There is no one in today’s world who might not be suffering from stress. It is virtually inescapable. Though it might not present any serious impact on the health, however, if it is prolonged it can cause many repercussions on health.
When you are in stress hormones are released which increase the breathing rate and make your muscles ready for respond. But if stress continues to linger on, and gets elevated it can cause heavy toll on your health.
Chronic stress shows varied symptoms which are quite common but impacts the overall body and health.
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Depression
- Headache
- Insomnia
We would find out how stress impacts the internal and external parts of the body.
Central and Endocrine system
The central nervous system gives an impulse to the way we respond. Brain tells the adrenal glands to release the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones increase the heartbeat to allow the blood flow to the muscles, and other organs of the body, which helps us to face the situation. But as soon our task gets over and fear gone, the hypothalamus allows systems than to return to normal. Chronic stress also causes mood changes and odd behavior patterns like overeating or not eating enough, not getting adequate sleep, causing alcohol or drug abuse or social withdrawal.
Respiratory and cardiovascular system
Stress hormones impact your respiratory and cardiovascular system. When the body is under stress, you breathe faster which causes blood to be distributed in the body at a pace. The heart also starts pumping faster, causing the blood vessels to compress and send oxygen in the muscles making you strong enough to face any situation, however, it also cause increase in the blood pressure and stroke or a heart attack.
Immune System
Stress also triggers the immune system, which helps in healing the wounds and infections. However if stress lingers on hormones could weaken your immune system and decrease your ability to face the wounds, burns or any other physical injury or disease and people gets more vulnerable to viral illness.
Digestive system
When you are under stress, your liver generates extra blood sugar to give the boost to the energy which your body is not able to keep it up. You also might increase your chance of getting Type 2 Diabetes. Too many hormones, quick breathing and increase heart rate could also upset your digestive system which might result in acid reflux and even heartburn. Stress can also cause diarrhea or constipation and even nausea, vomiting or a stomachache.
Muscular system
When you are under stress, muscles get tensed up trigging a response to protect from injury. These are released again when you are relaxed, but if you are regularly under stress; your muscles might not get the chance to relax. Tight muscles result in a headache, back and shoulder pain and even body ache.
Sexuality and reproductive system
When under stress, naturally you are exhausted from both the body and mind. If stress is for shorter period of time among males, it can cause production of male hormone testosterone, however, if a stress is for the longer duration, a man’s testosterone levels would begin to drop which could obstruct sperm production, erectile dysfunction or even impotence. Among women, stress can have the effect on the menstrual cycle which can get heavier or more painful. The same can also develop the symptoms of menopause.
Though unavoidable, stress can be easily controlled, and there are many ways to do it- Change in the lifestyle, food habits, and naturally by regularly practicing yoga and meditation or any kind of physical exercise and workout.
