Health

Understanding the Impact of Stress on Physical Health

The word stress evokes various emotions most of which are negative. However, stress isn’t entirely bad. It is essential for survival. The chemicals it triggers help the body prepare to face danger and cope with difficulty. However, long-term stress can become a problem if mismanaged.

In today’s world, stress has become an almost inevitable part of daily life. While stress is a natural response to challenging situations, chronic stress can have profound negative effects on physical health hence understanding how stress impacts the body is essential for managing it effectively.

The Physiology of Stress

When we encounter stress, our bodies respond by activating an evolutionary mechanism designed to help us react quickly to danger. The adrenal glands release hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, which increase heart rate, elevate blood pressure, and boost energy supplies. This response can be beneficial in short bursts, helping us to tackle immediate threats or challenges.

However, when stress becomes chronic, the body’s stress response remains activated for extended periods, leading to various adverse health effects. Chronic stress disrupts nearly every system in the body, contributing to adverse health issues.

Cardiovascular Health

One of the most affected parts of our body system during stressful times is the cardiovascular system. Prolonged stress can lead to high blood pressure, increased heart rate, and elevated levels of cholesterol and triglycerides. These factors can contribute to the development of heart disease, the leading cause of death worldwide. Stress-induced hypertension and atherosclerosis (the buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries) increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Immune System

The immune system is also highly sensitive to stress. Cortisol, a stress hormone, suppresses the effectiveness of the immune response, making the body more susceptible to infections and illnesses. Chronic stress can lead to prolonged inflammation, which has been linked to various chronic conditions, including autoimmune diseases, diabetes, and even cancer. Moreover, stress can exacerbate symptoms of existing illnesses, slowing down recovery and reducing the effectiveness of treatments.

Digestive System

Stress can significantly impact the digestive system as well. The gut-brain axis, a complex communication network between the gut and the brain, means that stress can lead to digestive issues such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), acid reflux, and ulcers. Stress can alter gut microbiota composition, disrupting digestion and absorption of nutrients. Additionally, chronic stress can lead to unhealthy eating habits, such as overeating or undereating, further exacerbating digestive problems.

Musculoskeletal System

The musculoskeletal system is also affected by stress. When stressed, muscles tense up to protect the body from injury. This constant state of tension can lead to headaches, migraines, and chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia. Stress can also contribute to musculoskeletal problems such as lower back pain and tension headaches, as well as exacerbating existing conditions like arthritis.

Managing Stress

Given the wide-ranging impact of stress on physical health, it is crucial to adopt effective stress management strategies. Here are some techniques to help manage stress:

1. Exercise: Regular physical activity can help reduce stress hormones and trigger the release of endorphins, natural mood elevators. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.

2. Mindfulness and Meditation: Practices such as mindfulness meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises can help calm the mind and reduce stress levels.

3. Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can support overall health and help the body cope with stress.

4. Adequate Sleep: Ensure you get enough restorative sleep each night. Establish a regular sleep routine and create a restful environment.

5. Social Support: Maintain strong relationships with friends and family. Social support can provide emotional comfort and practical assistance in times of stress.

6. Time Management: Prioritize tasks and delegate when possible. Effective time management can reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed.

Health

Psychodermatology: Understanding the Connection Between The Mind and the Skin

Until very recently, beauty and skin therapy routines rarely considered there might be a hidden connection between the state of the mind and skin health. Psychodermatology is an emerging field that explores the intricate relationship between mental health and skin conditions. It considers how psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, and emotional well-being can have a profound impact on skin health, influencing the onset or exacerbation of conditions like eczema, psoriasis, acne, and even hives.

The skin, being the body’s largest organ, is closely linked to the nervous system, creating a two-way communication pathway between the mind and the skin.

How Stress Affects the Skin

Stress triggers the body’s fight-or-flight response, releasing stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. Elevated cortisol levels can lead to various skin issues by:

Increasing oil production: This can clog pores, leading to acne outbreaks.
Weakening the skin barrier: Chronic stress can impair the skin’s ability to retain moisture, resulting in dryness, irritation, and conditions like eczema or dermatitis.
Inflammation: Stress-induced inflammation can flare up conditions like psoriasis or rosacea.

Common Skin Conditions Linked to Psychological Stress

Eczema: With the study of Psychodermatology, it is clear that emotional stress can trigger eczema flare-ups, with anxiety and tension worsening itching and inflammation. This creates a vicious cycle, as the discomfort from eczema increases stress levels.

Acne: Stress can cause hormonal imbalances that increase sebum (oil) production, clogging pores and leading to more frequent acne breakouts.

Psoriasis: Stress is a major factor in triggering psoriasis flare-ups, causing skin cells to multiply at an accelerated rate, resulting in thick, scaly patches on the skin.

Alopecia Areata: This autoimmune condition, where the immune system attacks hair follicles leading to hair loss, is often exacerbated by stress and emotional trauma.

Also Read: Understanding the Impact of Stress on Physical Health

The Psychological Impact of Skin Disorders

Living with chronic skin conditions can have a significant emotional toll. Many people experience low self-esteem, social anxiety, and depression as a result of visible skin issues. This further perpetuates a cycle where psychological distress worsens skin problems, and the skin condition, in turn, deepens emotional struggles.

Treatment Approaches in Psychodermatology

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This type of therapy helps patients manage stress and anxiety, which can alleviate skin symptoms. For example, teaching coping strategies for managing the itch-scratch cycle in eczema can prevent flare-ups.

Mindfulness and Meditation: Practices like mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) help reduce cortisol levels, promoting a calmer mind and healthier skin. Meditation can also lower inflammation and reduce the severity of skin flare-ups.

Relaxation Techniques: Breathing exercises, yoga, and other relaxation methods have been shown to improve the condition of the skin by lowering stress hormones.

Medications: Sometimes, dermatologists work alongside psychiatrists to prescribe anti-anxiety medications, antidepressants, or mood stabilizers for patients whose skin conditions are closely linked to psychological distress.

The Role of a Psychodermatologist

A psychodermatologist is a medical professional trained in both dermatology and psychology, understanding the complex interplay between skin conditions and emotional well-being. They take a holistic approach to treatment, addressing both the physical symptoms of skin disorders and the underlying psychological triggers.

Health

What Do You Know About Postpartum Hair Loss ?

When a woman gets pregnant, her hormones’ literally go haywire. One of the first to spike is human chorionic gonadotropin, or hCG. That’s the hormone your pregnancy test measured and its rising levels indicated that you were pregnant. Pregnancy also causes several other hormone levels to rise, including estrogen, progesterone, oxytocin, and prolactin. Your blood volume also rose during pregnancy, to as much as 50 percent greater volume than normal by your due date.

Immediately after your baby is born, several of your hormone levels drop quickly, including estrogen and progesterone. Those hormones will be almost back to normal levels within 24 hours after birth, although prolactin will stay high as long as you’re breast-feeding. Your blood volume also decreases, but its drop is more gradual. It gets back to normal a few weeks after your baby arrives.

Also Read: A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE: Style Tips To Consider Before Attending An Event

Ways To Mitigate Postpartum hair loss

Avoid blow-dryers and curling and flat irons if you can

Skip all the straightening, heat drying and styling sessions till shedding stops. Also, avoid chemically based treatments like highlights, perms and so on.

Talk to hair experts for product recommendation

If the shedding is much, we’ll advise you to talk to an expert who can recommend products you can use to reduce it and also share other hair care tips with you.

Be Gentle with your hair while brushing

If you are in your hair shedding season, you should shampoo only when necessary and be gentle when brushing to prevent excess hair loss.

Wear hair ornaments

Headbands, scarves, and bandannas are fun and stylish ways to disguise hair loss. They’re especially popular with new moms who have little time to devote to hair care!

Try a new cut and color

First and foremost, pay a visit to a stylist for professional advice, says Scuoppo. It may be time to get a different hairstyle that will incorporate those fine hairs in the front. If you previously had long hair, or a layered cut with pieces that came down to the chin in the front, you may need to shorten that hair into long bangs that frame the face.

Health

Lagos State Government Says COVID-19 Vaccination Will Begin This Weekend

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has announced that COVID-19 vaccination will be rolled out all across the state this weekend. The Governor also announced a steering committee has been set up for the deployment of the vaccine, and the distribution of the vaccine.

On Tuesday, March 9, 2021, Lagos State received the first consignment of 507,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccines from the federal government.

Also Read: Nigeria Set To Receive 16 Million Free Doses of Covid-19 Vaccines

The Governor said:

“We have instituted a steering committee for the vaccine administration, which comprises health practitioners in the public and private sectors. They have designed a robust vaccine implementation strategy and they have identified various segments of our citizens who need to get first and in what order,”

Of all the states in Nigeria, the nations commercial capital has been most hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, recording more cases and deaths than any other state in Nigeria.