How Stress Kills You

Did you know that stress has been recognized as the #1 proxy killer disease today? During this past decade, chronic stress has become a public health crisis. Over 50% of Americans (some references cite up to 80%) are under chronic stress.

The American Medical Association has noted that stress is the basic cause of more than 60% of all human illness and disease, and that number is only expected to increase! This is one of many reasons why I screen ALL of my patients for stress and suicidal ideation and I urge ALL medical professionals to do the same. Chronic and even acute stress wreak havoc on your hormones and overall health. Below is a few

Brain: lack of concentration, memory impairment, chronic fatigue, headaches, mood swings, anger, paranoia, ADHD, anxiety/panic attacks, depression, insomnia, increased risk of substance abuse/alcoholism

Heart: increased heart rate and blood pressure increasing risk of stroke and also heart attack (#1 killer in America), arrhythmia

Gastrointestinal: indigestion, cramps, acid reflux, ulcers, weight loss or gain

Immunity: suppressed immunity leading to illness

Joints: lowered bone density, inflammation and protein breakdown

Hormones: increased cortisol increasing risk of diabetes/heart disease & decreased sex hormone production leading to reduced fertility and sex drive

Skin/hair: hair loss, dull/brittle hair, brittle nails, dry skin, acne, delayed tissue repair

Our next blog will cover proven effective ways to help control and reduce your stress!