Is chronic stress the most dangerous silent killer?
Yes, chronic stress is the most dangerous silent killer that’s not yet taken seriously. Everyone is different, and everyone’s body reacts to stress in different ways. Some people are more prone to certain conditions, while others are less affected. Regardless, chronic stress is one of the most dangerous issues. Yet, most people do not even realize that they have chronic stress. However, it starts showing up in their body in many ways
Let me share with you some conditions that are caused by stress:
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS): Constant stress can lead to an overactive immune response and hormonal imbalances, resulting in severe, persistent fatigue.
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol increase heart rate and constrict blood vessels, putting a person at risk for heart disease and stroke.
Alopecia Areata: Stress triggers an immune response where the body attacks its own hair follicles, leading to hair loss.
Broken Heart Syndrome (Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy): This condition mimics a heart attack but is triggered by extreme emotional stress rather than clogged arteries. Stress hormones like adrenaline temporarily stun the heart.
Functional Neurological Disorder (FND): Stress and psychological trauma disrupt normal nervous system functioning, leading to real physical symptoms without a neurological disease.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Stress affects the gut-brain interaction, altering gut motility and sensitivity, causing chronic abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits.
Psoriasis: Stress can trigger an immune response that leads to rapid skin cell turnover, causing red, scaly patches on the skin.
Stress-Induced Asthma: Stress can cause the airways to become hyperresponsive, leading to asthma symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath.
Obesity: Stress leads to emotional eating, irregular eating, less physical activity, insulin resistance, hormonal imbalance, and fat accumulation.
I could go on and on.
I’ve consulted thousands of patients and, just by talking to them and asking about their work and life, I could see how their chronic stress triggered their conditions, and they had no clue.
You never know how stress is eating your body from the inside.
So, no matter how busy you are,
1. Do some exercise
2. Practice meditation or yoga
3. Cut out junk food and eat healthily
4. Sleep at least 7 hours
5. Pick a hobby and have some fun
Taking these steps can help mitigate the harmful effects of chronic stress and improve your overall well-being. Stress can induce obesity
However, bariatric surgery can help those with severe obesity and stress of different types.