Stress Kills-The Long Term Effects Of Stress Ruins Our Mind, Body And Soul
January 13, 2008
Stress is potentially fatal on the heart. New research states that it could be the reason for everything from decaying gums to common colds. An article in Observer, the monthly magazine of the Association for Psychological Science, cites new research across psychology, medicine, neuroscience and genetics to conclude that stress is at the root of a whole range of health problems.
Stress encompasses the strains experienced by living organisms in their struggles to adapt and cope with changing environments. When danger is perceived, a chain reaction of signals releases hormones like epinephrine (adrenalin), norepinephrine and cortisol from the adrenal glands. These hormones kick up the heart rate increase respiration and up the glucose levels in the blood-enabling the fight or flight reaction.
As these responses take a lot of energy, cortisol tells other physical processes including digestion, reproduction, physical growth and some aspects of the immune system to slow or shut down. When the stress passes, the body’s stress thermostat adjusts accordingly. Cortisol levels return to normal and the body resumes its usual functions. But problems occur when stresses don’t let up, or when, for various reasons, the brain continually perceives stress even if it isn’t really there. This causes prolonged exposure to cortisol which inhibits the growth of new neurons and can cause increased growth posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Besides heart disease, PTSD and depression, chronic stress has been linked to ailments as diverse as intestinal problems, gum disease, erectile dysfunction, adult-onset diabetes, growth problems and even cancer. Chronic rises in stress hormones have been shown to accelerate the growth of pre-cancerous cells and tumors. They also lower the body’s resistance to HIV and cancer causing viruses.
Stress cannot always be avoided but there are some people who dwell on problems and create unnecessary stress. So it’s time we understand how simple stress and anxiety effects our mind, body and soul.
©Nayna, 2007-2008. All Rights Reserved.
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