STRESS SYMPTOMS

When you are stressed, your body produces more of the so-called 'fight or flight' chemicals, which prepare your body for an emergency.

Adrenaline and nor adrenaline raise your blood pressure, increase the rate at which your heart beats and increase the rate at which you perspire. They can also reduce blood flow to your skin and reduce your stomach activity.

Cortisol releases fat and sugar into your system (but also reduces the efficiency of your immune system).

Please remember that there is a mind – body connection, and hence the symptoms described below maybe psychosomatic symptoms where the underlying root cause of the problem could be acute or chronic stress. Also a lot of digestive symptoms described here could be caused by stress – our gut is like our second brain so it’s not so surprising to see that the first thing that happens to a lot of individuals under stressful situations is having diarrhea or constipation.

On going chronic stress can lead to or exacerbate conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome or colitis. I have seen this in quite a few patients at the clinic. Always remember however, it is every important to identify the root cause of the symptom in order to treat it correctly.

PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS

Physical symptoms can be caused by other illnesses, so it is important to have a medical doctor treat conditions such as ulcers, compressed disks, or other physical disorders. The physical problems outlined below may result from or be exacerbated by stress:

Signs and Symptoms	Physical Problems
- sleep disturbances  - back, shoulder or neck pain  - tension or migraine headaches  - upset or acid stomach, cramps, heartburn, gas, irritable bowel syndrome  - constipation, diarrhea  - weight gain or loss, eating disorders  - hair loss  - muscle tension  - constant fatigue  - high blood pressure  - irregular heartbeat, palpitations	- asthma or shortness of breath  - chest pain  - sweaty palms or hands  - cold hands or feet  - skin problems (hives, eczema, psoriasis, tics, itching)  - periodontal disease, jaw pain  - reproductive problems  - immune system suppression  - increased frequency of colds, flu, infections  - growth retardation

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