Feeling a sudden pain or experiencing unusual symptoms? It might be stress! From social pressures to work deadlines and relationship drama, stress can manifest in our bodies surprisingly. Based on a report from the U.S. health website WebMD, six symptoms might indicate it’s time to take a break when stress piles up.
1. Abdominal Pain
If your stomach or lower back suddenly hurts, anxiety and stress could be the culprits. Stress symptoms can also bring on headaches, insomnia, and stomachache.
Research shows that people under intense stress are three times more likely to experience abdominal pain than those in a relaxed state. This is because the gut and brain share neural pathways, causing the intestines to react to stress signals sent by the brain.
2. Itching
Japanese researchers found that people with chronic skin itching are more than twice as likely to be stressed out. And let’s be honest: The constant need to scratch is enough to stress anyone out!
Anxiety or tension may worsen conditions like dermatitis, eczema, or psoriasis. Stress triggers nerve fibers, which can cause itchiness.
3. Severe Period Pain
Ladies, listen up! Harvard researchers discovered that women under high-stress experience menstrual cramps that are twice as intense. The imbalance of stress hormones is often to blame. Breaking a sweat with exercise can help calm your nervous system, alleviating pain and stress.
4. Jaw and Oral Pain
The American Dental Association states that stress can turn you into a nighttime teeth grinder, leading to severe jaw and mouth pain. Wearing a mouthguard before bed can reduce grinding by over 70%.
5. Allergy Aggravation
A study by Ohio State University Medical School found that allergy sufferers who took stress-inducing tests had worse symptoms than those who were more relaxed. Stress hormones stimulate the production of IgE (immunoglobulin E), a blood protein responsible for allergic reactions.
6. Gum Disease
When stress keeps cortisol levels sky-high, it can weaken the immune system, making it easier for bacteria to invade the gums. Maintaining good oral hygiene, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep can help lower stress and reduce the risk of gum disease.
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