Medical Facts About Anxiety You Need To Know

Weakened Immune System

Anxiety often leads to a higher number of colds or other minor illnesses due to a decreased immune response. The relationship between anxiety disorders and the immune system is well-documented but still not well understood. Anxiety can trigger the release of stress hormones, which then cause a variety of changes in the way immune systems respond to threats. Cortisol, an anti-inflammatory hormone, is released when the body is anxious or stressed in some way. Cortisol works by essentially weakening the antibodies that can increase inflammation. Unfortunately, these antibodies also fight germs, leaving individuals dealing with anxiety a little bit more vulnerable to the common cold and other similar illnesses.