Candidate of Medical Sciences, dermatovenerologist Natalya Mikhailova warned in a conversation with RT that constant stress and elevated cortisol levels contribute to a decrease in the body’s overall immunity.
“When you are stressed, the body produces cortisol, also called the stress hormone and the “fight or flight” hormone. Figuratively speaking, the level of cortisol increases at the moment when you need to run after prey, and this requires greater endurance of the body and high physical activity. To ensure this, cortisol increases microcirculation in the muscles, redistributing the volume of circulating blood to those organs that are responsible for running,” emphasized the scientific director of MARTINEX.
She added that this is a fairly useful hormone that provides endurance and protects cells from exhaustion and gives them energy.
“If stress is episodic, then increased production of cortisol is followed by relaxation and its level returns to normal. In this situation, cortisol is not only not dangerous, but also beneficial for the body. It regulates stress, affects the metabolism of fats, proteins, carbohydrates and has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect,” said RT’s interlocutor.
But with chronic stress, cells become insensitive to it, and in order to reduce inflammation, the adrenal glands constantly produce cortisol, as a result they are depleted, the doctor warned.
“In this situation, even if a person is not stressed, he has too much cortisol. Cortisol directly affects the immune system’s T cells, which are called killer cells because they destroy bacteria and abnormal cells. Constant stress and increased levels of cortisol block the work of T cells, as a result, the overall immunity of the body decreases and we begin to get sick more often. Inflammatory processes in the skin intensify, chronic dermatological diseases, such as eczema, worsen, and various infections are added to them,” she warned.
In addition, cortisol affects fat deposition; it accumulates in the abdominal area – this is the so-called visceral fat, the specialist recalled.
“With chronic stress and high levels of cortisol, there is more fat in the face – it becomes moon-shaped and puffy. With an increased level of stress hormone, there is a lack of microelements – potassium, magnesium, vitamin D. Skin damage is restored more slowly, wrinkles and pigmentation appear. Stressed skin is always dehydrated. It is reactive and sensitive, easily inflamed,” said Mikhailova.
She recalled that during exercise, cortisol is consumed and the condition improves.
“Sleep is very important. In people with elevated cortisol levels, it is often disrupted. During sleep, the level of this hormone decreases, melatonin is produced, which is responsible for skin restoration and affects our youth and beauty. You need to sleep 8-10 hours in complete darkness. It is advisable to go to bed and get up at the same time,” the expert concluded.
Previously, neurologist Maxim Pankov said in an interview with RT that for those who work a lot, experience stress from everyday workload and do not get enough sleep at night, an afternoon rest can help cope with fatigue and restore strength during the working day.
Source: russian.rt.com
