The scientific basis for stress as a factor in illness has been uncovered by Ohio State researchers. Turns out that stress causes a chemical called Interleukin-6 to be released into your bloodstream, and turns out that Interleukin-6 is bad cess.
Previous studies have associated IL-6 with several diseases, including heart disease, arthritis, osteoporosis, type-2 diabetes and certain cancers.
The study also found the increase in IL-6 can linger in caregivers for as long as three years after a caregiver had ceased that role because of the spouse's death. Of the test group, 78 spouses died during the survey…
She explained that people under stress tend to respond by doing things that can increase their levels of IL-6.
For example, they may smoke or overeat; smoking raises IL-6 levels, and the chemical is secreted by fat cells. Stressed people also may not get enough exercise or sleep, she added. Exercise reduces IL-6, she said, and normal sleep helps regulate levels of the chemical.
