Chronic stress affects immune system

Research shows that prolonged stress affects the body's immune system and triggers health problems.

Chronic stress influences gene activity in immune cells which are primed to fight an infection or trauma that does not actually exist, leading to an overabundance of the inflammation that is linked to many health problems, reports Science Daily.

Repeated stress triggers the sympathetic nervous system, commonly known as the fight-or-flight response, and stimulates the production of new blood cells.

While this response is important for survival, prolonged activation over an extended period of time could have negative effects on health.

A study on animals by scientists at Ohio State University showed that this type of chronic stress changes the activation, or expression, of genes in immune cells.

Genes that lead to inflammation are expressed at higher-than-normal levels while the activation of genes that might suppress inflammation is diminished.

Associate Director of Ohio State's Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research (IBMR) John Sheridan , also a co-lead author of the study, suggested that if you are working for a bad boss over a long period of time, that experience might play out at the level of gene expression in your immune system. (Read: Natural remedies to boost your immune system)

Home remedies for stress

Use relaxing herbs

Certain herbs such as cardamom (elaichi), lettuce, celery, peppermint, chamomile and fennel (saunf) contain phytoconstituents that have wonderful relaxing properties. Make these a part of your diet in the form of herbal tea or by working them into the dishes you cook for some stress relief.

Ayurveda recommends the use of adaptogenic herbs (that help the body and mind adapt better to stressful conditions) over time can also help you cultivate a calm mind that does not easily get swayed by extreme emotions. Herbs such as aswagandha, jatamansi, guduchi, brahmi, tulsi and shankhpushpi help to restore the imbalance in the elements that make up the body and mind. However, it is important you avoid self-medication with these herbs take them only under the prescription of a registered Ayurvedic practitioner who is well-versed with their use.

Cut down on unhealthy beverages

Most of us are addicted to some form of liquid stimulant that we believe makes us more alert and able to deal with the myriad things life brings our way. Caffeine and alcohol tends to increase feelings of anxiety and stress. Cut down on your intake of such beverages and you are sure to observe your stress levels becoming much more manageable. (Read: Feeling stressed? Try these natural remedies)

With inputs from IANS

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