Stress and Your Immune System

by Dr. Michael Nowazek

Watch as Dr. Michael Nowazek, BSc, ND
explains what stress is, the effect of stress of your immune system and the importance of stress management.

Stress has a negative impact on your immune system and long-term or chronic stress can weaken it. That makes stress management important, especially at a time like this.

What is Stress?

First of all, what is stress? Stress is defined as change, whether positive or negative. 

Negative change includes things like losing your job and worrying about money. What we’re all going through right now certainly counts as stress.

Positive change can include things like getting married, getting a new job, perhaps doing an exercise program. These are positive things, but they are a change and so produce stress.

It doesn’t matter whether the change is positive or negative. What does matter is the degree of change from normal. The degree of change will determine the amount of stress on your body.

What we’re going through now is a huge negative change for many of us, and therefore a huge stress.

What Effect Does Stress Have on the Immune System?

Stress produces certain hormones that keep your immune system from overreacting. Chronic stress can chip away at your immune system, suppressing it so that it cannot function optimally.

This shows up in different ways for different people. Some people will get sick during the period of stress, some will get sick after the stress, some will get sick both during and after the stress.

What Can be Done to Help Manage Stress?

There are many, many different vitamins, herbs, and supplements that you could take for stress and stress management. Which ones and how much to take depends on the person. Every individual’s needs are different and there are too many factors to consider to make it possible to suggest that any specific product that would be helpful to everyone.

For a recommendation of which vitamins and other supplements are right for you, please consult with your naturopathic doctor. 

Call us now at (780) 485-9468 to book a consultation.  If you prefer, online booking is available for both new patients and repeat patients.

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Dr. Michael Nowazek

Dr. Michael Nowazek is the Clinical Director of Green Apple Health Care. He brings a wealth of knowledge from his extensive training and his many years experience as a naturopathic doctor.

More articles by Dr. Michael Nowazek

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