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Page 7
| Digestive disorders. |
| The sympathetic nervous system, which is activated during periods of stress, reduces production of most digestive juices, except for stomach acid. Food lies in the stomach, the acid builds up in response to the presence of the food, causing indigestion. In time, this acid can erode the wall of the stomach or intestine, causing an ulcer. Indigestion is a very common sign of excessive stress. Further, many people overeat or undereat during stressful periods, contributing to weight-management problems. |
| Skin disorders. |
| The impact of excessive stress on skin has long been recognized. Two very obvious effects are the appearance of rashes and premature aging. Stress produces rashes by modifying the activity of the immune mechanism. Premature aging of the skin results from stress-induced narrowing of the small blood vessels supplying food and oxygen to the skin cells. |
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