What are the effects of stress on the body?
Publié le 25-04-2024 et mis à jour le 12-02-2025
Stress is a natural reaction of the body to a situation perceived as threatening or difficult to manage.
Although a certain level of stress can be beneficial and motivate us to succeed, chronic stress can have many harmful effects on our body. So, what are the effects of stress on the body?
Summary
I. Understanding stress hormones and their effects 1. The role of cortisol 2. The influence of adrenaline 3. The involvement of oxytocin and vasopressin II. Understanding the effects of stress on the body 1. How stress affects the immune system 2. The effects of stress on the digestive system 3. The effects on the skin III. Solutions to combat the effects of stress on the body 1. Practice deep breathing 2. Exercise regularly 3. Practice meditation 4. Promote a healthy lifestyle 5. Find relaxing activities 6. Seek social support IV. The contribution of dietary supplements to managing stress Discover the range
I. Understanding stress hormones and their effects
Stress hormones are chemical substances produced by the body in response to a situation perceived as threatening or difficult to manage.
The stress hormones are ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone), cortisol, adrenaline, oxytocin, and vasopressin.
The levels of these hormones increase when the body is under stress to prepare the body to react.
Cortisol is considered the most important stress hormone, as it has the greatest impact on the physical and mental functioning of the body in response to stress.
Adrenaline is also important for preparing the body to react quickly to a stressful situation.
Oxytocin and vasopressin are also involved in the body's response to stress, particularly in the regulation of the nervous and endocrine systems.
In summary, stress hormones play a major role in the body's natural response to a stressful situation.
1. The role of cortisol
Cortisol is an essential hormone produced by the adrenal glands. It is a steroid hormone that plays a crucial role in regulating many functions of the body.
Cortisol is synthesized from cholesterol in the fasciculata zone of the adrenal cortex. It is regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary system.
When the body is subjected to stress, the hypothalamus releases Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), which stimulates the pituitary gland to secrete corticotropic hormone or ACTH. ACTH in turn stimulates the adrenal glands to produce and release cortisol into the bloodstream.
Cortisol plays a crucial role in many functions of the body.
It is involved in carbohydrate metabolism, by increasing blood sugar to provide energy to the muscles when needed.
It also acts on fat metabolism, promoting the distribution of fats in the body.
Moreover, cortisol regulates blood pressure and plays a role in the immune response by reducing inflammation.
Finally, cortisol is often associated with the stress response.
During periods of stress, cortisol levels increase to prepare the body to respond. It helps mobilize the energy needed to cope with a stressful situation.
However, an imbalance in cortisol levels can have negative consequences on health, notably by increasing the risk of mood disorders, anxiety, and insomnia.
Long-term cortisol leads to a increase in blood pressure, which can have consequences for our cardiovascular health.
Moreover, it inhibits the production of new bone cells, which can lead to a loss of bone density and increase the risk of fractures.
An adequate balance in cortisol levels is essential for maintaining good health and well-being.
2. The influence of adrenaline
Adrenaline, also called epinephrine, is a hormone and a neurotransmitter that play a crucial role in stress responses.
It is released by the adrenal glands in response to intense emotions such as fear, anger, and stress.
When it is released, adrenaline triggers a series of physiological reactions in the body, which help prepare the body to respond to potentially dangerous situations.
Adrenaline stimulates the cardiovascular system, increasing heart rate and blood pressure.
It also dilates the bronchi, which allows an increase in airflow into the lungs.
Moreover, it mobilizes energy reserves by increasing the concentration of glucose in the blood, which provides additional energy to the muscles and the brain.
It can also cause sensations such as increased heart rate, palpitations, sweating, and a feeling of heightened alertness.
Adrenaline is often associated with the "fight or flight" response, which is a physical and mental reaction preparing for an imminent threat or danger.
This hormone helps the body prepare to react quickly and effectively in stressful or potentially dangerous situations.
Moreover, adrenaline can have effects on our behavior and mood.
Some research has shown that adrenaline can increase aggressiveness, violence, and hyperactivity in some people.
This may explain why people can become more impulsive, more agitated, or more irritable under the influence of adrenaline.
A prolonged elevated heart rate can damage the heart muscle and increase the risk of heart disease.
Moreover, the increase in blood pressure associated with adrenaline can overload the blood vessels, leading to a deterioration in their function.
It is therefore important to maintain a healthy balance in hormone levels.
3. The involvement of oxytocin and vasopressin
Oxytocin plays an important role in stress management by promoting the reduction of cortisol release, the stress hormone, by the pituitary gland.
Moreover, it exerts an anxiolytic effect by reducing the activity of the amygdala, a brain structure involved in the emotional response.
On the other hand, vasopressin appears to have a stimulating role in the stress response, by increasing the release of ACTH, a hormone that stimulates cortisol production, and by promoting the response to social stress.
These two hormones, although related, seem to play opposing roles in regulating the stress response.
II. Understanding the effects of stress on the body
1. How stress affects the immune system
Chronic stress can weaken our immune system, making our body more vulnerable to diseases and infections.
When we are stressed, our body produces fewer white blood cells, the cells responsible for defending our body.
This decrease in white blood cells can make it more difficult to fight bacterial and viral infections.
Moreover, a weakened immune system can also promote the development of autoimmune diseases, in which the body attacks its own cells.
2. The effects of stress on the digestive system
Stress can have a significant impact on our digestive system.
When we are stressed, our body diverts blood from the digestive organs to the muscles, which slows down the digestion process.
This can cause problems such as abdominal pain, bloating, and transit disorders.
Moreover, stress can also increase the production of gastric acid, which can lead to problems such as stomach ulcers or acid reflux.
Read also: Stress and bloated stomach
3. The effects on the skin
Stress can also have negative effects on our skin.
When we are stressed, our body releases inflammatory chemicals that can cause skin problems such as:
- acne
- eczema
- psoriasis
- dry skin and itching
- cellular aging
- dull complexion
Moreover, stress can also worsen existing skin problems, such as redness, itching, or hives.
Read also: The effects of stress on the skin
4. The overall effects on the body
Chronic stress can lead to a series of consequences on the human body, affecting various systems and bodily functions. It can disrupt hormonal balance, increase blood pressure, and cause sleep disorders.
5. The effect on muscles
Stress can cause muscle tension, pain, and spasms. Tight muscles can lead to headaches, neck and back pain, and even long-term musculoskeletal disorders.
6. The overall impact on the body
Stress can also affect the cardiovascular system, increasing the risk of heart disease. It can cause palpitations, an increased heart rate, and high blood pressure.
7. Effects and anxiety
Stress-related anxiety can lead to mood disorders, irritability, and panic attacks. It can also affect concentration and memory.
8. Specific effects in women
In women, stress can disrupt the menstrual cycle, cause menstrual pain, and worsen the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It can also affect fertility.
9. What pains are caused?
Chronic stress can also lead to metabolic disorders, such as weight gain or involuntary weight loss, as well as appetite disorders.
10. What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of stress can vary from person to person, but they often include headaches, sleep disturbances, muscle pain, digestive problems, irritability, and fatigue.
III. Solutions to combat the effects of stress on the body
There are different methods to combat stress and the effects of stress on the body.
1. Practice deep breathing
Deep breathing can help reduce stress by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for relaxation.
There are several breathing techniques that can help reduce stress and anxiety. Here are a few:
- Conscious breathing: This technique involves focusing on your breath and taking deep intentional breaths to calm the mind and body.
- Diaphragmatic breathing: This technique involves deep inhalation using the diaphragm, which can help activate the body's relaxation response.
- Breathing 4-7-8: This technique involves inhaling while counting to 4, holding the breath while counting to 7, then exhaling while counting to 8. It can help calm the nervous system and reduce stress.
- Alternate nostril breathing: This technique is a yogic breathing exercise that involves breathing alternately through one nostril at a time, which can help balance the body and calm the mind.
2. Exercise regularly
Regular physical exercise is beneficial for reducing stress. It helps release endorphins, brain chemicals that act as natural painkillers and improve mood.
3. Practice meditation
Meditation is a technique that can help calm the mind and reduce stress. There are different kinds of meditation, voices, music, binaural sounds, or simply going for a walk in nature quietly and sitting against a tree.
4. Promote a healthy lifestyle
Adopting a balanced and healthy diet, maintaining good sleep hygiene, and avoiding stimulants such as caffeine and alcohol can also help reduce stress.
5. Find relaxing activities
Taking time for activities that provide pleasure and relaxation, such as reading, listening to music, practicing a hobby, or spending time in nature, can help reduce stress.
6. Seek social support
Talking about one's concerns and stress with friends, family, or a professional can help share the emotional burden and find solutions or advice.
It is important to find the methods that work best for you, as everyone has their own stress management strategies. Don't hesitate to explore different approaches and ask for help if necessary.
IV. The contribution of dietary supplements to managing stress
Incorporating anti-stress dietary supplements into your daily beauty routine can be an effective way to counteract the effects of stress on the body.
Enriched with micronutrients and phytotherapy, these supplements allow for a specific action at the cellular level to treat stress from within.
D-LAB has developed several supplements aimed at improving stress management in daily life and soothing skin inflammations.
These supplements contain active ingredients known for their adaptogenic, soothing, and calming properties.
- The Letting Go Complex offers a high dose of antioxidant adaptogens that help reduce stress and promote restorative sleep. Its formula contains extracts of eschscholtzia, melilot, lion's mane, and eleutherococcus, making it an ideal ally to soothe the skin daily.
- L'Absolu de Magnésium, an innovative formula that combines 3 different forms of magnesium (glycerophosphate, bisglycinate, and microencapsulated oxide), B and D group vitamins for maximum effectiveness and perfect absorption. Ideal for reducing fatigue, fighting stress, improving sleep, or supporting pregnancy.
Also read: The benefits of liposomal magnesium
Chronic stress can have many harmful effects on our body. It can disrupt our hormonal balance, weaken our immune system, affect our digestive system, and worsen skin problems. It is therefore important to implement stress management techniques, such as meditation, regular physical exercise, and good lifestyle habits, to preserve our physical and mental health.
Discover the anti-stress range
How does stress affect sleep quality and what natural solutions can help?
Stress can disrupt sleep quality by causing insomnia, nighttime awakenings, and nightmares. To improve sleep quality, it is recommended to practice relaxation techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing, and to adopt a regular sleep routine. Dietary supplements containing melatonin or soothing plants can also help promote restorative sleep.
How can stress affect the beauty of the skin?
Stress can cause skin problems such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, and premature skin aging. It is important to take care of your skin by using suitable products and adopting a regular skincare routine. Dietary supplements rich in antioxidants and essential nutrients can also help improve skin health.
What pains does stress cause?
Stress can cause muscle pain, headaches, abdominal pain, and joint pain. It is important to practice relaxation techniques and exercise regularly to reduce muscle tension and relieve pain.
Which D-LAB NUTRICOSMETICS dietary supplements can help reduce the effects?
Dietary supplements containing magnesium, adaptogenic plants, and B vitamins can help reduce the effects of stress on the body. They contribute to better stress management, reduce fatigue, and promote restorative sleep.
Which natural ingredients are most effective for reducing muscle tension caused by stress?
Natural ingredients such as magnesium, valerian, passionflower, and ashwagandha are known for their relaxing and soothing properties. They can help reduce muscle tension and promote relaxation.
Which organs are most affected by the effects?
Stress can affect several organs, including the heart, brain, digestive system, and skin. It is important to take care of your body by adopting a healthy lifestyle and practicing stress management techniques.
What are the first physical signs to watch for in case of stress?
The first physical signs of stress can include headaches, sleep disturbances, muscle pain, digestive problems, and skin rashes. It is important to recognize these signs and take steps to manage stress.
What are the negative effects?
The negative effects of stress can include mood disorders, anxiety, sleep disturbances, digestive problems, muscle pain, and skin issues. It is important to implement stress management techniques to preserve physical and mental health.
