Stress and HealthStress and health are closely intertwined. It is estimated that three-fourths of all doctor visits are related to stress. Researchers now estimate that stress factors and stress related illnesses account for upwards of 90% of health problems.Chronic stress can be a direct contributor to illness over time. It is known to contribute to the risk of contracting a disease, as well as the worsening and progression of some diseases. Stress has a role in cancer, heart disease, depression, anxiety, AIDS, aging and auto-immune disease. By depressing the immune system, stress increases the likelihood of contracting a viral or bacterial infection. Many people, myself included, have noticed that after periods of intense stress, we're more prone to colds and flu. It sometimes takes months for my energy level to return and my immune system to function well again. Some experts believe that with the exception of disease due to genetic abnormalities, stress and health go hand-in-hand. Dr. Hamer, developer of the German New Medicine, noted that the connection between stress related illnesses and health is so strong that every cancer case he studied could be traced to an emotional trauma that occurred up to three years before the diagnosis. The relationship between emotions, stress and health is evident in animals as well as people. Animals and fish kept in cramped quarters become stressed. Then they become ill. This is one reason that the use of antibiotics is so prevalent in farmed animals. The Stress FactorStress can be caused by environmental, physical, emotional or chemical factors. You likely live in an environment full of electro-magnetic fields, have chemicals in your food and water supply and breathe toxic air. You may have a mouth full of mercury fillings. Even though this is not what people often term 'stress', it is a very real stress on the body and a threat to your health.Having to deal with these pollutants puts a demand on organs of elimination and cells that have to function in a less than optimal environment. What is especially damaging is that these health stressors may go unnoticed in the body until the damage is done. For optimum health, do everything possible to detoxify your life and keep toxins to a minimum. Physically demanding exercise can also be stressful, even if you enjoy the activity. A moderate amount of physical stress is beneficial. It tones the cardiovascular system and the muscles. No one disputes the health benefits of exercise. Too much exertion depletes your energy, stresses your system, and may promote illness. Here is an actual example of the relationship between physical stress and health. 'Mary' was a regular at aerobics class, yet she reported that she always felt tired and unwell until she switched to yoga. For her, aerobics was too physically stressful. Instead of improving her health, it caused stress and made it worse. Other people thrive on this kind of intense exercise. Emotions Stress and HealthEmotional and mental stress are often referred to when talking about the relationship between emotions, stress and health.Events and situations in and of themselves are not stressful. It is our response to them that causes stress. Responses vary widely from person to person. It is common for individuals to respond differently to the same events. How someone responds depends on mental and emotional conditioning, perceptions, belief systems, level of wellness, personality traits, and genetic makeup. For example, one person may feel traumatized and 'stressed-out' for months after a car accident. Mentally reliving past traumas can keep you in a state of chronic stress and compromise your health. Others may bounce back quickly and feel grateful for escaping without injury. They may even feel happy to get a check for their old car so they can use the money towards a new one! When you respond to a situation or thought with frustration, anger, nervousness, anxiety or feeling pressured, you activate the stress response. These events can be real, such as being attacked by a mugger, or stimulated by your imagination, such as when watching a movie. All of these stress factors compromise your mental and physical health over time. After a while, minor stress can spiral into anxiety and depression. Many people are aware of the connection between stress and mental health. The connection between stress related illnesses and and physical health is less obvious because most conditions develop silently over time. The relationship between stress and heart disease is a well-documented example of how stress and health are related. These principles also relate to many other stress related illnesses. Stress and Health SeriesIn the rest of this five-part series on stress and health you will explore how the stress response works and the effects of stress on the mind and body. Understanding the relationship between emotions, stress and health, and using techniques to reduce negative effects is an integral part of holistic mindbody healing.Part Two-
The Stress Response
- what happens in the body when the stress response is triggered. |
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