The Effects of Stress on The Body

I am often asked what the effects of stress on the body are and does it affect the immune system? The answer is...yes it does, and it can cut immune function by up to 50%. That is not something you want happening when you’re dealing with yeast infections or any other serious illness.

We all suffer from the effects of stress on a daily basis. From being overworked, underworked and bored to tears, worrying about money or family members, the lack of sleep, conflict with others, social isolation and even sitting in traffic to name a few. Stress is most often caused by people, places and things that are beyond our control.

We all deal with stress differently and some of us can take more than others. What stresses one person out may not bother another. But what are the effects of stress on the body and what happens to the immune system if we cannot deal with the stress that does affect us?

The immune system is an intricate system of cells that communicate with one another to defend the body in times of need. It also is responsible for many of its clean up and disposal of waste functions. Macrophages for instance not only defend the body but also dispose of waste. There are also a host of cells that calm down the immune response so the immune system does not attack itself, your body.

Most of these immune system cells are classified as T-cells.

T-cells are white blood cells formed in the bone marrow that migrate to the thymic gland to mature. Upon maturity they are released into the blood stream to provide for its defense. You also have what is known as T Helper cells called CD4 cells, which aid in the production of antibodies in the bone marrow. And most importantly, when it comes to the effects of stress on the body, Suppressor T-cells called CD8 cells.

In a study done in 1991 by Manuck, et al; it was shown that those people that are affected by stress enough to show an increased heart rate, had an increased number of CD8 cells that suppress immune function. It is believed that hormonal reactions are the reason for this impaired immune function.

It has been shown that the effects of stress can increase the levels of the brain hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine. These are hormones that control blood flow through expansion and contraction of arteries. This influences the ability of the natural killer and T-cells to reach all the extremities in the body. Under high levels of stress the blood flow decreases thereby reducing the immune systems ability to properly defend the body. Naliboff, 1991; Kiecolt-Glaser, 1992.

The chronic effects of stress on the body play a role in diabetes by altering the insulin levels in the body. Children between the ages of 5 and 9 showed much higher risk of contracting diabetes later in life.

Elliot & Eisdorfer in 1982 determined that stress plays a role in the interaction between IgE antibodies and antigens that cause an increase of histamine in the body. Histamine blocks airways and has been linked to asthma.

The effects of stress on the body greatly influence the digestive system. Ulcers caused by excessive acid release have been shown to be caused by excessive stress. Although most ulcers are caused by h. pylori the added stress hastens its ability to form its protective shell in the stomach. Intestinal ulcers can be caused by too much acid over a period of time as the acid burns a hole in the mucous lining. Acid reflux can lead to esophageal cancer if not brought under control.

The release of epinephrine and norepinephrine also contribute to blood platelet clogging in the cardiovascular system resulting in heart attacks, heart disease, and stroke. People that are extremely competitive in work and life overall have higher stress levels than those more laid back easy going types. It has been found that these ultra competitive types suffer from high cholesterol, high blood pressure, increased insulin response, and artery lesions from the constant oversupply of those above two hormones. McEwen & Stellar, 1993.

Because of the increased levels of CD8 cells those that suffer from stress also have an 82% higher rate of viral infections. Ask anyone with herpes if they usually have breakouts during periods of high stress in their lives and they'll tell you yes. Most colds and flu’s actually occur on the weekends after a stressful week at the office.

Not only do the effects of stress on the body greatly reduce immune system function, being over stressed also leads to loss of sleep which reduces melatonin production. Melatonin is another hormone that boosts immune function and helps repair the body as you sleep. Matter of fact, it has been proven that people who work nights have higher rates of prostate and breast cancer because of reduced melatonin production from a lack of sleep.

High stress can also contribute to drug and alcohol dependency, forgetfulness, low energy levels, and depression. WebMD estimates that 75 to 95% of all doctor visits are stress related.

The effects of stress on the body are definitely negative. If you are under high stress you need to get it under control so your immune system can help you fight your yeast infection.

One of the best ways that I know of to deal with stress is hypnosis.

A study done in 2001 by Ohio State University and published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology; found that students who used a limited version of a complete hypnosis program, as proven by blood samples, had immune systems that became stronger and more active the longer they used hypnosis.

In 1999 a study was done by Ginandes CS, Rosenthal DI; found that patients recovering from bone fractures healed faster when participating in self hypnosis programs. The study was published in Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine. 5(2): 67-75.

Another study in 2002 by Ginandes C, Brooks P, Sando W, Jones C, Aker J.; found that women who had gone through breast surgery healed faster when undergoing hypnosis post operation than those that didn't. American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis. 45(4):333-51

In 1985, 1986, and 1996 studies were done and published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology about hypnosis and weight loss. Each study found that weight loss was increased by 17 pounds, 97%, and lasted for up to 2 years later for those that continued the self hypnosis program.

Hypnosis has been endorsed by many medical doctors including:

Elvira V. Lang, MD, FSIR, FSCEH, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School

Dr. Joseph Mercola Founder, Optimal Wellness Center

If you care about your health and do not receive Dr. Mercola's free Newsletter you should get it now.

I have been receiving it for longer than I can remember and have learned a lot from him. I know you will too.

Mark B. Weisberg, Ph.D., ABPP, Co-owner, Minnesota Head & Neck Pain Clinic.

Dr. Al Sears

Michael D. Yapko, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist

Michael Reding, M.D., Child Psychiatrist

Claire Frederick, M. D., Tufts University School of Medicine

Independent testing has revealed a 92% success rate when it comes to self hypnosis programs.

There is no question that hypnosis works and can reverse the effects of stress on the body and strengthens your immune system.

I looked around at quite a few self hypnosis programs before I happened upon the Hypnosis Network co-founded by Michael Lovitch. His programs looked good because each hypnosis program was put together by medically licensed therapists from each medical field. They're all trained professionals with graduate degrees in their area of expertise.

I looked over his programs and the going rate for the Stress package was $69. The weight loss package, which I strongly recommend if you’re having a hard time sticking to the Candida diet, was $119. I thought this was a little high so I gave Michael a call to see what he could do?

To make a long story short he agreed to making 3 easy payments of $23 for the Stress package. On the Diet package he said he could offer me a special for me readers.

So he took $22 off the Weight Loss/Candida Diet package. He also agreed to 3 easy payments of $32.33 on the diet package. He then threw in the hypnosis course on Mental Toughness and an ebook on how to deal with stress called, "Coping With Stress and Anxiety System".

I thought that was fantastic and was more than happy at this point. But I found out that he also guarantees both programs for 1 year.

Its kind of a no brainer folks. If you’re having a hard time dealing with Stress and Anxiety, or following the Candida Diet you owe it to yourself to give Hypnosis a try.

Hi Dan,

I want to thank you for this series. It was supportive and helpful. I ordered and am using the hypnosis cd set. I like it a lot. I haven’t really lost weight but that is not my main goal, balanced healthy approach and relationship with my body is. I have been joking that I think I may have been taken over by the pod people or something as I cannot believe that I went to a local gym, started swimming twice a week and then began working out with a coach twice a week. I do believe this is a result of the support of the cd set. I also have noticed small and subtle changes in other areas in relationship to food and nutrition. I am a psychotherapist and have long known that you have to get deep into the unconscious to change core beliefs. The hypnosis cds are something I am enjoying and look forward to seeding and nurturing the seeds of the positive attitudes and beliefs that are presented. Thank you so much for recommending them. And thanks for the supportive information about candida...an ongoing learning curve.

Susannah

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Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products and information contained herein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases or, medical problems. It is not intended to replace your doctor's recommendations. The information is provided for educational purposes only. Nutritional benefits may vary from one person to another.