It's not uncommon for people to ask, "How does stress affect health?" We have often heard rumors about how stress can ruin you physically and mentally. Is there any truth to it?
The truth is that researchers are still trying to determine the exact effects of stress. There are several studies that show a tentative but strong connection between stress and certain health problems. Some things are already certain though. Studies show for example that at the most, 90% of complaints in clinics are due to stress with 43% of people suffering badly from stress. The OSHA itself has said that stress is a major work hazard.
Ongoing studies seem to show that people are often more prone to certain conditions. Here are some of the possible health problems that people under stress may have to face:
- Stress may be responsible for certain heart ailments. The hormones produced during a state of stress increase blood pressure and heart rate. This increase will in turn put too much pressure on the arteries. This could harm them, cause them to thicken, and eventually lead to heart disease.
- One major answer to how does stress affect health has something to do with the immune system. People under stress tend to be more prone to colds and infections. This is because the hormone cortisol which is present in large amounts when under stress also tends to hinder the work of the immune system.
- You could gain more weight when under stress. This is due to the body's quick use of carbohydrate stores. This in turn could encourage you to eat more. On the flip side, those who are too busy to even eat could lose weight and consume all of their energy stores. That would leave them with nothing to draw energy and nutrients from.
- You may have noticed that you may experience more stomach complaints when under stress. If you miss meals due to your preoccupation with stressful factors, then you could develop hyperacidity. Loose bowels are also a natural reaction to stress due to chemical reactions that cause the stomach to digest food improperly.
- Your body is not the only part that stress affects. Your mental and psychological states are also in danger. Stress naturally produces anxiety, worry and frustration. These could lead to the development of more serious psychological conditions such as depression.
- Stress can rob you of your sleep. Night sleep is the body's way of recharging itself so you can face the next day with renewed energy. If you lose sleep, your body would not have been rested well enough. This naturally takes its toll on your daily performance. Your vital organs suffer too since they have been on working mode from dusk till dawn.
- Those who experience stress complain of various other conditions. You may experience, headaches, rashes, gum problems, menstrual irregularities, hair loss and sexual problems.
So how does stress affect health? As these conditions would show, it can affect it in various ways. Make it a point to learn to manage stress to ensure your health.
Related Articles
How Stress Affects Health
By: Dr Peter Lind | 17/09/2007 | Health
The effects of stress are astounding. When we understand the kinds of stress we deal with we can learn how to remove them and improve our lives.
Raw Food Health
By: Dr Peter Lind | 13/10/2007 | Health
Nutrition stress is one of the big three stresses on the body.The effects of stress are astounding. When we understand the kinds of stress we deal with we can learn how to remove them and improve our lives.
Main Causes of Stress
By: Dr Peter Lind | 19/10/2007 | Health
The main causes of stress are few. When we understand the kinds of stress we deal with we can learn how to remove them and improve our lives.
Symptoms of Stress
By: Dr Peter Lind | 31/10/2007 | Health
There are many symptoms of stress are few. What happens when stress accumulates without resolve? You get signs and symptoms of stress. Here are some very common ones this time of the year.
Effects of Stress
By: Dr Peter Lind | 08/11/2007 | Health
There are certain patterns that take place during times of stress, no matter what kind you want to talk about. Here’s a list of effects: circulatory changes, skin rashes, adrenal gland fatigue, lymphatic system slow down, intestinal track irritation…almost every symptom of the body will show the effects of stress.
10 Stress Management Techniques
By: Sharon Reid | 28/06/2008 | Stress Management
Try these stress management techniques before any stress gets too hard to deal with.
The Effects of Stress on Your Health
By: Konstantin Koss | 17/07/2008 | Health
We are all under stress. Some of us simply cannot handle stress like the others. Because of this, health problems start because of stress mismanagement. Everyone undergoes stress and it's up to us to learn to control ourselves so that stress will not get the better of us. But how does stress affect health exactly? Read on to find out.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Stress Management Articles
Stress Incontinence
By: Peter Gitundu | 25/07/2008
Stress incontinence is not associated with any mental function and it is the unintentional leakage of urine due to pressure in the pelvic ares. The leakage can be brought about by heavy lifting, coughing, sneezing and other factors that cause pressure.
Stress in Work Place
By: Peter Gitundu | 25/07/2008
Stress is pretty much found everywhere including in the work place. This kind of stress should be taken very seriously because it might affect your productivity.
Stress Eraser
By: Peter Gitundu | 25/07/2008
Researchers have come up with a stress eraser which is meant to help us cope and deal with everyday pressures. Scientists have discovered that when you breathe slowly in harmony with your pulse rate, it releases a natural relaxation response
These are Some of Stress Causes
By: Peter Gitundu | 25/07/2008
Stress is a condition that happens to everyone and it is caused by factors known as stressors. Stress in itself is considered a disease which if not properly managed it can kill.
Stress Balls
By: Peter Gitundu | 25/07/2008
Stress balls are very common in offices and they are used to relieve stress. They are made out of polyurethane foam and the come not longer than 7cm in diameter
Stress Ball
By: Peter Gitundu | 25/07/2008
In the work place or at home, we usually have to deal with a lot of stress and for this reason, we have to constantly cope with the pressure upon us and make our lives as easy as possible.
What Stress Anxiety Entails
By: Peter Gitundu | 25/07/2008
Stress anxiety is a bit difficult to describe and people have experienced such conditions for a very long time. Stress is the feeling or state of being in a situation were there is nothing more you can give or say because your resources have been exhausted by the high demand.
These are Some of the Signs of Stress
By: Peter Gitundu | 25/07/2008
When you look around, you will notice signs of stress in people who are stressed and this is because stress has become part of us in a huge way. Stress is a condition that has been characterized by pressure and exhaustion.
More from Ann Triune
A Look Inside the Colon Cleansing Product
By: Ann Triune | 12/05/2008 | Health
There are many benefits to having a healthy colon. Colon cleansing products can help ward off illnesses, prevent constipation and encourage healthy weight loss.
How to Choose the Best Colon Cleanser
By: Ann Triune | 12/05/2008 | Health
There are several kinds of colon cleansers available today. To determine the best colon cleanser, know exactly what you need. There's not one universal method that will work for everyone.
How to Achieve a Colon Detox Naturally
By: Ann Triune | 12/05/2008 | Health
There are many ways to have a colon detox. However, we need to keep our colon clean in the long run instead of just temporarily. Some people go on a temporary colon detox and then go back to their old ways.
The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Palm Tree Floor Lamp
By: Ann Triune | 12/05/2008 | Home Improvement
A palm tree floor lamp would be a wonderful addition to any living area or patio. It doesn't just provide a nice glow for your home or patio, but it is also a great conversational piece for your guests.
Dale Tiffany Lamp - Classic Elegance
By: Ann Triune | 12/05/2008 | Home Improvement
If you want to have a lamp that embodies true elegance and sophistication, consider getting a Dale Tiffany Lamp. The Dale Tiffany collection offers only the finest of Art Glass lighting and accents.
Guidelines in Buying the Perfect Floor Lamp With Table
By: Ann Triune | 12/05/2008 | Home Improvement
By and large, the first thing that people look into in buying a floor lamp with table is the color and appearance, and how it would match the wallpaper or theme of the house.
Tried and True Techniques on How to Reduce Stress
By: Ann Triune | 12/05/2008 | Stress Management
Stress is a part of everyday life. However, it can become overwhelming after a prolonged period of time. The better we handle stress, the more balanced our life will be.
Steps on How to Manage Stress
By: Ann Triune | 12/05/2008 | Stress Management
Do you want to know how to manage stress? Most of us have normal lives in which stress is always present. Normally, our bodies would know how to deal with stress.
Self Improvement 
