What is Stress

• Stress is any external or internal factor that creates a demand on your physical, emotional or mental reserves. It is the number one cause of chronic disease. The inability to manage stress can tax the heart and weaken the immune system. Unmanaged stress can result in an elevated heart rate and blood pressure and create an increased risk for chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes and obesity.
  
  

The Parts of the Body Most Affected by Stress

• Although we may not be conscious of our stress, the body will manifest symptoms to tell us we are not managing stress well. Both physical and mental stress can result in physical and emotional illness. The parts of our body most affected by stress are the brain, mouth, heart, lungs, reproductive organs, skin, digestive tract, muscles, and even our hair. For some individuals, stress can result in significant hair loss or baldness.
  
  

Our Brain On Stress

• When stress affects our brain it can cause both mental and emotional strain. Headaches and personality changes can occur. Sleep patterns can be disrupted, bringing bouts of insomnia and even nightmares. Without sufficient sleep an individual is more prone to irritability, depression and anxiety. The effects of stress on our brain can trigger impulsive behavior, such as excessive gambling or shopping. It can interfere with our personal relationships and make us oversensitive and edgy. For some people, it can invoke thoughts of suicide.
  
  

Our Mouth, Skin, Muscles, Lung and Heart on Stress

• When our mouth is affected by stress, we may experience dryness, cold sores or mouth ulcers. If our skin is the target, the result might be an outbreak of hives, rashes or other conditions. The impact on our muscles can bring back, neck and body pains, along with muscle spasms. Vital organs, such as the lung and heart take a deadly blow when influenced by stress, bringing on heart disease, high blood pressure, increase in asthma and allergy attacks. Our immune system is weakened by stress, making us more vulnerable to colds and chronic conditions.
  
  

Our Digestive System on Stress

• When stress attacks our digestive system it can result in constipation or diarrhea, heart burn, nausea and stomach pains. Heartburn promotes the production of acids that can irritate our esophagus and cause cancer. Colon problems can result when the digestive system is disrupted, as can ulcers.
  
  

Our Reproductive Organs on Stress

• When the reproductive organs are affected by stress it can mean an increase of vaginal infection for women, premature ejaculation in men, as well as a loss of sexual desire for both genders. Women's menstrual patterns can seriously be disrupted, negatively affecting the reproductive system.
  
  

Managing our Stress can Improve our Health

• Weight gain or loss, regardless of diet, can be a symptom of stress. Excess belly weight increases the incidents of heart disease and diabetes. Stress can cause us to overeat, under eat or smoke, which pose additional health risks. Stress can contribute to other serious conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and stroke. Properly managing our stress can improve our overall health.