Stress Hits the Immune System

Researchers at the Ohio State University in Columbus have issued a report which claims stress may make it easier for wounds to become infected.

The team applied bacteria to wounds on laboratory mice. Some of the mice had previously been exposed to simulated "stressful living conditions". Stressed out mice were seen to heal more slowly. Bacteria were also 100,000 times higher after 5 days in the wounds of stressed mice. After 7 days, 85% of stressed mice were still infected, compared to 27% of non-stressed mice.

Dr Philip T Marucha claims, "Stress disrupts the body's equilibrium, in turn significantly impairing it's ability to control and eradicate bacterial infection during wound healing".

So what's the answer? Go rock climbing...Researchers at Texas A&M University have been examining how outdoor activities such as rock climbing and hiking can help reduce stress levels and improve confidence.

Researchers tested volunteers before and after challenging outdoor activities. Urine tests revealed stress hormones were lower in individuals who were in good physical condition.

The researchers claim, "The bottom line is this: if you are in good physical condition, you can probably overcome challenging activities because you will have less anxiety and stress than someone who is not in good shape".

Thursday, 1 November 2001