How Stress Triggers Autoimmune Diseases

Stress hormones such as cortisol, adrenaline, and norepinephrine elevate during intense “fight or flight” moments, and they are meant to level back down once those moments have passed. In some cases, however, when the stressful situation doesn’t go away, these stress hormones surge and remain at a high level for an abnormally prolonged amount of time. When this occurs, inflammation ensues and can act as a trigger for all types of illness, including autoimmune disease. Typically, autoimmune diseases are either genetic or provoked by external factors, factors that are often unidentifiable. Stress can be a trigger for autoimmune disease, but it can also exacerbate symptoms of an existing disorder. Activities for stress relief, regardless of the origin of the disease, can provide much-needed relief for chronic pain and other symptoms. Taking up yoga and making time for deep breathing exercises, physical activity, and meditation can have a major impact on overall wellbeing. Read more…