How stress affects your body - Sharon Horesh Bergquist | Summary and Q&A

Summary

Stress is not just an emotion, but a physical response that affects the entire body. When activated too often or for too long, the stress response can change the brain and damage organs and cells. Stress hormones released by the adrenal gland can raise blood pressure, cause cholesterol plaque build-up, and increase the risk of heart attack or stroke. The brain-gut connection can lead to digestive issues like irritable bowel syndrome and acid sensitivity. Chronic stress can also contribute to weight gain, particularly visceral fat. It can affect immune function, making individuals more susceptible to infections and slowing healing. Additionally, chronic stress has been associated with shortened telomeres, which can have negative implications for cell division and overall health. Stress can also manifest in various physical symptoms like acne, hair loss, headaches, and muscle tension. However, how one chooses to respond to stress can greatly impact their performance and long-term health.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does stress impact blood pressure and the risk of heart attack or stroke?

When stress is activated, the adrenal gland releases stress hormones that raise blood pressure and cause the heart to beat faster. Over time, this can lead to hypertension and increase the likelihood of experiencing a heart attack or stroke. Cortisol, one of the stress hormones, can also affect the inner lining of blood vessels and trigger the process of atherosclerosis or cholesterol plaque build-up in the arteries.

Q: How does stress affect the gut?

Stress affects the gut through the brain-gut connection. When the brain senses stress, it activates the autonomic nervous system, which communicates stress to the enteric or intestinal nervous system. This can disrupt the natural contractions that move food through the gut, leading to irritable bowel syndrome and increased gut sensitivity to acid, resulting in heartburn. Stress can also alter the composition and function of gut bacteria, potentially impacting digestion and overall health.

Q: Does chronic stress impact weight and body composition?

Yes, chronic stress can affect weight and body composition. Cortisol, a stress hormone, can increase appetite and contribute to cravings for energy-dense foods and carbohydrates. It can also lead to the accumulation of visceral or deep belly fat. This type of fat is not only aesthetically challenging but also releases hormones and immune system chemicals called cytokines that can increase the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and insulin resistance.

Q: How does stress affect immune function?

Stress hormones can affect immune cells in various ways. Initially, they help prepare the body to fight invaders and heal after injuries. However, chronic stress can dampen the function of certain immune cells, making individuals more susceptible to infections and slowing down the healing process. It is important to manage chronic stress to support a healthy immune system.

Q: How does chronic stress impact cellular aging?

Chronic stress has been associated with shortened telomeres, which are the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes. Telomeres allow DNA to be copied during cell division without damaging the cell's genetic code. As telomeres shorten with each division, a cell may reach a point where it can no longer divide and eventually dies. Shortened telomeres are linked to cellular aging, and chronic stress may contribute to this process.

Q: What are some other ways in which chronic stress can impact health?

Chronic stress can present itself in various physical symptoms and conditions. Some examples include acne, hair loss, sexual dysfunction, headaches, muscle tension, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, and irritability. These symptoms highlight the wide-ranging effects that chronic stress can have on both physical and mental well-being.

Q: Is it possible to manage stress effectively?

While life will always present stressful situations, it is crucial to learn how to respond to stress in a healthy manner. Viewing stress as a challenge that can be controlled and mastered rather than an insurmountable threat is key. This mindset allows for better short-term performance and promotes long-term health.

Takeaways

Chronic stress is more than just an emotion; it is a physical response that affects the entire body. From increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke to impacting digestion, weight, immune function, and cellular aging, chronic stress can have severe consequences. Alongside physical symptoms such as acne, hair loss, headaches, and muscle tension, stress can significantly impact an individual's overall well-being. Nonetheless, developing a proactive approach to stress management can enhance performance and maintain long-term health.