The disease of the modern age strikes at 10 points
Stress, which helps people achieve success when it is at a normal level, can lead to 10 major diseases when it becomes chronic.
One of today's most fashionable words is "stress"... Stress surrounds us in the queue at the bank, while waiting for the metrobus, in traffic on the road, on the phone, in private life, in business life. In short, stress is the inevitable result of modern life...
But is stress really unnecessary and harmful? We know that stress is at the root of many diseases. How does stress affect our body?
Üsküdar University NPISTANBUL Hospital Psychiatry Specialist Prof. Dr. Hüsnü Erkmen says that stress, which we can define as an emotional reaction to events, should not be described as completely "harmful". Explaining that stress, which seems like a negative word, is a "necessary" emotion for human survival, Prof. Erkmen said: "Stress is beneficial for any living creature to live, find food, shelter and make an effort to provide it. For humans, this is a much more advanced and complex situation. Having a job and a profession, receiving education for this, working life are useful stresses." Stating that stress is a state of reacting and protecting oneself against any external situation, Prof. Dr. Erkmen said, "In case of stress, the body secretes adrenaline and cortisol to activate the nervous system urgently. Therefore, the heart beats faster, blood pressure rises, breathing becomes more frequent, muscles tense and emotions become sensitive. In such a situation, a person can focus more easily and develop solutions quickly. This brings success," he said.
Pointing out that stress sources increase as we urbanize and move to a more modern life order, Prof. Erkmen said: "In modern society, human relations are weakening, city life is becoming more difficult, even transportation to work requires a challenging process. Stress, which helps people survive and achieve success when it is at a normal level, causes 10 important diseases when it becomes chronic."
THE PAIN THAT WON'T GO AWAY IS BECAUSE OF HIM
Scientific studies show that excessive stress is at the root of almost all diseases. While most of these diseases are caused by stress, some of them are exacerbated by stress. Here is the damage caused by stress on the body:
MENTAL ILLNESSES
Stress first disrupts our mental state. The most common disorders are acute stress disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety.
PAIN
Low back, neck and back pain; migraine and tension-type headaches, general body pain called fibromyalgia.
Cardiovascular diseases: It is known that the acceleration in heartbeat and increase in blood pressure observed in people experiencing stress play both a leading and progressive role in the development of "atherosclerosis", a type of hardening of the arteries.
OBESITY
When we are under stress, we tend to eat more doughy, sugary and fatty foods.
STOMACH DISEASES
Reflux, gastritis and indigestion. Consuming fatty, sugary foods, tea and coffee too much due to stress also makes the stomach sick.
INTESTINAL DISEASES
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), gas, constipation, diarrhea.
SKIN DISEASES
Shingles, psoriasis, urticaria, ringworm, eczema.
SLEEP DISORDERS
Stress makes it difficult for some people to fall asleep, while others tend to do so.
LOW IMMUNITY
Under stress, our immune system weakens. The body becomes more susceptible to infectious diseases.
MEMORY PROBLEMS
Stress hormones block the functioning of the part of the brain that controls memory. Forgetfulness increases.
SOCIAL MEDIA ALSO CAUSES STRESS
Research reveals that smartphones, which were originally promoted to speed up and facilitate people's work, are a source of great stress for their owners as they constantly check their e-mails and profiles on social networks. For some, the addiction is so great that they think their phones are vibrating even though they don't have a message, or that they constantly take out their phones to check their screens.
EMOTIONAL EMPTINESS CAUSES OBESITY
Stress can lead to obesity by increasing appetite, or a person may prefer to eat to fill the emotional gaps caused by stress. The hormone cortisol, which increases during stress, is responsible for this. Chronically high levels of cortisol can lead to excessive hunger and cravings due to metabolic dysregulation. A study in the UK showed that people who were exposed to stress-related cortisol for more than a few months were fatter.
SPEND MORE TIME WITH YOUR FAMILY
Prof. Dr. Hüsnü Erkmen explained the tricks of fighting stress in daily life:
- Don't let the activities you have to do all the time be your only occupation. Take up new hobbies that you can enjoy outside of work to cope with stress.
- Try to spend more time with your family and loved ones.
- Always do sports. Sport increases the release of endorphins and helps you to relax. With exercise, the heart sends more oxygen to the brain. The brain becomes fitter and stronger.
- Have a wide circle of friends and people who can share your difficult moments with you when you need them.
- Drink less tea, coffee and carbonated drinks and more water, fresh fruit juice and buttermilk.
- Try to sleep 6-8 hours a day without interruption. Poor quality sleep causes you to feel tired and stressed.
- Reduce the time you spend on social media. Especially when you are with your friends and family, do not take your smartphone out of your pocket or bag.
- Do not make a big deal out of social events that you cannot overcome and go with the flow.
- If the stress is too extreme and you realize that you cannot cope, seek professional help.