Chemically speaking, during periods of acute stress, glucocorticoids -- a type of adrenal steroid -- promote survival by mobilizing the body’s energy reserves. However, overproduction of these substances can cause serious disruption in cellular function, which can lead to widespread physiological dysfunction.
Digestive Imbalances
When we have to bite our tongues about being passed up for a promotion or deal with the stress of a nasty divorce, our digestive tracts may pay the price. We may find ourselves struggling with nausea, upset stomachs or cramping, all signs of a digestive imbalance.
A 2012 Harvard Health article notes that stress and anger can “affect the movement and contractions of the GI tract, cause inflammation, or make you more susceptible to infection.” Simply put, chronic anger can put you at risk for digestive problems, which certainly won’t improve your mood.
Longer Healing Times:
A quick Google search will deliver thousands of examples of people achieving seemingly impossible recoveries, from surgeries, accidents or illnesses. And while each story has a different beginning, middle and end, in most of these stories there is a common theme -- the patient maintained a positive frame of mind and determination to overcome the challenge they were given. This may not be a coincidence.
A study conducted by Ohio State University found that psychological stress has a direct impact on the body’s ability to heal itself after an injury or surgery, which can lead to infections, longer hospital stays, surgical complications and other health risks.
Pulmonary Functions
For some, our anger is often accompanied by a tight chest and difficulty breathing. Some studies suggest that there may be a link between anger and airway inflammation, which causes those feelings of breathlessness.