How Stress Affects The Body
Stress is important! It’s so important that it’s now recognized as the #1 killer by proxy. The American Medical Association has noted that stress is the basic cause of more than 60% of all human diseases, it has enormous negative mental and physical effects, and yet we often forget how stressful our lives are. Please take some time and check out how stress affects the body. First, these are the 50 most common signs and symptoms of STRESS:
1. Frequent headaches
2. Frequent jaw clenching, or gritting or grinding teeth
3. Stuttering or stammering
4. Tremors, trembling of lips, hands
5. Muscle spasms, neck pain, or backache
6. Dizziness
7. Ringing in ears
8. Frequent blushing or sweating
9. Cold or sweaty hands or feet
10. Dry mouth and/or difficulty swallowing
11. Frequent colds or infections
12. Frequent rashes, itching, or goosebumps
13. Frequent unexplained allergy symptoms
14. Frequent heartburn or acid reflux
15. Excessive belching
16. Changes in bowel habits
17. Difficulty breathing
18. Sudden panic attacks
19. Chest pain or palpitations
20. Frequent urination
21. Lowered sex drive
22. Frequent anxiety
23. Frequent periods of anger
24. Depression or frequent mood swings
25. Changes in appetite
26. Trouble sleeping
27. Difficulty concentrating
28. Learning problems (things don’t stick)
29. Memory loss, short or long-term
30. Difficulty making decisions
31. Feeling overwhelmed
32. Suicidal thoughts
33. Feelings of loneliness or worthlessness
34. Little interest in appearance, punctuality
35. Nervousness
36. Increased irritability and overreaction
38. Frequent minor accidents
39. Obsessive or compulsive behavior
40. Diminished productivity
41. Excessive impulsive shopping or gambling
42. Rapid speech
43. Excessive defensiveness or suspiciousness
44. Trouble communicating
45. Social shyness and isolation
46. Chronic fatigue
47. Frequent use of over-the-counter medications
48. Unexplained sudden weight gain or loss
49. Increased smoking, alcohol abuse, or illicit drug use
50. Dull and dry skin, wrinkles and lines
Finally this useful infographic summarizes how stress affects the body:
The good news is that stress is often treatable. To reduce your stress and some useful tips to manage your stress, make sure to watch this video.
[Last Updated on May 23rd 2014 & March 12th 2014]
By Nima Shei, MD
