The Physical Effects of Stress

Stress is rightly recognised as a mental health issue. We all go through it, and must learn to manage it in an appropriate way.. But it an also lead to physical problems. Let's take a look.


Heartburn
Stress can increase the amount of stomach acid creating a burning feeling in your throat and chest from the acid rising. This can also be caused by a hernia.  It is good to not eat too late at night. It is possible to make it worse - smoking, alcohol, spicy foods and certain drugs (like aspirin) can all increase the symptoms. You can get antacids and over the counter medicines, but sometimes a glass of milk can help as it neutralises acidity.

Hair Loss
Losing more hair than normal can be due to stress. Shedding hair can happen when hair follicles stop growing due to stress hormones. Trichotillomania - the habit of pulling our hair - is also a sign of stress.

Insomnia
Sleep is often the hardest to do when stressed. You may have trouble falling asleep and/or wake repeatedly in the night or too early in the morning. Try a relaxing evening routine without caffeine or excess alcohol. List your worries before bed, then tell yourself it is tomorrow's agenda, not today's. A little exercise during the day can also reduce stress hormones.

Headaches
Tension headaches, often linked to stress, tend to worsen as the day goes on and are caused by scalp muscle contractions. Meditation and yoga can both help,, as can warm baths or a cool cloth across your forehead. Obviously if these symptoms continue, or get worse, seek medical assistance.

Numb Fingers
The nervous system can be affected by stress. Numbness of tingling in the finger tips can also be caused when you hyperventilate - ie. breathe too quickly.  It happens due to failing mineral levels, especially calcium, but this is normally temporary and will go away when stress levels reduce.

Bowel issues
Your gut is controlled by the autonomic system - part of the nervous system that takes care of many bodily functions. Stress hormones seem to reset this as part of the fight-or-flight  response, and the bowels operate erratically as a result.

Skin breakout
Stress often leads to skin breakouts, especially around the chin and mouth as the stress hormone cortisol tells glands in the skin to make more oil. Use a good face wash and exfoliate to clear dead skin and unclog pores. Also,, drink plenty of water to hydrate the skin.