We all have heard the tales of how stress can hurt you. Stress is taking a toll on health across the board. It is a common denominator. Stress causes inflammation and inflammation is the common factor in so many diseases, from cancer to heart disease to diabetes and even obesity.
More than 100 years ago, Eli Jones, a cancer physician, wrote a book about the causes of cancer. Mind you, this book was written in 1908 and he listed the #1 cause of cancer as unresolved stress. In the last hundred years several more studies have confirmed his findings. The #1 factor in cancer and its growth is STRESS!
The circulatory system and the lymphatic system are the paths for cancer spread. Hormones from stress affect both of these paths. Adrenaline caused by stress can activate the SNS (sympathetic nervous system) and thereby increase the rate of formation and spread of cancer cells. This increase also allows the cancer cells to invade other parts of the body at an accelerated rate. Additional research has shown that the stress hormone Norepinephrine increases the spread of cancer cells by stimulating tumor cells to produce the compounds which break down tissue around tumors and allow the cancer cells to invade the bloodstream.
These studies have shown that stress of any kind aids in the development and growth of cancer and can reduce the effectiveness of treatments.
Current research shows that stress is on the rise in our society and of course so are the diseases it helps to create and foster. Dissatisfaction or stress from one's job is a top contributor to the stress levels of many individuals.
Adrenal fatigue is eventually caused as chronic stress harms your adrenals. Your adrenal glands and the hormones they produce control many bodily functions and therefore are a major factor in the development of cancers in the body.
As you can see, stress management is a very important topic that needs to be addressed by all. There are many ways to combat stress and of course meditation tops the list. Just breathe. We know, easier said than done....but your health is at stake here. Remember to question your thoughts, expand your horizons and move forward. Regular physical activity and spending time in nature are both very helpful in reducing your stress. And, of course, proper sleep. Everything is better after a good night's sleep. Whenever I am feeling stressed or down after a long day, I put on my tennis shoes and take off walking, varying my pace, listening to music and reminding myself how grateful I am for all the great things in my life! Keep moving.
Mary Crawford, HealthCare Employment Network
