HOW IS STRESS RELATED TO THE IMMUNE SYSTEM AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT?

Today we will delve deeper into the topic of Stress and find out how it affects our immune system. We shall also provide ways to cope with stress and support a healthy immune system. 

Stress and Its Types

Stress is a natural and automatic response that your body and mind have to demand, pressure, or challenging situations. It’s part of the body’s “fight or flight” response, which prepares you to cope with perceived threats or dangers. Stress gets triggered by positive and negative events, such as a job promotion, financial difficulties, relationship issues, or a sudden emergency.

When you encounter stress, your body releases stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, leading to physiological and psychological changes. These changes may include increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, heightened alertness, muscle tension, and a burst of energy.

Long-term exposure to stress can cause anxiety, depression, digestive problems, sleep disturbances, weakened immune systems, and cardiovascular disorders. 

Mentioned below are the four most types of stress. 

1. Acute Stress: The most common type of stress caused by the past demands and pressures and anticipated future demands. It’s typically short-term and responds to specific events or situations in an individual’s life.
2. Chronic Stress: Unlike acute stress, chronic stress is long-term and persists over an extended period. It may result from ongoing problems, constant pressure, or difficult life circumstances. Prolonged exposure to chronic stress can negatively impact an individual’s physical and mental health.
3. Eustress: Eustress, also known as “good stress,” is a positive form of stress that motivates and energizes an individual. It arises from positive life events, such as getting married, starting a new job, or achieving personal goals.
4. Distress: Distress is the opposite of eustress and refers to harmful stress. It occurs when an individual feels overwhelmed, anxious, or unable to cope with the demands of a situation. Distress can have adverse effects on both physical and mental well-being.

How Does Stress Affect the Immune System?

Stress can negatively affect the immune system in the short term and over prolonged periods. Chronic stress can lead to dysregulation of the immune system, making you more susceptible to illness and reducing your body’s ability to fight infections. 

Given below are how stress affects the immune system:

1. Inflammation: Chronic stress causes inflammation in the body. Inflammation is a natural response to injury or infection. When it becomes chronic, it can contribute to various health problems, including autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular issues, and certain types of cancer.
2. Immune Suppression: Prolonged stress leads to immune system suppression, making it less effective in defending against pathogens like viruses and bacteria. A weakened immune response increases the risk of infections and can delay recovery from illnesses.
3. Reduced Immune Cell Activity: Chronic stress can reduce the activity of immune cells, such as natural killer cells, which are crucial in identifying and destroying infected or cancerous cells.
4. Impaired Wound Healing: Stress can hinder the body’s ability to heal wounds and injuries efficiently. The immune system plays a crucial role in healing, and stress-induced immune suppression can lead to delayed wound healing.
5. Autoimmune Disorders: Evidence suggests chronic stress may contribute to autoimmune disorders, where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy body tissues.

What Can You Do About It?

Managing stress effectively to support a healthy immune system is essential. Engaging in stress-reducing activities like exercise, relaxation techniques such as meditation and deep breathing, spending time with loved ones, and maintaining a balanced lifestyle can help mitigate the effects of stress on the immune system. 

We at Doctor GULA make 100 percent natural herbal products to power up your immunity. If you experience weak immunity due to stress, buy GULA Immune Complex today.

Unless you buy it, you won’t know the power within.