It’s no secret that stress can harm our health and well-being. Now, researchers are discovering a link between stress and illness – and the immune system is at the heart of it.
A growing body of evidence shows how stress can disrupt the immune system and lead to various illnesses, including colds, flu, and cancer.
When we experience stress, our body responds to several physical reactions, including increased heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol levels. Cortisol is a hormone that helps the body respond to stress but also negatively affects our immune system.
When cortisol levels are high, it can weaken the immune system’s ability to fight off infection. And it can also cause the body to produce more inflammatory chemicals, leading to chronic inflammation and diseases.
The link between stress and illness is complex, but reducing stress can help protect our health and well-being.
There are several things that you can do to reduce your stress levels. For example, you can try to relax, meditate, exercise, or take a stress-free vacation. And you can talk to your doctor if you’re experiencing signs of stress or illness.
The bottom line is that reducing stress can help improve your health and well-being – and the immune system is a key player in that equation.
