What is the effect of stress on the immune system?
Short term stress like dealing with an attack or playing a sport does not negatively affect the immune system. The spleen is instructed to release more red and white blood cells. The red blood cells increase oxygen supply to the lungs and heart while the white blood cells are directed to portions of the body most likely to be injured or become infected, namely the skin, bone marrow and lymph nodes. Chronic stress, on the other hand, appears to blunt immune system responses. Studies have shown that those who work in high pressure jobs, have continuous financial problems, marital difficulties or any of the other problems that can cause chronic stress, have lower than normal white blood cell counts, are more vulnerable to colds and other viruses, take longer to recover from them and experience worse symptoms than do people who are under less stress. How do you boost your immune system? There are many ways, including good nutrition and proper rest. There are a number of dietary and health
