As many of us know, stress can leave you feeling run down. Now scientists think they can explain why.
A study has shown how long-term stress plays havoc with the immune system, raising the odds of catching a cold. The
same process could also explain the role of traumatic events in
raising the odds of illnesses from heart disease to depression. Scientists in the U.S. questioned 176 men and women about difficult experiences they had been through in the past 12 months.
Drops of the common cold virus were
then dripped into their nose and scientists checked if they caught the
germ. Those who had been under stress were twice as likely to develop a
cold.
Importantly, tests showed their immune
systems had become less sensitive to cortisol, a stress hormone which
dampens the immune system.
Source - Daily Mail
