Stress can play a powerful role when it comes to an individual’s mind and body, but more importantly, their overall health. It has been known that stress is one of the leading causes for obesity, high blood pressure and even heart attacks. Stress can be best described as nervousness or anxiety. It is a sensation that makes an individual’s chest feel like it is closing in, tightening with each and every breath.

To avoid health problems that are caused by stress, it is best to partake in activities that allow stress levels to decrease such as physical exercise or reading a book.

Here are 10 of the most common health problems caused by stress:

1. Alcoholism can lead to deadly consequences such as liver failure or a heart attack. In regards to stress, many individuals choose to seek out unfit solutions to solve their stressful situations like drinking alcohol or consuming illegal drugs. There are dire affects to these solutions and it is best to seek professional help.

2. Arthritis – This can be a condition that comes with old age; however, arthritis can be quickened with unusual amounts of stress. Stress seems to attack the most vital body parts and organs because they are the most overworked, so stress can potentially lead to a crippling lifestyle. Be sure to regularly exercise to actively move your joints and take multivitamins.

3. Cold and sinus infections – Stress can lead to a weakened immune system. Many people can testify to this fact as when stressful events arise, cold and sinus infections pop out of no where. This happens due to the fact that your body is trying to respond to different stimuli all at once because the stress is sending false signals to the brain about different areas that are in need of attention thus leaving areas that need attention unprotected. Fight off a cold or sinus infection in its early stages by taking relief medications such as cough syrup or decongestion medication.

4. Diarrhea – Although it may be embarrassing to discuss, diarrhea is a natural cause due to stress. This happens because of an increase in the metabolism and gastrointestinal motility. Be careful of what foods are being eaten as this could lead to less bathroom trips.

5. Fiber myalgia is a definite concern as it really does affect a person’s everyday routine. Stress can make one believe that their entire body is achy or hurting when it really isn’t. If this behavior goes on for a period of time, the body readjusts itself into believing that different areas need constant attention, which will result in fiber myalgia. The best way to avoid this is by scheduling regular doctor visits to gather professional and knowledgeable information on how to respond to body messages appropriately.

6. Headaches and migraines – Constant reminders of unwanted stress are headaches and migraines. When overwhelming tasks consume a person, this can most definitely lead to headaches or migraines as there is constant thinking taking place within the brain. When the brain becomes overworked due to stress, it can result in radical pain and lead a person disabled from the outside world. Common pain relieve medication can help subdue the pain, but if the pain is too much, then it is advised to seek medical attention.

7. Heart disease – The human heart is designed to take on many responsibilities, yet when those responsibilities are combined with stress, it could lead to deadly consequences. Heart disease is the number one health problem among men and women and most will agree that stress had apart of it. Take active steps now to avoid this deadly disease by eating right, exercising and discussing your feelings to a friend, doctor or family member on a regular basis.

8. Hyperventilation – Stress can cause unwanted panic attacks, which usually result in hyperventilation. Many individuals who suffer from this health problem adjust their lives according to their hyperventilation symptoms as even small tasks can lead to a panic attack. It is best to get to the root of why hyperventilation or panic attacks are happening in the first place and this can be done by speaking with a therapist or through a self-intervention.

9. Indigestion –This is an uneasy feeling within the stomach that can cause heartburn. Indigestion can deeply affect the inner lining of your throat as stomach acids rise up to escape; however, there are many over the counter medications that can help with indigestion.

10. Nausea is definitely a strong health problem that cannot be easily ignored. Stress causes abnormal amounts of anxiety and this could lead to stomach pain, which ultimately ends in an upset feeling in the stomach’s core. Careful breathing and drinking plenty of water can help subdue nausea.

Author Bio : Randy is a content developer working for a retail group where he writes about specialty home products like – silk plants, bedside table lamps, artificial ferns and lot more.