Posted on October 6th, 2008 by Craig Maltby, Editor
More data on stress and the immune system…from people like us
Well, a new consumer survey appears to mirror other data we’ve seen; there’s a whole lotta stressin’ goin’ on out there, and more than 4 out of 5 people believe stress can give your immune system a whoopin’. These results are from a private research firm in Atlanta, Booth Research, on behalf of a commercia
l nutrition client. I’ve quoted some highlights below:
“The survey of 1000 men and women ages 18 and older revealed that 47% of respondents currently feel more stress than they did six months ago. The number one source of stress reported is personal finance concerns, the top response for almost half (49%) of those surveyed. International unrest, war and the presidential election were reported significantly lower as primary causes of stress, registering only 2% each. The survey focused primarily on American’s self-reported sources of stress and methods for coping with stress.
Results shed light on the effects of stress, and the correlation between stress and physical health. About 85% of respondents reported that they believe stress weakens their body’s immune system. According to the survey, females are more likely than men to be aware of the connection that stress can have on immune health.
“‘Recognition of where stress originates and how it manifests, with regard to health, is an important first step that individuals can take to develop strategies for coping,” noted immune health expert Mark Moyad, MD, University of Michigan. “Stress can take a serious toll on the human body if unmanaged, and is a contributing factor to the cold and flu season, which takes place in the United States during the months where extreme weather conditions provide an additional layer of stress to manage.’”
By the way, these results are the same as we’re seeing on our own small poll, currently in progress. You can access the poll here. Be sure to vote! You don’t even have to register or show proof of citizenship, or fiddle with an electronic ballot (or a chad)! Just click the yes box, or the no box.
