When we think about taking care of our health, activities like eating well and exercising often come to mind. However, we tend to overlook stress and its potential impact on our wellness. Although it’s commonly perceived as a mental or emotional issue, stress can actually have body-wide effects. In fact, it can even impact the immune system over time. Learn more about the effects of stress by exploring some frequently asked questions below.

Questions About Stress, Answered

What causes stress?

Stress is the body’s response to triggers that may make us feel nervous, frustrated, or angry. It’s a feeling of emotional or physical tension that can be brought on by many factors. Everyone’s triggers are different, but some common causes include work-related factors, family issues, trauma, life changes such as moving, or major life events such as a wedding or divorce.

What effects does stress have on health?

When you become stressed, your body releases hormones that increase pulse, tense your muscles, and make the brain more alert. On a short-term basis, this is the body’s natural way of fighting off danger. When stress is chronic, however, this response happens even when no danger is present. Long-term stress has been linked to several serious conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, and depression.

How does stress impact the immune system?

As mentioned above, stress triggers the release of hormones. One hormone in particular, corticosteroid, can suppress the immune system by decreasing the number of lymphocytes. These important white blood cells help to protect the body from bacteria, viruses, and other harmful foreign invaders. This may explain why individuals with chronic stress face a higher risk of certain medical conditions.

What Are Some Effective Ways to Manage Stress?

Effective stress management is different for everyone. Thus, finding the coping mechanisms that work for you may involve some trial and error. Some tactics include connecting with friends and family, exercising regularly, and using deep breathing or meditation techniques to remain calm. If your stress is interfering with your work or home life, you experience symptoms such as rapid breathing or racing heartbeat, or you have fears you can’t control, seek professional care.

Because the immune system is so complex, treatment for conditions such as autoimmune disease and cancer requires an in-depth knowledge of its nuances. Offering alternatives to traditional treatment, the team from Integrative Medicine of New York, PLLC serves the Long Island, NY, community at their state-of-the-art facility using compassionate care. Treatments include IV therapy, regenerative cell therapy, and allergy immunology. Find out more about their approach to clinical immunology online or call (516) 759-4200 to schedule an appointment.