The impact of chronic stress on the body

O stress is not just work-related. It can stem from emotional, physical, metabolic or immune factors. Changes in sleep patterns, unbalanced eating habits or excessive exposure to blue light before bed can interfere with the production of substances that are important for rest, cell recovery and the balance of the nervous system.

O stress is the body's natural response to a perceived threat, real or imagined. It is an adaptive mechanism that prepares the body to react through what is known as the fight or flight reflex.

Whenever the organism identifies a threat, this reflex is activated. From an evolutionary point of view, this response was essential for survival, allowing us to react quickly to real dangers. However, in modern life, the brain continues to activate this mechanism in situations that don't pose an immediate physical risk, such as professional pressures, financial difficulties, interpersonal conflicts or the demands of everyday life. Although these are not fatal threats, the brain reacts in a similar way, keeping the body in a state of alert and activating physiological responses which, when prolonged over time, can contribute to states of overload and imbalance.

Stress acute and stress chronic

Faced with a situation of stress, the body activates a complex physiological response. The heart rate increases, breathing speeds up, adrenaline is released and energy is more readily available, preparing the body for action. This response is useful and adaptive when it occurs on a one-off basis.

The problem arises when stress becomes continuous. O stress Chronic stress occurs when the body remains in a state of alert for long periods, without sufficient time for recovery. In these cases, there is a prolonged release of hormones such as cortisol, adrenaline and noradrenaline, which can jeopardise the body's normal regulation mechanisms.

When the stress functions such as digestion, cell regeneration, reproduction and the immune response tend to be diminished, as the body is constantly focused on responding to the perceived threat. This state can favour persistent inflammatory processes and contribute to the onset of various health problems.

The role of cortisol

Cortisol is one of the main hormones released in stressful situations. stress. Although it is essential at certain times, its prolonged release can have negative effects. These include a decreased immune response, changes in metabolism, difficulties in the utilisation of energy by cells and an impact on the functioning of the nervous system.

High and persistent levels of cortisol are associated with alterations such as increased abdominal fat, loss of muscle mass, hypertension, sleep disturbances, digestive alterations, hormonal imbalances, persistent fatigue and greater vulnerability to inflammatory states.

Frequent symptoms of stress chronic

O stress chronic can manifest itself in various ways, including:

• Persistent fatigue
• Sleep difficulties
• Irritability and anxiety
• Muscle and joint pain
• Digestive changes
• Headaches or migraines
• Increased blood pressure
• Changes in appetite
• Decreased ability to concentrate

Faced with these signs, it is important to seek professional support in order to understand the factors involved and learn appropriate strategies for managing the stress.

Strategies to support the regulation of stress

Some simple measures can help reduce the impact of stress in the body:

• Regular physical activity
• Maintaining an adequate sleep routine
• Balanced and unprocessed diet
• Relaxation techniques, such as conscious breathing or meditation
• Social contact and emotional support
• Follow-up by health professionals when necessary

Stress from an integrative perspective

In Integrative Osteopathy, the stress is understood as a relevant factor in global health, and is approached in the light of the principles of Clinical Psychoneuroimmunology. This area of knowledge studies the interaction between the nervous, endocrine and immune systems, enabling us to understand how the stress, emotional states and lifestyle habits influence the body's regulatory processes.

Our clinical assessment takes into account lifestyle, sleep patterns, blood pressure levels and stress, the physical symptoms and the personal context of each person. The aim is to understand the mechanisms involved in responses to stress and support the natural processes of self-regulation, promoting a greater functional balance in a progressive and sustained way.

Small changes in daily habits can have a significant impact on the way the body responds to stress, contributing to a better quality of life and well-being over time.