The Effects of Stress on The Body
INCREASED CORTISOL PRODUCTION
Associated with weight gain (especially in the belly), inability to lose weight or gain muscle, and premature aging.
DECREASED NUTRIENT ABSORPTION
Due to decreased digestive enzyme production, decreased bile flow from the gallbladder, as well as decreased oxygenation, and gastrointestinal blood flow.
INCREASED NUTRIENT EXCRETION
Stress increases the urinary excretion of calcium, magnesium, potassium; zinc, chromium, selenium, and various trace minerals.
DECREASED GUT FLORA POPULATIONS
Stress destroys healthy intestinal bacteria, which can lead to immune problems, skin disorders, nutrient deficiencies, and digestive distress.
INCREASE IN SODIUM AND FLUID RETENTION
Can lead to high blood pressure (hypertension).
DECREASE IN THERMIC EFFICIENCY
Ability to burn calories is diminished.
DECREASE IN THYROID HORMONE
Can decrease the body’s metabolic activity.
INCREASE IN BLOOD CHOLESTEROL
Stress raises LDL cholesterol levels.
INCREASE IN BLOOD PLATELET AGGREGATION
A major risk factor in heart disease.
DECREASE IN SEX HORMONES
Can lower sex drive, energy, and decrease muscle mass.
INCREASE IN INFLAMMATION
The basis of many ailments including brain and heart disease.
DECREASE IN GASTRIC EMPTYING TIME
Can lead to constipation and can be a risk factor in diseases of the colon.
INCREASE IN GASTRIC EMPTYING TIME
Can lead to diarrhea, and food particles prematurely entering the small intestines—a probable factor in food sensitivities, and various disease conditions.
INCREASED FOOD SENSITIVITIES
Most likely due to decreased immunity and leaky gut.
DECREASED HYDROCHLORIC ACID PRODUCTION
The majority of people willexperience a reduction of stomach acid in the presence of stress as the nervous system diverts blood flow away from digestive organs.
DECREASE IN GROWTH HORMONE
A key hormone in growing, healing, and rebuilding tissues, helps burnfat and build muscle.
INCREASE IN INSULIN RESISTANCE
Chronic low-level stress may cause target cells to become unresponsive to insulin—a factor in diabetes, weight gain, heart disease and aging.
INCREASE INERRATIC FUNCTION OF LES
Lower esophageal sphincter opens inappropriately, causing gastric reflux (heartburn).
INCREASE IN OXIDATIVE STRESS
Prematurely ages the body; a precursor to many diseases.
INCREASED RISK OF OSTEOPOROSIS
Bone density has been shown to decrease in stressed and depressed women, stress increases the urinary excretion of calcium, magnesium, and boron.