Physical Effects Of Stress On The Body

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How are the physical effects of stress on the body triggered? Well, as humans, we have an evolutionary response to stress or what we see as danger. So the executive facing a raging boss, reacts in pretty much the same fashion as one of our ancestors confronted by a roaring tiger.

Our body produces more adrenalin and cortisol. Our heartbeat speeds up and our liver releases more glucose, giving us a surge of energy to deal with whatever is stressing us out. Once the stressful situation is past, our levels come back to normal.

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However, when one faces a stressful situation all the time – death, divorce, illness, a bad job, then there is no time for our body to return to normalcy. And that is when stress starts to play havoc with our health, with results ranging from a chronic headache to death inducing conditions.

Here are a few of the physical effects of stress on the body:

Headaches

Stress causes headaches and pain in the lower back, neck and shoulder. The exact reasons are not known, but it could be because it affects the nerves or causes some changes in the brain.

Low immunity

In stressful times, the body produces cortisol and corticoids. When you're under chronic stress, the levels are high enough to compromise your immune system. This is why your body becomes susceptible to colds and fevers when you have been under stress.

Acidity and ulcers

The constant presence of adrenalin leads to the over production of acid in your stomach. When this happens too often, it could develop into an ulcer. Also, stress can cause stomach upsets as it causes bowels to move faster!

Skin problems

It is believed that the hormones produced by the body in stressful situations, triggers excessive oil production by the sebaceous glands. This leads to acne, rashes and more. Stress is also known to trigger eczema and related allergic skin conditions.

Hypertension

Increased adrenalin in stressful times leads to heightened blood pressure. And when this happens on a regular basis, the pressure stays permanently elevated. Elevated blood pressure causes strokes and organ failure.

Heart disease

Stress causes the heart to speed up, and as in other illnesses, chronic stress results in frequent increases in heart rate. Also, stress causes people to indulge in heart-harming activities such as smoking and drinking.

Diabetes

As mentioned earlier, stress spikes glucose levels, causing blood sugar to go out of control. When this happens on a regular basis, the person under stress is at risk for diabetes. This is one of the physical effects of stress on the body that is often overlooked.