Allergies and Asthma Arthritis Bowel Conditions Cancer Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Fibromyalgia Hepatitis C Herpes Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Lupus Stress Thyroid

Condition Stress Explanation Stress can have a significant impact on the body, particularly the immune system. With chronic stress, the adrenal glands secrete excess cortisol (the “stress hormone”). This over-production of cortisol can lead to the death of cells in our immune system, e.g. lymph nodes, spleen, thymus gland. The link between stress and autoimmune disorders lies with the balance between cortisol and DHEA (dihydroepiandrosterone – the “anti-aging” hormone). An increase in stress leads to an increase in cortisol and a decrease in DHEA. High levels of cortisol cause immune cells to make more factors that lead to the production of auto-antibodies. A balance between cortisol and DHEA is essential for optimum immune function. Research has shown that sterols and sterolins lower cortisol levels in the body and normalize DHEA thus achieving a balance between these two hormones. A study on immune suppression was conducted on marathon runners since these athletes often get colds or flu following their events. Physical stress can have the same devastating effect on the body as emotional and mental stress – increased cortisol levels. By balancing the cortisol/DHEA levels with sterols and sterolins, the athletes in the study were able to avoid the typical post-event immune suppression.