Immune system stress syndrome

Everyone seems stressed out in these days, as studies have shown that stress has become a more active part in our lives. We are constantly under pressure of time and events, and stress seems to have endless resources. Stressful situations affect us physically and psychologically. Our day-to-day stressors could be job dissatisfaction, personal conflict, family problems and illnesses, facing exams or even noises. Short-term stressors act like an impulse to the immune system; it is the reaction of our body that specialists call the “fight or flight” response. The chronic stress, or long-term stress is a real threat to our immune system. The immune system is responsible for protecting our body from infections and leukocytes are the cells responsible for secretion of antibodies.

Stress is to the brain like an alarm that is forcing our body to respond by releasing stress hormones – the energy producers. This situation is good for our body in a short-time crisis, but on longer periods can cause real harm. Limited time stressors are prompting the immune system. This is done with the help of the pituitary gland that is releasing the ACTH – adrenal cortical stimulating hormone that induces the production of cortisol. As a reaction to that, cortisol has the role in regulating blood sugar or producing energy. In this way, our body is ready to the challenge.

The long-term stress is gradually reducing the power of our immune system. Here we can talk about the major threat to the immune system: the Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome. People can have their lives changed by a traumatic event from the past. They are constantly reminding what has happened and the result is experiencing the same symptoms over and over again. This situation is leading to overwhelming their body’s defenses. Sleep disturbances, irritability and problems in concentration are symptoms of PTSS.

An important aspect of the immunity system stress syndrome is the way we perceive the stressors, and the way we react in stressful situations. A positive thinking will actually reflect on our immune system to react promptly and fight diseases. At the opposite, a negative way of thinking will only increase the stress. Studies have shown that people, who are passing through a stressful period in their lives, need more time for a wound repair process. We conclude by saying that there is a correlation of stress, body’s capacity to respond to stressors, illnesses, and state of mind. Our modern-day life is actually a continuous mental demand and the immune system is challenged every day. A large number of chemicals keep entering our environment provoking even more the immune system.

What we can do is help our body’s resistance through a healthy diet, with lots of fruit and vegetables, and through a healthy mind – psychologists emphasize on positive thinking as coping therapy. An important advice that specialists give us regarding the immunity system stress syndrome is to get enough sleep! Also physical exercise is a real weapon in our war with stress. All of these are factors contributing to the defensive system of our body. Try to relax as often as possible, and enjoy spending time with your dear ones! It’s pretty much in your power to be a cheerleader to your immune system!