Stressful situations and civilization and diet-related diseases of the 21st century.

Walter Cannon, in the early 20th century, drew the attention of doctors of the time to the need for a closer study of stress as a phenomenon from the point of view of the effects it has on the human body. Cannon put stress as the body's reaction to a threat, the cardinal function of which is to create conditions for its survival.

Prominent Polish psychologist Jan Strelau defined stress as a state in which an individual experiences strong negative emotions, such as anxiety, apprehension, fear, hostility or aggression. These emotions are accompanied by physiological and biochemical changes. The consequence of depletion of immune resources expended in the mechanism of long-term coping with stress is a breakdown in health. It is concluded - stressful events are co-factors of civilization and diet-related diseases, and on the other hand, diseases and their consequences are a source of psychological stress.

Civilization diseases: .

• Obesity

• Diabetes

• Metabolic syndrome

• Allergies

• Cardiovascular diseases, including stroke

• Bronchial asthma

• Tuberculosis

• Osteoporosis

• Cancers

• Aids

• Mental illnesses: anorexia, bulimia, depression, alcoholism

Cause: .

• Unhealthy, deeply processed, schematized food

• Lack of physical activity

• Leading a sedentary lifestyle and working

• Lack of rest and sleep

• Increased susceptibility to stress

• Fast pace of life

• Use of various stimulants

• Chemization of agriculture

• Excessive environmental pollution

• Mechanization

• More noise and radiation

• Electrosmog (electromagnetic smog)

• Industrialization

• Urbanization

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Physiology of chronic stress:.

- An increase in blood pressure leading to hypertension, - a drastic drop in calcium and magnesium levels, - cardiac arrhythmias caused by prolonged release of norepinephrine and epinephrine, - fluctuations in blood sugar levels - excessive secretion of insulin, leading to insulin resistance in cells, - constantly increasing concentration of free fatty acids in the blood, which causes acidification of the body, - erosions and ulcerations of the mucous membranes, - disregulation of appetite - binge eating, lack of appetite, - premature aging of the body.

From the point of view of psychology, chronic stress can cause:.

- anxiety reactions, - depressive states, - neuroses and affective disorders, - aggressive behavior, - escape reactions.

Behavioral symptoms of excessive stress:.

• Sleep problems, morning fatigue,

• Lack of appetite, overeating or compulsive overeating,

• Avoidance of contact and/or aggression toward others,

• Neglecting duties, frequent use of various stimulants,

• nervous habits (nail biting, lip biting, etc.).

The symptoms accompanying excessive stress can also be caused by various medical conditions. If several of these are present, then it is worth consulting a doctor..

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Suggestions for stress:.

1. Take care of the body and mind.

2. Change lifestyle, Physical activity effectively reduces stress and makes the body produce endorphins (happy hormones).

3. Ensure adequate sleep and proper nutrition.

4. Turn off the phone and the Internet (not at work, of course, but during the time set aside for leisure or contact with family). Being constantly "plugged in" to the phone or Internet also causes stress, as it creates the need to constantly check for information related to work, for example, by chance.

5. Increase the distance when dealing with people is too emotionally or mentally exhausting.

6. Use stress-reduction techniques.

7. Limit everything that goes to waste

8. Get help from loved ones, people who specialize in dealing with stress, and consult a doctor if necessary.

Lesya Sowinskaya MA.

Dietotherapist/Psychodietitian.

Sources:.

Lidia Huber, 2010. adaptive styles to stressful situations in different age groups and civilization diseases of the 21st century. Probl Hig Epidemiol, 91(2): 268-275

http://www.zspdobrodzien.pl/images/Dokumenty/nz/choroby.pdf

https://www.pip.gov.pl/pl/f/d/146311/br%20SposobyNaStresS%201%20Internet.pdf