Five 'body signals' that appear when I unknowingly feel stressed

When daily life is busy, you may unknowingly worsen your health without realizing that you are under stress. Unknowingly, you might experience symptoms such as itching, decreased concentration, or frequent flatulence, which are signs of your body signaling distress. During such times, it is especially important to take a moment to rest and care for yourself. Here are five stress signals that your body may show.

Itching = Stress activates nerve fibers that cause itching. Additionally, when cortisol, a stress hormone, secretion increases, it leads to increased inflammation in the body, affecting the adrenal glands and causing skin itching. There is also a Japanese study showing that people under excessive stress are twice as likely to experience chronic itching compared to those who are not.

▷Memory and concentration decline = If you have recently been forgetting things frequently and cannot focus on your work, it is a sign that you are under stress. According to a study by the University of British Columbia in Canada, even slight stress can cause problems in brain functions such as concentration and memory. The research team found that when participants were subjected to stress by having observers stand on either side of them while performing a task, most of the subjects experienced a decline in concentration, memory, problem-solving ability, and self-control, even with minor stress.

▷Bad breath and canker sores = When under a lot of stress, bad breath worsens. Stress reduces parasympathetic nervous activity in the body, leading to decreased saliva secretion, which causes the mouth to dry out and creates an environment conducive to the growth of bacteria that cause odor. Canker sores are also prone to develop. Canker sores refer to small ulcers or inflammation that appear on the tongue's papillae and surface, or as red swelling. Stress interferes with blood circulation, reducing blood supply to the salivary glands, which decreases saliva secretion and leads to the formation of canker sores.

Gum bleeding = Bleeding from the gums can also be caused by stress. When the levels of stress hormones in the body increase, the immune system weakens, making it easier for bacteria to invade the gums. According to a Brazilian research team, people who are excessively exposed to stress are at a higher risk of periodontal diseases such as periodontitis compared to those who are not.

Frequent flatulence = Normally, passing gas about 10 to 20 times a day is considered normal, but if it occurs more frequently, stress may be a cause. According to a joint study by the American Rome Foundation Research Institute and the French Danone Nutricia Research team, higher scores on the Gastrointestinal Gas Questionnaire (IGQ) are associated with poorer mental health, as well as higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. The study's author, Professor Olaper Palson, stated, "Frequent gas-related symptoms can not only indicate high levels of depression, anxiety, and stress but also lead to a decline in overall quality of life."

To reduce stress, it is good to find and practice management methods in daily life. For example, taking deep breaths, spending time in nature, talking with others, soaking your feet, focusing on the present rather than thinking about the future or past, and expressing yourself through writing can be helpful.

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Stress is said to be the root of all illnesses~

It's also important to find your own way to relieve stress.