The mind-body connection has been recognized since ancient times. More recently, researchers at the American Institute of Stress, a New York-based not-for-profit organization, maintain that 75 to 90 percent of patients visits to physicians are for ailments that have some kind of link with stress.
Stress begins in the brain with perceptions of and emotions about a particular external event and ends up in the body as aches and pains, fatigue, headaches, heart palpitations, high blood pressure, stomach ailments, uneven breathing, hives, psoriasis, weight gain (or loss), or a host of other less common but more serious illnesses.
As Dr. Redford Williams says in his book, Anger Kills, the brain under stress signals the adrenal glands to produce cortisol and adrenaline, which are responsible for most of the physical symptoms of stress. The part of your body that experiences the stress is usually the weakest link in your system. You probably know what is; it always acts up when youre under stress. But no part of the body escapes these stress chemicals; in excess they destroy the inner linings of arteries, increase water and salt retention, stimulate blood circulation and muscle reactivity. These changes in turn may affect hair and nail growth, gum health, respiration and digestion.
Physical stress occurs when an external or natural change or force acts upon the body. Extreme heat or cold, overwork, injuries, malnutrition, and exposure to drugs and poisons are examples of physical stress. Physical and emotional stress can overlap, as in special body conditions such as menopause and aging. During these times body metabolism is increased or lowered, changing the bodys physical functions, which in turn affect ones mental and emotional outlook on life. A certain amount of stress is useful as a motivating factor, but when it occurs in excess or is of the wrong kind, the effect is detrimental.If there is no outlet for stress, then the body must react to it by channeling physical reactions inward to one of the organ systems, such as the digestive, circulatory or the nervous system. The system reacts adversely, and ulcers, hypertension, backache, atherosclerosis, allergic reactions, asthma, fatigue or insomnia can develop.Anxiety, a fearful or distressful feeling, is responsible for the stress many of us experience. Anything that threatens a persons body, job, loved ones, or values may cause anxiety. If you cannot cope with a situation, stress on the body is increased, resulting in many of the disorders associated with stress. The increase in the reproduction of adrenal hormones that occurs with stress raises the metabolism of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates producing instant energy for the body to use. As a result of this increased metabolism, there is an increased excretion of protein, potassium, and phosphorus and a decreased storage of calcium. Many stress-related disorders are not the direct result of the stress itself but the result of nutrient deficiencies caused by the increased metabolic rate during periods of stress. For example, vitamin C is utilized by the adrenal gland during stressful conditions, and sufficiently severe or prolonged stress will cause a depletion of vitamin C in the tissues. Similarly, stress drains the body of the B complex vitamins. When under particularly stressful times, its probably a good idea to take certain supplements. Speak to your doctor about it. And, then, try to relax.About the author: Robin Westen writes about health for national magazines.See what others have to say about this story or leave a comment of your own.
