Does stress damage the immune system? That question can only be answered by first discussing the difference between acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) stress. While acute stress triggers responses in the body that include stimulating the immune system, chronic stress can affect the immune system.
Better questions are “Does stress damage the immune system in the short term?” and “Does stress damage the immune system in the long term?” The body’s response to acute stress (an actual or immediate threat, such as a confrontation with a burglar), sometimes called the “fight or flight” response, includes changes in all of the body’s systems. Since the question is “Does stress damage the immune system?”, we will focus on those responses to acute stress that temporarily stimulate the immune system during this flight or flight scenario.
The most notable initial response to the appearance of the thief is an increase in heart rate. Your body is preparing for the possibility that you will need to run. The increased heart rate causes the spleen to discharge more red and white blood cells. The red blood cells increase the supply of oxygen, while the white blood cells will be needed to boost the immune system, in case you fall or are attacked by a thief. Parts of the brain trigger the production and release of cortisol, a primary stress hormone, which dampens less important parts of the immune system so that white blood cells and other infection fighters can target areas of the body where injuries or infections. is more likely to occur, namely the skin, bone marrow and lymph nodes, effectively stimulating the immune system temporarily. Once the immediate danger has passed, the body’s systems return to normal.
So the short-term answer to “stress damages the immune system” is “no.” Acute stress activates the body’s natural defense systems, and while this results in a temporary boost to the immune system, it does not “damage” it. Chronic stress, however, is a different story.
Does stress damage the immune system in the long term? It can, if persistent stressful situations, such as a high-pressure job or an unhappy relationship, don’t allow the body to return to a normal relaxed state. Rather than boosting the immune system, chronic stress appears to weaken the immune response, increase the risk of infection, and affect a person’s response to vaccinations. Studies have shown that people under chronic stress have lower than normal white blood cell counts, are more vulnerable to colds and other viruses, take longer to recover, and experience worse symptoms than people who do not have high levels of stress.
If you are concerned about the answer to the question; If stress damages the immune system, then you may feel like you are in a stressful situation that you have no control over. It may not be possible to leave a high-pressure job to reduce your stress level, and if doing so would cause you financial problems, it could actually increase your stress level. Good nutrition, regular exercise, and certain health supplements can help protect you from the effects of chronic stress by naturally boosting your immune system and allowing your body to return to a more relaxed state. To learn more about products that may be effective in boosting the immune system naturally, visit www.immune-system-booster-guide.com.
