The Effects of Stress on the Body

It’s no secret that stress can take a toll on the body. From causing headaches and muscle tension to increasing the risk for heart disease and other chronic illnesses, stress can be harmful to your health. But what exactly is stress doing to your body?

You May Experience Gut Issues

• A reduction of stomach acid occurs as the nervous system diverts blood flow away from digestive organs

• Stress can lead to constipation or diarrhea, which can raise the risk of diseases in the colon

• The lower esophageal sphincter opens inappropriately, causing heartburn

• Stress destroys healthy intestinal bacteria, which can lead to immune problems, skin disorders, nutrient deficiencies, and digestive distress

• You may develop food sensitivities, most likely due to decreased immunity and leaky gut

You May Not Look or Feel Good

• White blood cell levels drop, and inflammation goes up, so it’s harder to fight infections and heal wounds. 

• You may also experience premature aging due to rises in cortisol levels and insulin resistance

You May Struggle With Your Weight

• As cortisol levels rise, you may gain weight or find it hard to lose weight or gain muscle

• Thyroid hormone production decreases, diminishing your body’s metabolic activity

• Cells may become unresponsive to insulin, a factor in diabetes, weight gain, heart disease, and aging

• Thermic efficiency decreases, diminishing your body’s ability to burn calories

You May Be At Risk for Disease

• You may not absorb nutrients properly due to decreased digestive enzyme production, decreased bile flow from the gallbladder, as well as reduced oxygenation and gastrointestinal blood flow

• Stress increases the urinary excretion of calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, chromium, selenium, and various trace minerals, leading to osteoporosis

• Stress increases LDL cholesterol levels, blood platelet aggregation, and inflammation, leading to brain and heart disease

• Blood vessels constrict, and resting heart rate rises, increasing the risk for diabetes, heart disease, and more

• You may notice fluid retention, which can lead to high blood pressure

I know this sounds scary but the good news is you are not powerless to manage stress if you focus on what is within your control.

Want to learn more?

I’d love to help you kickstart your journey to lower stress.  I have a FREE 5-day challenge starting Monday, March 7.  Click below to learn more and register.