How Stress Can Affect Your Body And What You Can Do About It

Stress is a very common symptom nowadays. Nearly everyone is experiencing stress from time to time. Although this is no necessarily good, it will do no harm to your body. But what happens if you experience stress nearly all the time? What are the effects of stress on the body and what can you do against it?

Hair is considered by many a barometer of your inner health. So in stressful situations your hair may be the first part of your body to feel the repercussions. Hair loss is just another annoying way it can get the best of you. It basically boils down to your body being out-of-whack. This is just one of the many effects that stress can have on the body.

Cortisol is one of our primary stress hormones, and is often used to measure the stress response. Stress in itself is not necessarily a bad thing. Cortisol however is required in other processes such as laying down of new memories. But elevated levels of Cortisol affects the memory and if prolonged, can damage the hippocampus, the part of the brain which is concerned with memory. Chronic stress can definitely harm your memory.

Cortisol strongly suppresses the immune system. This means that a person experiencing chronic stress is more vulnerable to colds and viral flare ups. Cortisol, a hormone produced in the adrenal glands, plays an important role in the body's regulation of cardiovascular function and fat, protein and carbohydrate utilization. When the body experiences stress, Cortisol secretion increases, thus causing a breakdown of muscle protein and the release of amino acids to form glucose via gluconeogenesis, which means you are losing muscle tissue.

Chronically elevated hormone levels shift the balance of water, oxygen and vital nutrients - which skin needs to thrive - impairing its natural immune function and its ability to properly heal and replenish itself. The result can range from excess oil production and breakouts to dehydration, irritation and inflammation, all of which can contribute to premature skin aging. Chronic stress can lead to heart disease or unstable angina. Angina leads to pain in your chest brought which is caused by insufficient supply of oxygen. Chronic daily stress (ie. a few common signs of weak adrenal function are: overeating and weight gain, low feeling of energy or fatigue, irritability, chronic tiredness, oversleeping and frequent immune system break down. 

 

Feelings of being insecure, lacking in confidence, and feeling overwhelmed are also the emotional effects of stress to a person. Feel that tension in your neck, are your shoulders around your ears? The body will restrict circulation in an effort to limit the movement of bacteria and invading substances. Feel your stomach rising and falling. If your mind is racing, count your breaths, to slow down and get the relaxation you need.

Yoga can help you greatly to change your stress level. Yoga also helps to improve body alignment resulting in better posture and helping to relieve back, neck, joint and muscle problems. Yoga is a great way to reduce stress. Studies have shown that daily meditation can actually reduce blood pressure and helps in getting rid of stress symptoms and it is a wonderful way to alleviate the effects of stress on the body.