Stress is an inevitable part of life for many people as our work and home lives are under pressure. But, what many people don’t realize is how stress can put your overall health under significant stress. From sleep disruption to premature aging, we take a look at 18 facts about how stress can ruin your health:
Reduction in Size of the Brain
Some studies show that prolonged stress can reduce the size of the brain’s prefrontal cortex, the area responsible for decision-making. According to Psych Central persistent stress leads to high levels of cortisol, which causes the shrinkage can shrink the prefrontal cortex, which can also lead to a loss of control over the decisions you make.
It Weakens Your Immune System
Chronic stress affects your immune function, making you more susceptible to infections and illnesses like colds and flu. Stress affects our immunity mostly because it reduces the quantity of lymphocytes, which are vital for battling infections.
Risk of Heart Disease
Stress causes our bodies to release the hormones cortisol and adrenaline, which can raise blood pressure and heart rate, one of the main causes of heart disease. High blood pressure also increases the risk of strokes and heart attacks, which can be life threatening.
Leads to Weight Gain
Elevated cortisol levels caused by stress can lead to increased fat storage, especially in the stomach area. Prolonged high cortisol levels also increase cravings for high-calorie, sugary, and fatty foods which also leads to weight gain if you can’t get enough exercise.
Accelerates Aging
Chronic stress can accelerate aging by shortening telomeres, the protective caps on the ends of chromosomes, which increases the risk of heart disease and weakens the immune system.
Causes Sleep Disorders
Stress is one of the leading disruptors of sleep, often leading to insomnia or poor sleep quality. As well as high levels of cortisol interrupting sleep, stress can leave you with so many things on your mind that prevent you from switching off.
Affects Digestive Health
Stress can trigger or worsen conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), acid reflux, and stomach ulcers. The main reason stress causes digestive issues is that it can disrupt the normal contractions and movements of the digestive tract, leading to constipation or diarrhea.
Risk of Depression and Anxiety
Stress can disrupt the brain’s neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which regulate mood and emotions. A lack of these chemicals is linked to depression and anxiety, making it harder for you to feel pleasure and be motivated to achieve your goals.
Weakens Bones
Elevated cortisol levels reduce the body’s ability to absorb calcium from the diet, which is essential for maintaining strong bones. A lack of calcium increases the risk of osteoporosis and fractures, which is a particularly problem for older people with weaker bones.
Leads to Memory Problems
Chronic stress damages the hippocampus, which is an area of the brain for memory, leading to forgetfulness and cognitive decline. Stress also affects neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and acetylcholine, which are essential for cognitive function.
Triggers Chronic Pain
When the body is under constant stress, the sympathetic nervous system remains in a heightened state of alertness, increasing pain sensitivity. This prolonged fight-or-flight response can make even mild pain feel more intense and persistent.
Disrupts Hormonal Balance
Stress disrupts reproductive hormone production, leading to lower levels of estrogen and testosterone. Hormonal imbalance can lead to irregular menstrual cycles, reduced libido, fertility issues, and decreased muscle mass in both men and women.
Increased Risk of Diabetes
Stress triggers the release of cortisol, a hormone that raises blood sugar levels to provide the body with quick energy. But, prolonged cortisol elevation leads to consistently high blood sugar, increasing the risk of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
Lowers Libido
Stress can affect your mood, leading to anxiety, depression, and relationship problems, all of which can decrease sexual desire and performance. The fatigue that can result from stress can cause fatigue, headaches, and other physical symptoms that make sex less appealing.
Affects Skin Health
The body reacts in physical as well as emotional ways when cortisol levels rise, including issues with skin. Stress can cause breakouts, eczema, psoriasis, and premature wrinkles due to increased inflammation and hormonal changes.
Reduces Lung Function
Stress triggers the release of inflammatory chemicals such as cytokines, which can inflame the airways and worsen conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The inflammation occurs gradually and will eventually narrow the airways, making breathing more difficult.
Hair Loss
Telogen effluvium is the most common type of stress-related hair loss that occurs when a large number of hair follicles enter the resting phase of the hair cycle at the same time. Hair loss can be triggered by a stressful event, such as a job loss or a divorce or a gradual increase of untreated stress over a number of years.
Creates a Vicious Cycle
Unfortunately, the more stressed you are the more likely you are to develop health problems, which in turn causes more stress. It can be difficult to get out of this harmless loop, which is why you should seek medical support, whether it’s help with sleep or accessing talking therapies.
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