Stress and constant anxiety can cause various problems such as weight gain, irritable bowel syndrome and stomach ulcers, in addition to facilitating the occurrence of infectious diseases such as influenza, and contributing to the onset of cancer, for example.
Weight gain occurs because normally stress leads to high production of cortisol, which is a hormone responsible for controlling stress, keeping blood sugar levels and blood pressure stable and contributing to the proper functioning of the immune system. Know other causes of fast weight gain.
In this way, excess cortisol increases the accumulation of fat in the body, especially in the abdomen, in addition to making the immune system weaker, which potentiates the development of infections.
What can indicate stress or anxiety
Stress and anxiety manifest themselves through some symptoms, such as:
- Heart and fast breathing;
- Sweating, especially in the hands;
- Tremors and dizziness;
- Dry mouth;
- Voice trapped and a lump in the throat;
- To nail the nails;
- Frequent urge to urinate and tummy ache.
However, when these symptoms are frequent there may be the emergence of others, such as:
- Changes in sleep, such as sleeping little or too much while remaining tired;
- Muscle aches;
- Skin changes, especially pimples;
- High pressure;
- Changes in appetite, with increase or loss of will to eat;
- Difficulty concentrating and frequent forgetfulness.
Most people have already suffered from stressful situations at school, family or work. However, minor situations such as losing things or getting bottled up are also common causes of stress. See the difference in symptoms between physical and emotional stress.
Do Stress and Anxiety Mean the Same?
Stress and anxiety are expressions used as meaning of the same thing, however, stress is associated with any situation or thought that causes frustration and nervousness, which ends up happening spontaneously.
Already the anxiety is related to irrational fear, distress, excessive worry, anguish and enormous inner discomfort due to the sensation of danger and uncertainty that is more common in psychiatric diseases, as it happens in the depression. Learn to recognize an anxiety crisis.
Thus, stress is in most cases the feeling of loss of control of the situation and usually contributes to better performance because it can become motivating. However, when this reaction is greatly exaggerated prolongs for many days or months, it can be detrimental to health.
What happens if I do not control stress?
Stress must be controlled in order to avoid the development of diseases such as:
- Irritable bowel syndrome, characterized by bowel uncontrol;
- Metabolic syndrome, which leads to weight gain, diabetes and high blood pressure;
- Stomach ulcer ;
- Hair loss and brittle nails .
In addition, the risk of developing infectious diseases, such as the flu or herpes for example, is higher because the immune system is weakened.
How to Control Stress and Anxiety Effectively
To control the symptoms that cause stress and anxiety it is important to occupy the mind with positive thoughts and to breathe properly, breathing in deeply and releasing the air slowly.
Other strategies that can help you are taking chamomile or valerian tea, or drink an orange juice and passion fruit that help you relax. Learn more tips that can help control anxiety.
Remedies for Stress and Anxiety
When treating with natural remedies or relaxation techniques, it is recommended that the person go to the psychologist or psychiatrist so that the cause of stress and anxiety can be identified and thus be treated according to the cause.
In addition, in some cases, the psychiatrist may indicate the use of some medications, such as Alprazolam or Diazepam, for example. See other remedies for anxiety.
Watch the video to know all the foods that can help you get rid of stress: