8 Silent Signs Stress Is Making You Sick

Is Making You Sick

- Alyssa Jung

1 Unusual Weight Changes

“Stress triggers the release of the hormone cortisol, which changes the way you metabolize fat, protein, and carbs,” says Dr. Shanna Levine, a primary care physician and clinical instructor of medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. Stress can also cause you to overeat or undereat.

WHAT TO DO Snack on nuts. The protein will help if you’re under eating, and the fiber will fill you up if you’ve been bingeing.

2 Breaking Out in Hives

When your body experiences stress, it releases a chemical called histamine and—boom—hives galore. When your immune system is weakened by stress, your skin can also become irritated by things it never used to be sensitive to, such as heat, lotions, or detergent.

WHAT TO DO Put a cool, damp towel on the affected area. If that doesn’t work, take an antihistamine.

3 A Fuzzy Brain