Why Stress Is Bad for Your Health

Nobody enjoys feeling stressed out. But did you know that stress is bad for your health, above and beyond simply being unpleasant to live with!

Stress is a process which involves environmental demands putting strain on your body’s ability to cope with and to adapt to a given situation. Stressors are things that cause us stress. Overexposure to stressors combined with our own unique ability to cope means increased biological and psychological demands on our bodies. Everyone is affected by stress to some degree and nobody is immune.

There have been studies done which show that short-term stress acts as an immunity booster and can be beneficial. But chronic or long-term stress is bad because it has an effect on your body’s ability to regulate your immune system.
Here, we take a look at the ins-and-outs of why stress is bad for your health.

Chronic and / or long-term stress has an effect on your body’s immune system. This in turn, means that your body is less able to fight off infections and diseases.

This happens because stress raises suppressor T cells levels and catecholamine (a hormone your body naturally produces). Both of these suppress immune function.

Stress is bad because is also affects your body above and beyond immune function. Stress does this in many different ways. For example, it can increase the risk for diabetes as psychological factors alter our insulin levels and needs. Stress can lead to histamine release too, potentially triggering bronchial constriction in asthmatics.

Cortisol, the primary stress hormone, is produced by our body when they come under physical and / or mental strain. When released, cortisol causes a narrowing of the arteries.

Chronic stress can lead to a build-up of plaque in your arteries. There’s a very valid reason why we have the saying “calm down or you’ll give yourself a heart attack.”

These are just some of the ways in which stress and in particular out of control or chronic stress has a negative effect on your body. There are many more such examples. For this reason, managing stress levels is very important, particularly in those who are already coping with an illness.

Here at Haym Salomon Home we offer a very relaxing atmosphere away from life’s stressors. Included in our programs we have a lot of varied and fun recreation activities, and relaxation sessions. All of which aid in recovery and rehabilitation.

If you or someone you love is stressed out and coping with health issues which can’t be managed independently, please get in touch with us to find out how we can help you today.

Stress is bad, don’t just live with it, manage it and avoid further serious health complications.