Stress And The 10 Truths Behind The Damage It Causes

Of all the toxins in the world, stress might be one of the most damaging. If left untreated, it may lead to chronic inflammation, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and obesity. Symptoms of stress may include chest pain, rapid heartbeat, headaches, fatigue, insomnia, muscle or joint pain, increased or decreased appetite and sex drive, and overwhelming feelings of anxiety, sadness, or irritability. Here are ten scary truths behind the effects of dealing with chronic stress.

Cognitive Impairment

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, chronic stress impairs the ability to concentrate, which increases the risk of accidents. Stress also has negative consequences on learning and memory because it kills brain cells. According to one study, the hippocampus in people who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder shrinks by eight percent. The hippocampus is the area of the brain responsible for memory and learning. Another study indicated that stress disrupts glucose channeling to the brain, which cuts off the brain's energy source.