TOP TEN EFFECTS OF STRESS

Stress has a number of negative effects on the body, of which the worst are the following:

• The body calls on fat reserves to be used up for energy. These fatty deposits stay in the blood vessels and contribute to arteriosclerosis(thickening of the artery walls). This narrows the blood vessels and puts you at the risk of heart disease.

• Your heart beats faster,increasing blood flow around the body , which can lead to high blood pressure and headaches. This puts a strain on all the blood vessels.

• The liver pours out glucose for the muscles to use as energy. Glucose stays in the bloodstream when it does not get use up, which can lead to diabetes.

• The andrenal glands pour out the steroid hormone cortisone. In large doses it is toxic to the brain causing depression and memory loss.

• Blood diverts from the bladder, and if the bladder is not continually emptying, this can lead to cystitis.

• Stress lowers the immune system so that you find it harder to fight infection and bacteria have a better chance of taking hold.

• Tense neck and shoulder muscles lead to pain. This tightness in the muscles can restrict nerve impulses to different parts of the body. For example, tinnitus (ringing in the ears) is common during times of stress because of compression of the nerve roots.

• Blood is diverted from the digestive system because it is considered non-essential in times of danger, so the digestive system does not function properly. This can make any digestive disorder worse.

• Stress directly affects the hormonal system and puts the body's glands and hormones out of balance.

• Your breathing is restricted during times of stress, so less oxygen reaches the cells and consequently there is a greater accumulation of waste products.