Stress

On the other hand, flight or fight, the stress reaction, causes tremendous body chemistry changes. When used as nature intended, to save us from disaster, however, it can be good, to live under the constant influence of that body chemistry isn't healthy. Stress, fear, anger, fight or flight, tension, frustration all boost metabolism and dump extra sugar, fat, and cholesterol into the bloodstream causing blood pressure to go up to propel nutrients faster and cause the kidneys to clear the blood of wastes (decks cleared for action). If not used as energy for physical action extra sugar has to be taken out of the bloodstream. Overreaction may occur (too much taken out) and a new stimulant is needed in the form of more coffee, cola, etc; cholesterol has no mechanism to remove it from the blood so it causes a traffic jam and may clog the arteries.

We've learned that emotions affect brain chemistry, and thoughts can change brain chemistry and cause illness or promote healing. I saw on a feature spot on TV about rabbits that were fed a toxic diet to close off their arteries so the effects of various countermeasures could be studied. Although all of the rabbits were fed the same diet, one group didn't develop the problems. Checking the cause of this, it was discovered that the person in charge of that group petted them and talked to them!

It helps sometimes to know you aren't alone. Isolation or feeling like you are alone can cause illness. Depression, because you feel alone, can lead to disease and because of this we need to interact with people who care--not necessarily family but with others who understand and empathize. Sharing your feelings with others who understand, as within a support system, has also proven to be effective.