Chronic Stress: The Health Consequences

Psychological Stress

When we are undergoing constant psychological stress, our bodies react physically.

Stress can trigger:

• backache


• neck pain


• headaches


• irregular or rapid heartbeat


• raised blood pressure


• shallow breathing

Mental stress can also shut down the digestive tract which may result in acid reflux, indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea or constipation.

As well as having an impact on the physical body, stress can also affect the 'higher' capacities of the mind such as decision-making, clarity of thought and intent as well as discernment and judgement. This can lead to feelings of confusion, overwhelm and hypersensitivity.

5 Situations that increase our Psychological Stress

1) Arguments with friends or family members - and if these quarrels occur at at meal-times, the three Is may result: Indigestion, Insomnia and Irritability.

2) Money worries: not only can financial difficulties create anxiety, fear and frustration but they can also keep you awake night which is detrimental to your health.

3) Public speaking (or making a presentation, auditioning, going for an interview) - situations where you feel you are going to be judged on your performance and found wanting.

4) Travel chaos - including being stuck in a traffic jam, being stuck in a tunnel on an underground train, your overground train arriving late or missing your bus, train or plane. These kinds of external situations, which are beyond our control, can create reactions verging from mild panic to explosive rage.

5) Working in deadline-driven environments or having to meet unrealistic targets.

Physical Stress

Physical problems also create stress for the body.

Knee pain, allergies, low blood sugar, fatigue syndromes and infections can all be a result of adrenal exhaustion which is caused by steady relentless persistent stress that slows down the response levels of the adrenal glands.

Our adrenals respond to sudden stress by releasing the hormone adrenaline. When our adrenals are depleted, our sleeping patterns become disruptive and we have disturbing dreams. Stress which affects the adrenals can make us jump awake in the middle of the night. Adrenal depletion can also be the result of poor nutrition or spiritual unhappiness.

Exposure to toxic metals and chemicals also creates adrenal burnout. Plus the consumption of stimulants such as caffeine places even more stress on the adrenals. General overstimulation is also a major cause of adrenal stress, particularly in children.

If you suffer from adrenal exhaustion, your immune system is lowered which may make you vulnerable to any bugs or colds that are going around.

Ways to Combat Physical and Psychological Stress

• Large quantities of Vitamin C can help to deal with the stress that is created by adrenal exhaustion. Vitamin B5 and Vitamin B3 are also helpful.


• Eating small meals at frequent intervals will also help with adrenal fatigue problems.

So for example, eating your first meal at 8am, your lunch just before noon, a snack at 3 and your evening meal at 6pm plus a light snack before bedtime will help to alleviate both adrenal problems and interrupted sleep patterns.

Natural therapies that help to relax and balance the body's systems such as reflexology or massage can also help.