This study focused on the effects of chronic stress on women.
Stress is one of the biggest risk factors nowadays. The fact that we are always busy makes us feel more stressed and this can affect our health too. A new research shows that the lower the level of stress the better the health. This research also focused on women because they are more affected by stress than men.
Stressful situations are not harmful to your health but the things caused by these situations can be. The way our body reacts to stress is the trigger for unhealthy habits. First, the body reacts by eliminating adrenaline and cortisol. These can cause us to breathe rapidly and our heart rate speeds up. The blood pressure also rises.
When this happens from time to time, it is not dangerous for our body. The issue is when it happens very often. For instance, when we are stressed almost every day our stress becomes chronic. This can cause damage to our artery walls.
Also, when it is chronic, the anxiety can make us turn to comfort food like pie, cookies, and pizza. These foods are not good for our health because they contribute to the artery damage. This can cause stroke and heart attacks. Anxiety can also lead to other bad habits like drinking more alcohol and smoking. Of course, these habits are also bad for our health.
All of these habits can make our immune system weak and they can cause stomach problems and headaches. High blood pressure is another problem that can appear due to these unhealthy habits.
This study focused on the effects of chronic stress on women. This is because women are usually more affected by anxiety because they are more vulnerable. Women also have a higher risk of developing PTSD, depression, and early life adversity. All of these cause anxiety and can damage the health of women.
“For women over the age of 50, stress can make the transition through menopause more challenging. Stress can make hot flashes, night sweats, and disruptive sleep patterns much worse” said Dr. Ward Adcock, gynecologist and women’s specialist at Gaston Women’s Healthcare.
Doctors advise women to stay positive, exercise and meditate in order to avoid being stressed. This way they can improve their health and reduce the way they respond to stressful situations.
What is your opinion about this study? Did you know that women are more vulnerable to the negative effects of anxiety?
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