8. Chronic Stress: More Than Just Mental Wear and Tear
We often talk about stress in the context of mental health, but chronic stress has biological repercussions that can manifest as physical illnesses, including colorectal cancer. When you’re stressed, your body produces more cortisol, often dubbed the “stress hormone.”
Elevated cortisol levels have multiple effects on the body, one of which is suppressing the immune system. An underperforming immune system can’t effectively detect and fight abnormal cells. This immunosuppressive state allows for a more permissive environment for potential tumors to establish themselves.
What’s more, stress alters your gut microbiome. These are the billions of bacteria living in your gut, helping in digestion and playing a role in your immune system. An altered microbiome may result in an increase in bacteria that produce substances promoting inflammation, a known risk factor for cancer.
Even your eating habits can change under stress, usually not for the better. Stress eating often involves consuming foods high in sugar and fat, which contributes to obesity. The links keep piling up, as stress feeds into other risk factors for colorectal cancer.(8)
