Brain Health
How Stress May Be Harming Your Health
Most of us understand that stress is harmful, however, when facing health issues or disturbing symptoms, we often overlook stress as the potential culprit.
Could it really be as simple as stress? Yes, it could!
Here are some surprising facts about the impact of stress on your physical health that might change your perspective:
- 75%-90% of all doctor’s office visits are for stress-related ailments and complaints (WebMD)
- Most medical textbooks attribute anywhere from 50%-90% of all diseases to stress-related origins (Stanford Medicine)
- 77% of people experience stress that affects their physical health (American Institute of Stress)
- 73% of people have stress that impacts their mental health (American Institute of Stress)
- 48% of people have trouble sleeping due to stress (American Institute of Stress)
Not convinced? Here are just a few examples of medical issues that are known to be caused and/or aggravated by stress:
Cardiovascular Issues
Because stress places strain on the heart and blood vessels and can cause system-wide chronic inflammation, chronic stress can lead to cardiovascular issues like high blood pressure, heart attacks, strokes, and an increased risk of developing heart disease.
Immune System Dysfunction
Long-term stress lowers the immune system and weakens the body’s ability to heal and recover from illness and injuries. It also makes us vulnerable to contracting illnesses and infections. Dysregulated immune systems can also lead to autoimmune disorders, where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells.
Digestive Issues
Because the brain controls and regulates digestion, stress can cause digestive issues including stomach aches, bloating, indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), constipation, and acid reflux.
Endocrine System Dysfunction
The Endocrine system regulates hormone production and is very sensitive to stress. Chronic stress prompts the release of cortisol, a primary stress hormone that, in excess, can wreak havoc on the body. Elevated cortisol levels can lead to weight gain, increased blood sugar levels, and an elevated risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Additionally, stress can disrupt the balance of other hormones like estrogen and testosterone, leading to reproductive and libido issues.
Musculoskeletal System (Chronic Pain)
Chronic stress and the constant flow of stress hormones through the body can cause headaches, migraines, muscle tension, jaw pain, neck and shoulder pain, as well as lower back pain. Stress can also aggravate pain in disorders like fibromyalgia and arthritis.
Skin Issues
Chronic stress causes inflammation throughout the body which can lead to acne, eczema, psoriasis, and Hives.
Taking action to mitigate stress is not only beneficial, it’s one of the most important things you can do to maintain your physical health long-term. Because stress is accumulative, its negative impacts only increase with time, leading to more symptoms and system dysfunction as time goes on.
Because stress is entirely regulated by the brain, we believe the most effective way to mitigate stress lies within the brain. Not only can our proprietary brain data reports tell us how your brain is currently coping with stress, but they can also tell us to what degree stress is likely limiting your brain’s performance, and how stress may be manifesting for you physically, mentally, and emotionally, based on your unique patterns.Â
If you are ready to put your health first, connect with your local Cereset® client center to learn how we can help your brain help itself to release and recover from stress naturally.
Don’t let stress hold you back from the health you deserve, schedule an Introduction to Cereset special today!