Human body is an intelligent complex of cells working together for its benefit. Sometimes, a long stress can shatter the smooth harmony of the entire body. Although human bodies are built to deal with stress through a physiological process called general adaptation syndrome (GAS), every organ can be affected by stress especially if it’s a long time stress.
If you acknowledge you’re dealing with stress don’t let things going worse. It’s a known fact that stress weakens body systems and there are many researches proven that. Excessive stress can produce damages to the entire body especially to cardiovascular system, to digestive and to immune systems.
A prolonged stress can lead to increased heart rate, high blood pressure, damaged blood vessels all of which can grow into a cardiovascular disease.
Stress has a huge impact on the gastrointestinal system (GI). During the acute stage of stress, blood being diverted from GI tract to muscles where it is needed much more. Body reacts by reducing secretion of acid juices and digestion respectively, slows down. Intestines are affected as well undergoing vasoconstriction resulting in decreasing of the intestines tone. Protracted stress leads to chronic constipation and stomach diseases.
Our bodies produce immune cells called T lymphocytes that fight bacteria, fungi, viral infections and cancer cells. When a long time stress occurs, high levels of adrenaline suppress the body production of T lymphocytes weakening the immune system. Stress not only worsens the existing diseases and infections, it also makes you more susceptible to immune system related problems.
Stress has also destructive effects over nervous system. Undergoing stress the body suddenly shifts its energy resources to fighting off the perceived threat. That’s why after a long time stress the lack of energy feels like a total emptiness and worthlessness.
Because of the chronic stress respiratory and endocrine systems undergo serious changes. The reproductive system is also affected by stress, men being exposed to a lowering sperm production and impotence, women – to irregular menstrual cycles or more painful periods. Stress reduces sexual desire in both sexes.
The bad part is when a person don’t even realize he’s dealing with stress; not knowing that makes things worse bringing big damages to all body systems.
It’s sometimes difficult to recognize stress associated symptoms but the most common signs are:
• Difficulty concentrating and racing thoughts
• Frequent headaches
• Trouble learning new information
• Frequent blushing, sweating
• Cold or sweaty hands, feet
• Dry mouth and problems with swallowing
• Frequent colds, infections, herpes sores
• Nervous habits, fidgeting, feet tapping
• Constipation, diarrhoea
• Heartburn, stomach pain, nausea
There are more other signs and symptoms associated to stress but it’s always recommended to consult a specialist doctor in order to see what the source of the problem is.
Being exposed to chronic stress means to be exposed to serious health problems. Some of the diseases are being directly linked to stress effects: diabetes, depression, hair loss, obesity, sexual dysfunction, ulcers, some cancers, hyperthyroidism, heart diseases, anxiety disorder and other conditions.
Know your stress levels and fight with it with all known methods. It’s important to start fighting with it today for a better tomorrow. Live healthy and leave the stress off!
