{"id":8792,"date":"2024-02-22T07:58:52","date_gmt":"2024-02-22T05:58:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/?p=8792"},"modified":"2026-06-18T14:48:22","modified_gmt":"2026-06-18T11:48:22","slug":"stress-and-immunity-as-an-emotional-state-affect-the-body-39-s-ability-to-fight-disease","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/stress-and-immunity-as-an-emotional-state-affect-the-body-39-s-ability-to-fight-disease\/","title":{"rendered":"Stress and immunity: how emotional state affects the body&#039;s ability to fight disease"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"\" data-start=\"93\" data-end=\"493\">The immune system is not only a defense against infections, but also a constant balance of all body systems. It sensitively reacts to any external and internal changes, including our psychological state. Scientific research in recent decades has confirmed a direct connection between <strong data-start=\"354\" data-end=\"394\">stress and decreased immune defense<\/strong>. This is especially true in the modern rhythm of life, when emotional stress has become a chronic phenomenon.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"\" data-start=\"495\" data-end=\"545\"><strong>The biology of stress and its impact on the immune system<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"547\" data-end=\"763\">In response to any stressful stimulus \u2014 physical, emotional, social \u2014 the body activates <strong data-start=\"645\" data-end=\"687\">hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis<\/strong>, which stimulates the emission <a href=\"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/how-stress-hormones-affect-the-body-and-how-to-control-them\/\">stress hormones<\/a>: adrenaline, noradrenaline and cortisol.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"765\" data-end=\"978\">In the short term, this reaction is useful \u2014 it mobilizes strength, speeds up the heartbeat, increases blood glucose levels, and temporarily suppresses unimportant functions, including the immune system. But when <strong data-start=\"957\" data-end=\"977\">prolonged stress<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"980\" data-end=\"1231\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"980\" data-end=\"1035\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"982\" data-end=\"1035\">the activity of natural killer cells (NK cells) decreases<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1036\" data-end=\"1074\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1038\" data-end=\"1074\">T-lymphocyte production decreases<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1075\" data-end=\"1147\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1077\" data-end=\"1147\">the balance of cytokines (proteins that control the immune response) is disrupted<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1148\" data-end=\"1193\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1150\" data-end=\"1193\">the level of pro-inflammatory processes increases<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1194\" data-end=\"1231\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1196\" data-end=\"1231\">tissue regeneration slows down<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1233\" data-end=\"1340\">So, <strong data-start=\"1246\" data-end=\"1302\">the immune system loses its ability to respond adequately<\/strong> on viruses, bacteria, atypical cells.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"\" data-start=\"1342\" data-end=\"1399\"><strong>Typical examples of weakened immunity due to stress<\/strong><\/h3>\n<div class=\"overflow-x-auto contain-inline-size\">\n<div class=\"table-scroll\"><table data-start=\"1401\" data-end=\"2394\">\n<thead data-start=\"1401\" data-end=\"1543\">\n<tr data-start=\"1401\" data-end=\"1543\">\n<th data-start=\"1401\" data-end=\"1440\">Life situation<\/th>\n<th data-start=\"1440\" data-end=\"1494\">Immune response<\/th>\n<th data-start=\"1494\" data-end=\"1543\">Clinical manifestations<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody data-start=\"1687\" data-end=\"2394\">\n<tr data-start=\"1687\" data-end=\"1827\">\n<td>Preparation for exams for students<\/td>\n<td>Decreased secretory IgA<\/td>\n<td>Frequent ARVI, sore throats<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr data-start=\"1828\" data-end=\"1969\">\n<td>Professional burnout<\/td>\n<td>Suppression of T-lymphocyte activity<\/td>\n<td>Chronic fatigue, decreased resistance to infections<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr data-start=\"1970\" data-end=\"2111\">\n<td>Depressive disorders<\/td>\n<td>Cytokine imbalance<\/td>\n<td>Frequent exacerbations of chronic diseases<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr data-start=\"2112\" data-end=\"2252\">\n<td>Difficult care for sick relatives<\/td>\n<td>High level<a href=\"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/analysis\/hormonal-panel\/gipotalamo-gipofizarno-nadnyrnykova-systema\/cortisol\/\"> cortisol<\/a>, delayed healing<\/td>\n<td>Skin infections, regeneration problems<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr data-start=\"2253\" data-end=\"2394\">\n<td>Constant anxiety<\/td>\n<td>Hyperactivation of the immune response, autoimmunization<\/td>\n<td>The appearance of psoriasis, thyroiditis, rheumatic pains<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h3 data-start=\"2396\" data-end=\"2445\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-8794\" src=\"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/angry-young-female-psychologist-screaming-girl-sitting-with-teddy-bear.jpg\" alt=\"Graph of changes in cortisol and lymphocyte levels\" width=\"1200\" height=\"801\" srcset=\"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/angry-young-female-psychologist-screaming-girl-sitting-with-teddy-bear.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/angry-young-female-psychologist-screaming-girl-sitting-with-teddy-bear-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/angry-young-female-psychologist-screaming-girl-sitting-with-teddy-bear-600x401.jpg 600w, https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/angry-young-female-psychologist-screaming-girl-sitting-with-teddy-bear-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/angry-young-female-psychologist-screaming-girl-sitting-with-teddy-bear-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/angry-young-female-psychologist-screaming-girl-sitting-with-teddy-bear-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/h3>\n<h3 class=\"\" data-start=\"2396\" data-end=\"2445\"><strong>What indicates a weakened immune system due to stress<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul data-start=\"2447\" data-end=\"2743\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2447\" data-end=\"2493\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2449\" data-end=\"2493\">persistent colds (more than 3\u20134 times a year)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2494\" data-end=\"2540\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2496\" data-end=\"2540\">frequent recurrences of herpes, fungal infections<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2541\" data-end=\"2578\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2543\" data-end=\"2578\">poor healing of wounds or injuries<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2579\" data-end=\"2621\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2581\" data-end=\"2621\">increased fatigue, apathy, sleep disturbances<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2622\" data-end=\"2674\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2624\" data-end=\"2674\">worsening allergies or new reactions to foods<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2675\" data-end=\"2743\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2677\" data-end=\"2743\">reduced vaccine effectiveness (low antibody titer after vaccination)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"\" data-start=\"2745\" data-end=\"2789\"><strong>Why stressful behavior exacerbates the problem<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2791\" data-end=\"2894\">In addition to direct hormonal effects, people in a state of stress <strong data-start=\"2847\" data-end=\"2893\">often neglect basic healthy habits<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"2896\" data-end=\"3092\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2896\" data-end=\"2925\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2898\" data-end=\"2925\">sleep less or poorly<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2926\" data-end=\"2971\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2928\" data-end=\"2971\">eat irregularly or unbalanced meals<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2972\" data-end=\"3004\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2974\" data-end=\"3004\">reduce physical activity<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"3005\" data-end=\"3047\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3007\" data-end=\"3047\">refuse social interaction<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"3048\" data-end=\"3092\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3050\" data-end=\"3092\">abuse caffeine, alcohol, or drugs<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3094\" data-end=\"3165\">All this further weakens the body and complicates the work of the immune system.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"\" data-start=\"3167\" data-end=\"3216\"><strong>How to support the immune system during times of stress<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3218\" data-end=\"3355\"><strong data-start=\"3218\" data-end=\"3239\">1. Regular sleep<\/strong><br data-start=\"3239\" data-end=\"3242\" \/>The optimal duration is 7\u20139 hours. It is worth going to bed by 11:00 PM, avoiding screens before bedtime, and creating a bedtime ritual.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3357\" data-end=\"3597\"><strong data-start=\"3357\" data-end=\"3385\">2. Complete nutrition<\/strong><br data-start=\"3385\" data-end=\"3388\" \/>The diet should contain proteins, fats, complex carbohydrates, vitamins A, C, D, E, group B, as well as trace elements (zinc, selenium, magnesium). Useful products: liver, eggs, broccoli, fermented milk products, seeds, fish.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3599\" data-end=\"3727\"><strong data-start=\"3599\" data-end=\"3624\">3. Physical activity<\/strong><br data-start=\"3624\" data-end=\"3627\" \/>30 minutes of exercise daily (yoga, walking, dancing) reduces stress and stimulates lymphocyte activity.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3729\" data-end=\"3912\"><strong data-start=\"3729\" data-end=\"3771\">4. Reducing psycho-emotional stress<\/strong><br data-start=\"3771\" data-end=\"3774\" \/>Practices such as 4\u20137\u20138 breathing, meditation, gratitude journals, and art therapy have been proven to be effective in reducing cortisol.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3914\" data-end=\"4101\"><strong data-start=\"3914\" data-end=\"3944\">5. Communication and support<\/strong><br data-start=\"3944\" data-end=\"3947\" \/>Even 10 minutes of calm conversation with a friend or loved one reduces the stress hormone in the blood. Social isolation, on the contrary, increases immune instability.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4103\" data-end=\"4349\"><strong data-start=\"4103\" data-end=\"4127\">6. Medical support<\/strong><br data-start=\"4127\" data-end=\"4130\" \/>During periods of prolonged stress, it is useful to check the general blood test results, vitamin D, glucose, ferritin levels, and perform a basic immunogram. This will allow you to correct deficiencies in a timely manner or identify potential risks.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4103\" data-end=\"4349\">Stress is an integral part of life, but its impact on the immune system depends on our ability to adapt. Taking care of our psycho-emotional state is not only about our mood, but also about the body&#039;s ability to protect itself.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The immune system is not only a defense against infections, but also a constant balance of all body systems. It reacts sensitively to<\/p>","protected":false},"author":627,"featured_media":8793,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[237,234],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8792","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-vitaminy-ta-mikroelementy","category-imunitet-ta-profilaktyka"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8792","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/627"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8792"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8792\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8793"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8792"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8792"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8792"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}