fast-paced world, stress is an almost inescapable aspect of modern life. But when stress becomes chronic, it can have severe implications for our health, potentially leading to long-term illness.
The physiology of stress
The body's response to stress - often referred to as the 'fight or flight' reaction - is a primal function that releases hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. These stimulate the heart rate, increase blood pressure, boost energy supplies, and sharpen focus. While this physiological response can be life-saving in immediate, short-term situations, the long-term activation of this system can wreak havoc on the body's processes.
Immune system suppression
Chronic stress tends to suppress the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections and illnesses. Under stress, the body's inflammatory response, which typically protects against disease, becomes less effective. This can lead to the development of chronic inflammatory conditions, and over time, a continuous low level of inflammation may set a foundation for cancer to develop.
Hormonal imbalance and its effects
The excess production of cortisol can result in hormonal imbalances which may lead to problems like thyroid disorders, menstrual irregularities, and adrenal fatigue. Such imbalances can impact metabolism, sleep, mood, and even reproductive health. Over the long term, these issues can contribute to the development of diseases such as diabetes and obesity, both of which are consistently linked to high stress levels.
The gut-brain axis
Stress is also known to affect the gastrointestinal system. The gut is sensitive to emotion and psychological distress can exacerbate existing gastrointestinal issues - such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and heartburn - or even lead to the development of new ones. Chronic stress can alter the gut bacteria, which plays a crucial role in our overall health, and even lead to gastrointestinal disorders.
Cardiovascular risks
Chronic stress affects the heart and blood vessels too, as persistent high blood pressure and heart rate can eventually cause hypertension, atherosclerosis, heart attacks, or strokes. Stress can cause changes in the way blood clots, which increases the risk of heart-related problems.
Mental health matters
Lastly, chronic stress has a significant impact on mental health. It is a common trigger for mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety disorders. The constant state of worry and tension can lead to exhaustion and burnout, drastically impacting one's quality of life.
