Stress and the immune system – Part 3
In part 1, I explore the immune system and in part 2 the impact of short term or accute stress on the immune system. In this post I want to explore the impact of chronic or long term stress on the immune system.
1. Distant Stressors – traumatic experiences that occurred in the past yet are still causing long lasting change in both emotional and cognitive behaviours that result in modification of immune system function. For example, having been a prisoner of war.
2. Chronic Stressors – these pervade a person’s life and there is no awareness of when it might end. This for of stress suppresses both specific and natural immunity. Some examples of chronic stressors are
- demanding jobs
- financial difficulties
- challenging relationships
In summary the stress hormone corticosteroid can suppress the effectiveness of the immune system (e.g. lowers the number of lymphocytes).
Stress can also have an indirect effect on the immune system as a person may use unhealthy behavioural coping strategies to reduce their stress, such as drinking and smoking.
Managing stress therefore is intrinsically linked to wellbeing and keeping well.
Reference
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What is magnesium effective for?
In part 1, I introduced what magnesium is used for the body and what foods its found in. But with magnesium supplements being "trendy" right now, what are they effective for:
- Constipation. Taking magnesium by mouth is helpful as a laxative for constipation and to prepare the bowel for medical procedures.
- Indigestion. Taking magnesium by mouth as an antacid reduces symptoms of heartburn. Various magnesium compounds can be used, but magnesium hydroxide seems to work the fastest.
- Magnesium deficiency. Taking magnesium is helpful for treating and preventing magnesium deficiency. Magnesium deficiency usually occurs when people have liver disorders, heart failure, vomiting or diarrhea, kidney dysfunction, and other conditions.
- High blood pressure during pregnancy (pre-eclampsia and eclampsia). Administering magnesium intravenously (by IV) or as a shot is considered the treatment of choice for reducing high blood pressure during pregnancy (pre-eclampsia) and for treating eclampsia, which includes the development of seizures. Research suggests that administering magnesium reduces the risk of seizures.
