Stress And The Immune System

Dear Dr. LeCrone:

Over the last several years, I have frequently been sick with a lot of colds and viral infections.

I recently underwent a thorough physical examination, and my physician told me that, in her opinion, I had a very weak and compromised immune system which lowers my resistance to fighting disease.

To use an old expression of my grandmother, I am just plain “run down.” My diet is primarily fast food on the run, and I don’t sleep well. I also have a great deal of trouble relaxing, and I’m constantly pushing myself for higher performance and better results in my career. I’ve been told by the president of my company that I am a poster child for the successful executive. If only
he knew the price that I am paying.

My doctor’s parting comment to me when I was leaving her office was a warning: “Keep this up and you are going to really get sick.” Will you please tell me about the relationship between stress and illness?

-A reader in New York

Dear Reader:

Get ready for this one. Psychoneuroendocrinoimmunology (PNEI) is the medical field that studies the interactions between behavior, the brain, and the endocrine and immune system of the body.

This term embraces the concept that the mind and the body are inseparable. From this comes the idea that stress affects the body’s ability to resist disease.

The whole area of stress management is multifaceted for many reasons. Among these is the recognition that stress is the result of the individual’s perception of what is happening in the environment around him. What is perceived as stressful by one person may be seen as no big deal to the next person.

Past experience, temperament, personality factors, mental and physical health, and social support are some of the things that determine a person’s perception of stress. You mention several of these factors including your diet, sleep deficit, inability to relax and your approach to career issues.

A good resource for people wanting to learn more about stress and the immune system is Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers by Robert M Sapolsky. In his book, Dr. Sapolsky discusses how the body responds to stress and how these responses can be managed effectively.

I hope this information is helpful.

Harold H. Lecrone, Jr., Ph.D. Copyright © 2007