Disease Cause #4: Emotional Stress
Dec 17, 2009 by Bill Rawls, M.D.
Day-to-day living causes a certain amount of emotional stress that is not detrimental from a health point of view. Stress can be a motivational factor that gets us going on to the next thing in life. Emotional stress only becomes a problem when it begins to rob the healing potential of the body. For many individuals this is every day. Well recognized as the root of anxiety and depression, emotional stress can aggravate virtually all disease processes. When patients ask if emotional stress could be playing a role in their particular problem, my answer is always a definitive “yes.” Understanding and managing stress is an important adjunct in the treatment of all diseases.
It was the first day of summer when Mary returned with a chronic cough. She had been battling respiratory infections through the winter and spring, receiving numerous courses of antibiotics. With each course of antibiotics she would come down with a vaginal yeast infection and come to see me. “Why do I keep getting this stuff?” she complained. Her evaluation had so far had included a normal chest X-ray and a negative tuberculosis test. Allergies did not seem to be a factor and I could not ascertain that she had been exposed an unusual burden of toxins. Something was, however, having an adverse effect on her immune system and my next question brought out the reason. When asked how much she was sleeping, she answered, “about five hours on a good night.” Emotionally it had been a terrible year for her and she rated her stress level as being extremely high. When these issues were addressed her condition gradually began to improve.
For simplification, we can think of the body as having an “alert mode” and a “healing mode.” Classically, the “alert mode” would be induced by a confrontation or threat such as having a dog run out in front of your car. With a surge of adrenaline, pulse quickens, eyes become wide, breathing rate increases, and muscles tense. All resources of the body are directed toward dealing with that threat. Other general maintenance functions, such as digesting food, normal immune functions, and daily maintenance and repair are placed on hold. Assuming the brakes work and the dog is fast, the threat passes, the mind relaxes, and the body goes back to normal affairs.
In an average American life, however, confrontations of some sort are seemingly a minute-by-minute affair. We never get a break. Excessive daily stress constantly places us in alert mode and prevents day-to-day repair and maintenance from occurring. The link between stress and diseases such as hypertension, autoimmune diseases, atherosclerosis and even cancer should be obvious. With a stressful lifestyle, we unknowingly place normal gastrointestinal function at a level of low priority while at the same time bolting down unhealthy food on the run. Is it any wonder that drugs for gastro-intestinal maladies are some of the best-sellers on pharmacy shelves?
The body is continually in the process of damage control and general maintenance, but it needs resources to do so. The energy and resources of the body are most devoted toward healing when they are not taxed in other ways. This “healing mode,” as I like to refer to it, occurs when the body and mind are completely relaxed. Healing occurs most intensely during deeper stages of sleep. As we age, chronic disruptions in hormonal systems prevent the body from relaxing properly and sleep becomes less efficient.
Ironically, at a time in life when we would seem to need sleep the most, restful sleep is hard to gain. Learning tools to encourage spontaneous relaxation of the body and the mind become immensely important as we age.
The above excerpt was taken from the "A New Style of Healthcare" chapter in my book, Health First!. This book was created as a resource for my patients and Vital Plan readers who are eager to learn more about simple lifestyle changes that can improve their quality of life and dramatically reduce their risk of disease. It is my hope that you will consider this book as a resource for better understanding your health and take control of your own health today!
Categories: Disease Prevention, Stress Relief,
Tags(s): Meditation,
Previous Comments
Sam Brownfield - Dec 18, 2009
Stress resistance is such a powerful component of disease prevention! Thanks for sharing this valuable information.
JP- Dec 19, 2009
Thanks, Bill! The thing I like most about mind-body (stress relieving) techniques is that they can be used under almost any circumstance - even in hospital settings or while using medications. In addition, they help foster a feeling of self confidence and self reliance. In essence, you/your mind becomes a healing force instead of (or as an adjunct to) other external, therapeutic modalities. In case our paths don't cross this next week: I wish you and yours a healthy and joyful holiday season and a great start to 2010! Thanks for all the good that you do!
Bill Rawls, MD- Dec 20, 2009
Thanks JP, Same to you and yours! When I first started counseling patients about non-drug alternatives to manage stress and anxiety, I tried to get people to listen to meditation CD's, go to yoga classes or work with a counselor directly, but met with little success. I finally devised a series of simple exercises (see Step 3, Anxiety and Stress) that anyone could practice anytime of day, throughout the day. These simple exercises have turned out to be very effective. I practice them myself and find that I have more energy at the end of the day if I am consistent.
Bill Rawls, MD- Dec 21, 2009
Thanks for your comment, Sam! You are right, stress resistance is a key part of disease prevention. For more information, please see my Stress & Anxiety health brief on Step #3. Happy Holidays!
Lark Fiore- Feb 08, 2010
Dr. Rawls, I have been doing the breathing exercises with considerable success. You know there is a great deal of opportunity for stress in my life on a daily basis and you along with other doctors have told me I must find a way to diffuse the stress in my body and mind. The quickest and most effective techniques are the breathing techniques you describe here under the Anxiety and Stress section. My body's response to stress (tightening up) alarms every part of my system to go on alert. When I breathe and relax my shoulders, neck and chest it is literally impossible to stay intense and tense. These techniques are possibly the most important thing I have learned from you to date. That darn one where you count is challenging. I deeply appreciate your willingness to share freely of yourself and your information.
Julie Doshier- Mar 18, 2010
The breathing exercises mentioned are the quickest way to get out of stress mode and I have found them truly effective. Choosing to refrain from staying attached to the circumstance that created the stress protects the body and these breathing exercises give me the chance to choose to detach from the stressor. Thanks for all the great info and what you do for health and wellness!
Bill Rawls, MD- Mar 19, 2010
Thank you for sharing your success, Julie! I am so glad to hear that you have found the breathing exercises to be helpful!
