What are the effects of stress on the immune system and why should we be paying attention to this now, more than ever?

The Effects of Stress on the Immune System

As we already know, the immune system is our natural defence against harmful invaders such as bacteria and viruses.

The proper functioning of our immune system results in good health but, just like other organs and systems in the body, when we are under stress, our immune systems stop working the way they should.

Although life is generally quite stressful, the current COVID-19 pandemic has brought immense pressure to almost every sphere of our lives and it’s easy to see why this is a recipe for further stress and potential illness.

As the country is about to enter level 3 of the lockdown, many sectors of the economy are now permitted to return to work. Children in certain grades will also be going back to school.

However necessary it may be for the country to start returning back to relative normality, there are additional health risks that come with it.

How Does Stress Affect the Immune System?

Direct Impact of Stress on the Immune System

Although stress in itself cannot cause us to get sick, it impairs the body’s normal functions, weakening its ability to fight off harmful microorganisms and leaving us vulnerable to infection.

The body’s response to stress is designed to be self-limiting in that once the perceived threat has left, all organs and systems return to baseline levels and resume normal activity.

However, prolonged exposure to stress hormones like cortisol, keeps the body in a state of “fight or flight”. This process “steals” energy from cells that are meant to fuel other organs and systems such as the immune system.

Indirect Effects of Stress on the Immune System

Stress can also have an indirect effect on the immune system. This happens when we develop unhealthy coping strategies to temporarily manage our stress.

This can include smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, lack of exercise, not getting enough rest and unhealthy eating habits.

How to Identify a Weakened Immune System

To establish whether or not you have a low functioning immune system, ask yourself the following questions:

• Do I get sick easily?
• Do I get sick more than twice every year?
• Do I suffer from chronic infections?
• Do you easily get fever blisters?
• Are your lymph glands tender or swollen at times?

Reducing Stress to Improve the Immune System

You can treat your weakened immune system by taking vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C and Zinc.

Although this is a good supplementary strategy, it’s important to find ways to reduce your stress levels as this the where the root of the problem lies.

Of course, stress cannot be avoided entirely, but there are things that we can do to reduce the stress levels that we experience so that our body can protect us the way it was designed to.

Ways to Reduce Stress

By doing the following, you can significantly reduce your overall stress levels:

• Get enough sleep
• Exercise regularly
• Eat healthy, well-balanced meals
• Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, yoga or meditation
• Find ways to manage your time more effectively and distribute your workload evenly
• Ask for help
• Spend time in your garden or somewhere outdoors
• Confide in a loved one who you trust and talk it off
• Maintain a positive attitude in the face of adversity
• Drink less coffee and more tea

Body Stress Release Brackenfell – Stress and the Immune System

Using the Body Stress Release technique to unlock and release stored tension in the body can play a significant role in reducing stress levels.

When we are less affected by the stress we are inevitably exposed to, our immune systems can return to normal and we can find our way back to a state of optimal mental and physical health.

If you would like more information on how BSR can assist you with addressing various forms of stress, please feel free to contact me.