The Effects of Stress on The Body

Have you ever felt like you should be able to handle emotions that come up, but just don't seem to be able to?

May I let you know that it even happens to coaches?

The difference for me now is that I have tools to help me though tough times so I may temporarily feel stress, but I don't take it in and make it a part of my emotional landscape.

Why is that important? Because chronic stress has such a profound effect on our health, and not a good one!

Read on and you'll see why it is so important to have strategies to deal with stress.

In fact, if you want to know more, just click here to set a time for us to talk.

Here is information that will help you understand the widespread impact of stress on the body and how you can start to manage it more effectively.

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 will experience 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 burn fat 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 in erratic 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.

What to do?

Ask yourself, on a scale from 0 to 10, where is my stress level? Anything over 6 is too high.

If you are to tackle stress right now, click this link to practice four simple tools to calm your body and mind. Each tool takes about 2 minutes.

If you like a personal conversation, schedule time for us to talk here.

You can also join our upcoming trainings: "Fun Fitness for Busy and Overwhelmed" (free) and "Stop Burnout Before Burnout Stops You" (monthly Club members' training, $35/m).