Find out what diseases are caused by excess stress

Stress causes several changes in the hormonal system that lead to increased production of hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, which are important to stimulate the body and prepare it to face challenges.

Although these changes are good for short periods and help to cope with various problems that arise on a daily basis, when they happen constantly, as in cases of chronic stress, they can cause serious health problems. This is because hormonal changes cause other changes in the body such as increased muscle tension, changes in the intestinal flora, decreased immune system, for example.

Here are some practical tips on how to fight stress and avoid these problems.

1. Insomnia

Stress can cause or aggravate insomnia, because, in addition to stressful situations such as family or work problems can create difficulty falling asleep, hormonal changes also cause interruption of sleep at night, greatly reducing the quality of rest.

What to do: Some strategies that can help include drinking a glass of milk before bed, avoiding caffeine up to 3 hours before bed, keeping the room cool, poorly lit and comfortable and, most importantly, not thinking about problems related to stress. See other simple tips for better sleep.

2. Eating disorders

Binge eating or anorexia are very common examples of eating disorders caused by excessive stress, because when the body is overloaded or out of control, it tries to find ways to deal with these unpleasant feelings through eating.

What to do: consult a nutritionist and a psychologist, as the treatment must be appropriate according to the eating disorder, weight, age, self-esteem and willpower, for example.

3. Depression

The prolonged increase in cortisol, which is the stress hormone, and the reduction in serotonin and dopamine caused by stress are strongly associated with depression. In this way, when it is not possible to manage or deal with stressful situations, hormone levels are altered for a long time, which can cause depression.

What to do: adopt behaviors that reduce stress, such as avoiding negative thoughts, exposing yourself to the sun for at least 15 minutes a day, sleeping 6 to 8 hours a day, exercising regularly, avoiding being isolated and walking outdoors. If necessary, consult a psychologist to guide the appropriate treatment.

In addition, some foods, like bananas or rice, can also help fight depression. See a more complete list of recommended foods.

4. Cardiovascular problems

Stress can cause arteries and veins to compress, resulting in decreased blood flow, irregular heartbeat and even hardening of the arteries. This increases the risk of clots, poor circulation, stroke, increased blood pressure and even a heart attack.

What to do: eat a healthy diet, giving preference to vegetables, fruits and vegetables, as well as practice regular physical exercise, try relaxation and massage techniques, for example.

5. Irritable bowel syndrome and constipation

Stress can cause abnormal contractions in the intestine, making it more sensitive to stimuli and causing symptoms such as flatulence, diarrhea and bloating. Thus, when stress is constant, the intestine can permanently experience these changes, resulting in irritable bowel syndrome.

However, in some cases, stress can cause the opposite due to the alteration of the intestinal flora that leads the person to go to the bathroom less frequently, contributing to the appearance or worsening of constipation.

What to do: Eat a balanced diet and richer in fiber, in addition to drinking about 2 liters of water per day. In the case of irritable bowel, analgesic remedies can also be used to relieve symptoms and, above all, to eat a diet low in fats, caffeine, sugars and alcohol, as these foods worsen symptoms.

Learn more about relieving symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome or constipation.