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Stress and the Immune System

Stress isn’t a fun thing for anyone to deal with. We all know that it feels better and things seem to go more smoothly when we are relaxed.

But science is showing us all the time that stress actually negatively affects our health.

How Stress Affects the Immune System

Stress triggers your adrenal glands to release hormones like cortisol. If you’re in a situation where you must run or fight for your life, the release of these substances is good. However, when you are chronically stressed, and these hormones are constantly in your body, negative effects can result.

Your adrenal glands can become overtaxed, resulting in adrenal fatigue. When that happens, you may not be able to handle much stress at all without becoming overwhelmed or even getting sick.

Stress hormones can increase inflammation in your body, and that is the root of many health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and a host of other illnesses.

How to Strengthen Your Immune System

Decreasing stress and inflammation in your body can strengthen your immune system and help you fight off illness and disease.

Here are some suggestions:

If you do get sick, give yourself a break and do what you can to relax and repair during that time. You can learn more here: “How to Reduce Stress While You’re Sick.”

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Destress.com is not intended to replace professional consultation, diagnosis, or treatment by a licensed professional. If you require any medical-related advice, contact your physician promptly. Information at Destress.com is exclusively of a general reference nature. Do not disregard medical advice or delay treatment as a result of accessing information on this website or any external links provided on the website. Destress.com is not a counseling or crisis service. The diagnosis and treatment of depression and other psychiatric disorders should be performed by health care professionals. If you are suicidal, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-TALK (8255), provides access to trained telephone counselors, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week