Body's Response to Anxiety and Flu: The Impact of Stress and Anxiety on Physical Health
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it's common to feel stressed. However, did you know that chronic stress can make you feel physically ill, causing symptoms similar to the flu? This article explores the link between stress and flu-like symptoms and offers some suggestions for managing stress levels.
Chronic stress primarily causes flu-like symptoms by suppressing immune function and triggering chronic inflammation. This makes the body more vulnerable to infections and produces bodily symptoms similar to those of the flu. The stress response activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, causing prolonged elevation of cortisol and other stress hormones that impair immune defense and promote inflammation.
People under chronic stress often experience symptoms such as fatigue and malaise (a general feeling of being unwell), muscle aches and pain due to muscle tension, headaches and dizziness, nausea, stomach discomfort, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation from gut disturbances linked to stress hormone effects and brain-gut axis interactions, increased inflammation, rapid heartbeat, palpitations, chest pressure, and other cardiovascular signs caused by stress hormone activity impacting heart function.
Because chronic stress weakens immune defenses, people under chronic stress are also prone to more frequent viral infections like the flu or colds, which can compound flu-like symptoms.
To manage stress levels, engaging in activities like stretching, yoga, deep breathing exercises, and making time for hobbies like reading, watching movies, and playing games can be beneficial. Staying physically active, getting a full night's sleep, and drinking enough water are also important for managing stress levels.
In addition, over-the-counter pain relief medication, a warm compress, a massage, and taking a hot bath can help alleviate body pain and aches caused by stress. Eating a balanced meal can provide energy to help manage stress-related symptoms.
It's essential to remember that while stress can cause flu-like symptoms, it's crucial to seek medical advice if you suspect you have the flu or another illness. If you're experiencing persistent symptoms, it may be a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.
References:
[1] Kiecolt-Glaser, J. K., & Glaser, R. (2002). Psychoneuroimmunology: I. Psychological Stress and the Human Immune System. Journal of Clinical Immunology, 22(2), 101-117.
[2] McEwen, B. S. (2000). Protective and Damaging Effects of Stress Mediators. New England Journal of Medicine, 342(18), 1377-1384.
[3] Segerstrom, S. C., & Miller, G. E. (2004). Psychological Stress and the Human Immune System: A Meta-Analytic Study of 30 Years of Inquiry. Psychological Bulletin, 130(4), 601-630.
[4] Cohen, S., Tyrrell, D. A., & Smith, A. P. (1991). Psychological stress and the common cold. New England Journal of Medicine, 325(12), 806-812.
[5] Goldberg, R. J., & Gold, P. W. (2002). Stress and the heart: clinical implications and therapeutic strategies. Current Opinion in Cardiology, 17(6), 535-541.
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