Stress and Disease

The Relationship between Stress and Disease

“Stress is the number one killer” – I have heard this said many a time. Stress is a necessary aspect of life; it allows for our body to determine events that may be possible fight or flight responses. However it seems as though some of us are in a constant state of stress and thus suffering health issues that are far more present today than in the past. Being in a state of prolonged stress may provoke or exacerbate existing concerns. In a stressful situation, cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that regulates bodily functions, is released. When in a state of constant stress, cortisol is continuously being released and thus leading to many health issues. Cortisol aids in regulating blood pressure and maintaining ones cardiovascular system (Steptoe & Kivimaki, 2012). An abundance of cortisol in the body contributes to the body’s inability to metabolize proteins, fats and carbohydrates, suppressing the immune system and ultimately increasing blood pressure. Therefore, prolonged stress may lead to cardiovascular disease along with an increased risk of cardiac events (Steptoe & Kivimaki, 2012). “Stress affects most body systems and contributes to health conditions including anxiety, depression, obesity, cardiovascular disease, cancers, and impaired immunity” (Casey, G., 2017, p.1).

There are many life events that may bring about stress such as job dissatisfaction, personal relationships, financial concerns, lack of work-life balance, to name a few (Steptoe & Kivimaki, 2012). One may eventually come to recognize reduced health in many areas as a result (Clark, M., Jenkins, S., Hagen, P., Riley, B., Eriksen, C., Heath, A., Vickers Douglas, K., Werneburg, B., Lopez-Jimenez, F., Sood, A., Benzo, R., Olsen, K., 2016). Clark et al. (2016) conducted a study on individuals that were a part of a wellness center in a medical clinic. They concluded that members presenting with high stress levels demonstrated “poor physical health behaviors, lower mental health behaviors, lower nutrition health, and lower perceived overall health (Clark et al., 2016, p. 872).

What does stress look like?

-increased heart rate and blood pressure
-insomnia
-difficulty concentrating
-poor memory
-changes in diet
-increased anxiety
-increased irritation
(Gleaned from all references)

Below is an image that demonstrates stress and its effects:

Source

Learning how to cope with stress (to manage difficult dispositions/situations) is imperative for our mental and physical health. First step – to recognize and be mindful of what stress looks and feels like. Second step – to take appropriate channels to reduce this stress immediately (listed below). Third step – to make contact with a GP to determine any medical issues present.

How to reduce stress:

-practice mindfulness
-exercise
-meditate/deep breathing exercises
-manage your time
-efficient amount of sleep
-manage diet
-avoid alcohol and nicotine
-immerse yourself in nature
-spend time with your pets
-journal

We are aware that there is a link between high cortisol levels and bodily functions, we also know the steps we must take to avoid such harms. There is no determining absolute risk, further research is required, of side effects such as anxiety and depression from stress and large amounts of cortisol in the body however the relationship has been established. Regardless it is our personal responsibility to ensure our mind, body and spirit are in good health. Much of this, in my opinion, comes from one’s perspective on life. As humans we are experiencing social, economic, financial stressors among others (i.e. natural disasters) and it is how we perceive the cards we are dealt and move forward. In order to live a healthy life in all respects we must learn how to take care of ourselves.

Resources

Dr. Bruce Lipton on stress

Dr. Lipton

Below is a link that speaks more on how to cope with stress:

Trick Your Stress

Below is an article that speaks to stress and its implications as well as personal stories of those who have found coping strategies that aided in their stress relief:

Stress and Disease

Below is an article that further supports stress and its effects on the body:

Effects of Stress

References

Casey, G. (2017). Stress and disease. Kai Tiaki: Nursing New Zealand, 23(6), 20+. Retrieved from http://link.galegroup.com.ezproxy.library.ubc.ca/apps/doc/A498996813/HRCA?u=ubcolumbia&sid=HRCA&xid=a765a7b7

Steptoe, A., & Kivimaki, M. (2012). Stress and cardiovascular disease. Nature Reviews Cardiology, 9(6), 360+. Retrieved from http://link.galegroup.com.ezproxy.library.ubc.ca/apps/doc/A293667001/HRCA?u=ubcolumbia&sid=HRCA&xid=11385827

Clark, M., Jenkins, S., Hagen, P., Riley, B., Eriksen, C., Heath, A., Vickers Douglas, K., Werneburg, B., Lopez-Jimenez, F., Sood, A., Benzo, R., Olsen, K. (2016). High stress and negative health behaviors: A five-year wellness center member cohort study. Journal of Occupational and Environment Medicine, 58(9), p. 868-873. doi: 10.1097/JOM. 0000000000000826.