New article:
Persistent worry and experiencing shocking life events can negatively impact an individual’s health, according to research from University College London. The study found that chronic stress can alter the functioning of the immune system, nervous system, and hormones. Financial concerns were identified as one of the most harmful sources of stress in the study.
The research team analyzed the blood of over five thousand subjects, all over the age of 50, measuring markers related to inflammation and immune response. These markers helped categorize individuals into high, moderate, or low-risk groups for illness. The findings revealed that a disruption in the balance between the immune system and hormone production due to chronic stress could lead to various health issues.
Several factors were examined to determine their association with health risks, including financial worries, physical disability, long-term illness, death of a loved one, divorce, and family care. Financial worries were identified as the most detrimental stressor due to its impact on overall quality of life. Long-term financial concerns were particularly concerning as they could lead to social isolation, family conflicts, and even basic needs not being met.
Although physical disability seemed to reduce the risk of being in the high or moderate-risk group for illnesses like heart disease and cancer, other stressors like long-term illness and death of a loved one significantly increased these risks. Those who experienced severe stress were more likely to be in the high-risk group for various health issues like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The probability of being at risk increased with each additional stressor added together.
Surprisingly, genetic factors did not appear to influence how the body responded to stress in this study.
Therefore managing and addressing financial worries can play a crucial role in maintaining overall health and well-being for individuals experiencing shocking life events or persistent worry according to this study by University College London researchers
