You've probably heard that stress can weaken immunity and leave you more susceptible to illness, but did you know that Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is another major physical ailment caused by stress? According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), approximately 20 percent of U.S. adults experience symptoms of IBS and the disorder is far more likely to affect women than men. Stress can not only worsen cases of existing IBS, it can also cause people to develop this intestinal disorder.
Stress is also linked to weight gain. People who are stressed may forget to eat on a regular schedule or may make unhealthy food choices.
Stress can also have a negative impact on a woman's menstrual cycle. According to the Mayo Clinic, "Mental stress can temporarily alter the functioning of your hypothalamus--an area of your brain that controls the hormones that regulate your menstrual cycle. This can cause your periods to stop, but they will usually resume when the stress decreases."
How can you lower your symptoms of stress? While each person has their own unique perspective on activities that can lower or manage stress, experts suggest that the following tips may help:
- Get regular physical exercise.
- Try using progressive muscle relaxation.
- Learn how to use breathing exercises.
Read more about stress:
What's the Most Surprising Stress Symptom?
Short-term Stress Can Impact Memory and Learning
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