The impact of stress on health

 

Stress is thought to be the cause of more than 60% of visits to the doctor. It reaches a very large audience, regardless of age and social level. Stress becomes worrying when it persists because it can become dangerous for your health.

How does stress affect our body?

According to endocrinologist Hans Selye, stress is a normal adaptation response of the body to the stresses and aggressions it experiences. It triggers a series of reactions that allow the body to manage the situation and regulate the stress caused by this trigger event.

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The stress process has 2 phases:

• The alarm phase: The body responds to this "attack" by stimulating the adrenal glands to release adrenaline and the body can react immediately. The heart rate and blood pressure increase, some muscles contract, and glucose is released into the blood.
• The resistance phase: The body then releases other hormones, including cortisol (hormone which is involved in the regulation of blood pressure, cardiovascular function, immune function), dopamine (= pleasure hormone), endorphins (= well-being hormones), serotonin (= sleep and appeasement hormone).

Once the stressful situation is calmed and controlled, a relaxing reaction is triggered. After a period of rest the body returns to its natural metabolism.