#chronic-stress

#chronic-stress

Why do 80% of patients with autoimmune diseases, like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroiditis and multiple sclerosis, report that their symptoms first appeared after a period of extreme stress? On first blush, this association seems counter intuitive. When one is stressed, large amounts of the stress hormone cortisol are pumping through your body, and cortisol is amongst the most potent anti-inflammatory hormones your body makes. Logically, when you are stressed, your immune system should be tuned down - not turned up as in autoimmune diseases.