What Physiological Change Happens to the Body in Response to Stress?

Stress is an inevitable part of human life that is necessary for survival. In moderate amounts, it helps individuals to cope with daily challenges and achieve their goals. However, prolonged exposure to stressors can lead to negative consequences, such as physical and mental health problems. The physiological changes that occur in response to long-term stress have been well-documented in scientific research.

Others are chronic and cause serious health issues. It’s important for you to be able to communicate effectively with your clients and develop a proven and strategic plan to manage the stress, and work in concert with a health or medical professional should that be needed. This lesson aims to examine the various types of physiological changes that result from long-term stress.

In your career as a trainer or coach, helping people better their lives, you will undoubtedly have discussions with your clients about various stressors in their life. Some are minor and transient. As a Spencer Institute Certified Stress Management Coach, you will be well-prepared to help your clients.

There are various causes of long-term stress. Some of the most common causes include:

1. Work-related stress: Long work hours, job insecurity, and high-pressure work environments can lead to chronic stress.
2. Financial stress: Financial difficulties such as debt, job loss, or inability to meet financial obligations can cause long-term stress.
3. Relationship problems: Long-term conflicts or problems with family, friends, or romantic partners can lead to chronic stress.
4. Health problems: Chronic illnesses or disabilities that require ongoing treatment or management can cause long-term stress.
5. Trauma: Experiencing traumatic events such as abuse, violence, or natural disasters can lead to ongoing stress.
6. Caregiver stress: Providing care for a loved one with a chronic illness or disability can cause ongoing stress.
7. Environmental stress: Living in a high-crime or polluted area or dealing with ongoing noise or other environmental stressors can cause chronic stress.

It is important to note that different people may experience stress differently, and what causes stress for one person may not be a stressor for another person. Additionally, a combination of different stressors can contribute to long-term stress. It is essential to identify the sources of stress and take appropriate steps to manage stress to prevent negative physiological consequences.

Types of Physiological Changes in Response to Long-Term Stress

The body responds to stress through a series of physiological changes that are mediated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the sympathetic nervous system (SNS). The HPA axis activates the release of glucocorticoids, such as cortisol, while the SNS releases catecholamines, such as epinephrine and norepinephrine. These hormones play a critical role in mobilizing the body’s energy resources to cope with stress. However, prolonged activation of these systems can lead to various types of physiological changes.

Cardiovascular System

One of the most well-known physiological changes that occur in response to long-term stress is the activation of the cardiovascular system. The release of catecholamines and glucocorticoids leads to an increase in heart rate, blood pressure, and cardiac output. This response is essential for mobilizing energy and oxygen to the body’s tissues, especially during acute stressors. However, chronic stress can lead to sustained elevations in blood pressure, which can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (1).

Immune System

Another significant physiological change that occurs in response to long-term stress is the activation of the immune system. The HPA axis and the SNS release hormones that can modulate immune function, such as cortisol and catecholamines. These hormones can suppress the activity of immune cells, such as lymphocytes and macrophages, leading to an increased susceptibility to infections and diseases (2). Furthermore, chronic stress can lead to a state of chronic inflammation, which can contribute to the development of chronic diseases, such as arthritis, diabetes, and cancer (3).

Digestive System

The digestive system is also affected by long-term stress. The release of stress hormones can lead to a decrease in blood flow to the gastrointestinal tract, which can impair digestive function and lead to symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation (4). Furthermore, chronic stress can also increase the risk of developing gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease (5).

Reproductive System

The reproductive system is also affected by long-term stress. The HPA axis and the SNS can regulate the activity of the gonads through the release of hormones such as cortisol, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. Chronic stress can lead to an imbalance in these hormones, which can lead to a variety of reproductive problems such as menstrual irregularities, infertility, and a decreased libido (6).

Nervous System

The nervous system is also affected by long-term stress. Chronic stress can lead to structural changes in the brain, such as a decrease in the size of the hippocampus, which is involved in memory and learning (7). Furthermore, chronic stress can also lead to a dysregulation of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, which are involved in mood regulation and reward processing (8). These changes can lead to the development of mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Here’s how exercise can help rebuild the nervous system function.

SUMMARY: Long-term stress can lead to a variety of physiological changes that can have negative consequences for an individual’s health. The activation of the cardiovascular, immune, digestive, reproductive, and nervous systems can lead to chronic health problems such as cardiovascular disease, chronic inflammation, gastrointestinal disorders, reproductive problems, and mental health disorders. Understanding these physiological changes is essential for developing effective strategies to manage stress and prevent the development of chronic health problems. Stress management techniques such as exercise, meditation, and cognitive-behavioral therapy have been shown to be effective in reducing the negative consequences of long-term stress (9). Additionally, addressing the root causes of stress, such as work-related stress or relationship problems, can also help to reduce the physiological changes associated with stress.

Be on the lookout for future articles. You will also want to search through the archives of our blog because there are many other articles on this topic. Here are a few for you to check out:

• Here’s how you can make a “stress management portfolio” to help your client.
• You may want to read this interesting article on how running is used to manage stress.
• Here are some additional strategies to manage both acute and chronic stress.
• Here are some proven strategies to manage stress through various exercise routines.
• Learn how to “manage stress like a pro”.
• Here’s a related article discussing how stress affects on the body

There is always something exciting about earning a new training or coaching certification and applying that new knowledge of how you train your clients. This also helps you hit the reset button.

NESTA and Spencer Institute has been helping people like you since 1992. To date, over 65,000 people from around the world have benefited from our various certifications, programs, continuing education courses and business development systems. We are here for you now and in the future. Feel confident in your decision to work with us as you advance your knowledge and career. We are here for you each step of the way.

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References:

1. Chrousos, G. P. (2009). Stress and disorders of the stress system. Nature Reviews Endocrinology, 5(7), 374-381.
2. Dhabhar, F. S. (2014). Effects of stress on immune function: the good, the bad, and the beautiful. Immunologic research, 58(2-3), 193-210.
3. Miller, G. E., Chen, E., & Parker, K. J. (2011). Psychological stress in childhood and susceptibility to the chronic diseases of aging: moving toward a model of behavioral and biological mechanisms. Psychological bulletin, 137(6), 959-997.
4. Konturek, P. C., Brzozowski, T., & Konturek, S. J. (2011). Stress and the gut: pathophysiology, clinical consequences, diagnostic approach and treatment options. Journal of physiology and pharmacology, 62(6), 591-599.
5. Barbara, G., Grover, M., Bercik, P., Corsetti, M., Ghoshal, U. C., Ohman, L., … & Quigley, E. M. (2019). Rome Foundation working team report on post-infection irritable bowel syndrome. Gastroenterology, 156(1), 46-58.e7.
6. Mauvais-Jarvis, F., & Bairey Merz, N. (2017). The management of cardiovascular disease in women. Nature Reviews Cardiology, 14(7), 418-429.
7. McEwen, B. S. (2012). Brain on stress: how the social environment gets under the skin. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 109(Supplement 2), 17180-17185.
8. Pariante, C. M., & Lightman, S. L. (2008). The HPA axis in major depression: classical theories and new developments. Trends in neurosciences, 31(9), 464-468.
9. Schneiderman, N., Ironson, G., & Siegel, S. D. (2005). Stress and health: psychological, behavioral, and biological determinants. Annual review of clinical psychology, 1, 607-628.