Anxiety is often associated with mental and emotional turmoil, but its impact on the body is just as important. For many women, the physical symptoms of anxiety may be more noticeable than the emotional distress, making it difficult to connect the two. As someone who has personally struggled with anxiety, I’ve experienced how anxiety can take over, not just in your thoughts, but also in your physical well-being.

A simple jolt of nerves before a presentation or stressful situation can cause an overreaction in your body, bringing on shaky hands, a racing heart, and even difficulty catching your breath.

This might sound familiar, but the actual physical effects of anxiety reach much deeper, touching parts of the body's inner workings in ways that aren't immediately connected to what we're feeling.

At its very core, anxiety is your body's response to perceived threats, whether real or imagined. It is driven by fear, worry, or stress, and when the body reacts, it triggers the sympathetic nervous system—often referred to as the "fight or flight" response. While this was a life-saver in the past, as it geared our ancestors to fight or flee from threats such as predators, today's anxiety has a propensity to trigger this system without any danger in sight.

Chronic activation can have important and lasting impacts on your health. Let's get into it, including how anxiety actually presents itself physically in the body, the impact of that on your systems, and how you can regain control.

What Is Anxiety?

Anxiety is an automatic and often adaptive response to a stimulus. It can prepare you for that big presentation, or it can help you avoid that dangerous situation, raising your awareness and focus. In general, however, this reaction becomes inappropriate or chronic, causing more distress than that occasional nervousness for so many people, especially for those who have anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorders are extreme fear or worry about situations that usually do not cause such a reaction. Chronic symptoms can build up and affect both mental and physical health.

According to Bobby Thakur, Psychologist, "Anxiety is a normal response to stress. However, when it becomes chronic, it has a profound impact on your body and mind, requiring a deeper understanding of how it affects the body."

Here is a detailed guide on how anxiety manifests in the physical form in the body with expert insights.

Impact of Anxiety on the Brain and Nervous System

One of the first areas of the body affected by anxiety is the brain. Anxiety triggers the "fight or flight" response, which releases hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. While these are useful in acute stress, prolonged exposure to these hormones can be harmful. Chronic anxiety can:

• Disrupt cognitive function, leading to difficulties with memory, concentration, and decision-making.
• Cause frequent headaches and migraines due to the constant tension and overstimulation in the brain.
• Cause dizziness or lightheadedness, which might be caused by hyperventilation or altered blood flow as a result of anxiety.

The long-term effects of these disruptions can hinder daily activities, affecting both professional and personal aspects of life.

Anxiety's Effect on the Heart and Cardiovascular System

Anxiety is not only a mental illness; it affects your cardiovascular system. Anxiety increases your heartbeat, sometimes to alarming degrees, resulting in:

• Tachycardia (rapid heartbeat), which can be a bit frightening and uncomfortable.
• High blood pressure that, with time, is a risk factor for the development of heart disease.
• Palpitations or abnormal heart rhythms that can be frightening, especially during an anxiety attack.

In fact, findings indicate that chronic anxiety has direct associations with cardiovascular diseases thus implying that anxiety should be managed to avoid complications to the heart in the long run.

Respiratory System and Anxiety

Another common physical symptom of anxiety is difficulty breathing. In the case of stress or anxiety, many people are short of breath or hyperventilate, which feels like being unable to breathe. Another common occurrence is tightness in the chest, mimicking an attack, and this, in turn, can trigger more anxiety. For asthma patients, the symptoms become worse with anxiety, bringing about difficulty in breathing, wheezing, and coughing.

Digestive System Disorders

Anxiety causes disturbances in the digestive system and can have a negative effect on an individual. In most instances, various gastrointestinal issues result from anxiety; stress hormones may affect gut, hence symptoms like:

• Stomach pain, nausea, or even vomiting.
• Diarrhoea and constipation since they have been associated as a consequence of the response of the body to tension.
• IBS that tend to flare up due to anxiety resulting in bloatedness, cramping and irregular bowel movements.
• Loss of appetite, or eating too much, which is usually an unconscious behavior to control anxiety.

Because the intestine is often termed the "second brain," there is an actual and strong relationship between mental well-being and gastrointestinal health that can easily be disrupted when one has anxiety.

Muscles, Joints and Tension

Anxiety tends to find its first expression through tension in muscles. Continued stress and apprehension result in:

• Generalized myalgias and stiffness in the neck, shoulders, and back.
• Jaw ache; this is often considered as a secondary symptom to the condition known as bruxism or grinding of the teeth as caused by stress.
• Temporomandibular joint disorders are also found to be commonly associated with anxiety-induced muscle tension

The constant physical tension builds up fatigue and makes the body even harder to relax and recover.

Anxiety and the Immune System

Over time, anxiety can weaken the immune system, leaving the body more susceptible to illness. This is due to:

Chronic stress reducing the efficiency of immune function, making it harder for the body to fight infections.

Increased inflammation in the body, which can worsen autoimmune conditions or lead to new health problems.

If anxiety is chronic, then it may eventually weaken the body's immune system to fight infections and become difficult to remain healthy and to recover from sickness.

Skin Reaction to Anxiety

Anxiety affects more than the internal body. It may also be noticed in the skin. There are various skin conditions related to anxiety, including the following:

• Acne and acne breakouts because of the hormonal response associated with stress.
• Flare-ups of eczema or psoriasis due to emotional stress.
• Excessive sweating in palms, forehead, or armpits.

For some people, these skin conditions may feed their anxiety, thus making it a vicious cycle of anxiety and self-consciousness.

Endocrine System and Hormonal Imbalances

The endocrine system, which controls the production of hormones, is also prone to anxiety. Anxiety and chronic stress can cause:

• Overproduction of cortisol, the body's primary stress hormone, which can lead to fatigue, weight gain, and mood disturbances.
• Thyroid function is disrupted, making patients experience symptoms that mimic those of anxiety, such as restlessness, palpitations, and fatigue.

Anxiety and Its Physical Effects in the Body

While the body can suffer significantly with anxiety, there are different ways to reduce its negative effects. Regular exercise, mindfulness practices such as meditation and deep breathing, and a balanced diet all contribute to overall health and wellness. Professional help, whether it is in the form of therapy or medication, is also necessary to manage chronic anxiety. Treating both the mental and physical symptoms of anxiety will break the cycle and give people back control over their well-being.

Tips and Strategies to Manage Anxiety and Stress

Managing anxiety and stress involves both physical and mental strategies. Taking time-outs, such as practicing yoga or listening to music, helps clear your mind. Eating well-balanced meals and avoiding skipping meals are key for energy. Limiting alcohol and caffeine can reduce anxiety triggers. Ensure adequate sleep, as rest is vital when stressed.

Regular exercise, like brisk walking or swimming, improves health and reduces stress. Deep breathing exercises and counting to 10 can help calm nerves. Also, maintaining a positive attitude, humor, and social connections are essential in managing stress. Learning your triggers and seeking professional help can provide additional support.

Anxiety is not just a mental state; it is a physical experience that impacts nearly every system in your body.

The relationship between physical activity and anxiety in college students. Frontiers in Psychology. 2024

Anxiety. StatPearls. 2023

Anxiety Disorders. NIH

Generalized Anxiety Disorder. NIH

Mr Bobby Thakur is a practising Psychologist at Counsel India.

Showering every day has been a matter of discussion. But you will always find someone who has gone a day or two without a shower. While it is generally not considered unhygienic, dermatologists have now raised concerns about this habit.

There are always red flags which are sent by your skin if you miss bathing. Some of you may experience scaly patches or discoloured parts. It may even start to look dirty because of hyperpigmented spots. It's not dirt, though. If you reach that point, you might want to see a dermatologist right away, who can determine if you have dermatitis neglecta.

Understanding This Condition

Dermatitis neglecta, as the name suggests, is caused by neglecting the skin. While it might look like dirt, it is just neglecting the skin. Besides discolouration, it is also reflective of significant inflammation and irritation caused by a lack of personal hygiene.

Why Does It Happen?

The answer lies in how your skin sheds. Every few weeks, all dead cells are removed. Cells slough off. Showering helps this process along, even if you don't use an exfoliant. Therefore, when you aren't showering, those cells are likely to remain on the upper layer of your skin or epidermis. If left for days, it will naturally combine with all the bacteria, sweat, oils, and grime your skin encounters. And a layer of tough buildup will begin to appear.

How Long Can It Take For A Person To Get Dermatitis Neglecta?

Dermatitis neglecta does not happen overnight or even in a couple of weeks. A 2015 study in the Journal of Dermatology explored three cases. In one of the cases, the affected individual had not cleaned a part of her body for no less than three to four months. (As a side note, the woman had gone through surgery and was worried about causing an infection in the area, which is why she stopped washing it.) Fortunately, the skin treatment for dermatitis neglecta is fairly simple. Most people can resolve skin issues that are related to dermatitis neglecta with regular cleaning and, in stubborn or severe cases, alcohol-based wipe-downs or administration of topical agents.

Have you ever noticed both magnesium and manganese written on the food labels and wondered if they were the same thing? If yes, then you're not alone. Their similar names confuse many but these two essential minerals serve very different roles in the body, and mixing them up could lead to nutritional imbalances or even toxicity.

So What Differentiates Magnesium From Manganese?

The first key difference lies in how much of each your body needs. Magnesium is considered a macromineral, which implies that it is required in relatively large quantities—around 420 milligrams per day for adults. In contrast, manganese is a micromineral or trace mineral, with the recommended daily intake being just 2.3 milligrams. This stark contrast makes accurate dosing crucial, particularly when supplements are involved.

Overconsumption of this mineral can lead to toxicity or other health conditions. Magnesium plays a foundational role in over 300 enzyme systems in the body. These enzymes are involved in vital processes such as protein synthesis, muscle and nerve function, blood sugar regulation, and blood pressure control. It is also essential for the formation of DNA, RNA, and glutathione, as well as for energy production and maintaining heart rhythm through the proper movement of potassium and calcium across cell membranes. Essentially, magnesium is deeply involved in nearly every system in the body.

How To Get These Nutrients?

To ensure you're getting enough magnesium, aim for a diet rich in fibre. Foods such as leafy green vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains are excellent sources. Even certain types of water—like mineral or tap water—can contribute to your magnesium intake.

Manganese, though needed in much smaller amounts, is no less important. This trace mineral supports several key functions, acting as a cofactor for enzymes like manganese superoxide dismutase, arginase, and pyruvate carboxylase. It plays a role in metabolising amino acids, cholesterol, carbohydrates, and glucose. Additionally, manganese is involved in bone formation, immune responses, and reproductive health. Notably, it also helps with blood clotting when working in tandem with vitamin K.

Word Of Caution: Some Food Inhibit Manganese Absorption

You can find manganese in many of the same foods that contain magnesium—leafy greens, legumes, nuts, and whole grains—as well as in teas. However, its absorption can be inhibited by certain compounds like phytic acid and oxalic acid, which are found in foods such as beans, spinach, and soy products. Even tannins in tea can slightly reduce how well your body absorbs manganese.

While both minerals are vital, they are not interchangeable. Taking the wrong supplement or misjudging your dietary needs may mean missing out on the specific health benefits each mineral provides—or worse, consuming a toxic dose.

As with most nutrients, it is best to meet your mineral needs through a varied and balanced diet. Supplements can help in cases of deficiency, but should be used with caution and ideally under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

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Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s Disease after the famed 1930s New York Yankees player, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that continues to challenge scientists and impact thousands of lives each year. May is recognized as ALS Awareness Month, offering an opportunity to raise awareness, deepen public understanding, and support ongoing research and care.

What is ALS?

ALS targets motor neurons—nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord responsible for voluntary muscle movement. When these neurons degenerate and die, the brain can no longer communicate with muscles, leading to muscle weakness, paralysis, and eventually respiratory failure. Most individuals with ALS retain their cognitive function, but lose the ability to walk, speak, eat, and breathe without assistance. The disease progresses over time, with most patients surviving between two to five years following diagnosis.

ALS presents in unique ways from person to person. It can begin in the limbs (limb-onset) or in muscles related to speaking and swallowing (bulbar-onset). While no cure currently exists, treatment advancements have offered hope for improved quality of life and extended survival.

Who is Affected by ALS?

ALS can affect anyone, though it is most commonly diagnosed between ages 40 and 70. According to the CDC, around 5,000 new cases are diagnosed annually in the United States, with about 30,000 people living with the disease at any given time.

There are two major types of ALS:

Sporadic ALS: This is the most common form, accounting for 90% of cases. Though it appears without family history, a portion of cases may involve genetic mutations.

Familial ALS: Representing about 5% to 10% of cases, this inherited form results from specific genetic changes.

Certain groups are at higher risk. Military veterans and firefighters are nearly twice as likely to be diagnosed with ALS—potentially due to environmental exposures, physical trauma, or toxins encountered during service. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs recognizes ALS as a service-connected condition, entitling veterans to specialized care and benefits.

Recognizing Symptoms

Symptoms of ALS can vary widely but often begin with muscle weakness, cramps, twitching, or difficulty with speech or swallowing. As the disease progresses, individuals may experience:

• Spasticity and exaggerated reflexes
• Muscle atrophy, particularly in the hands and legs
• Bulbar symptoms like difficulty speaking (dysarthria) or swallowing (dysphagia)
• Emotional lability (pseudobulbar affect)
• Breathing difficulties

While ALS primarily affects motor function, cognitive or behavioral changes occur in up to 50% of patients. Around 10% to 15% may develop frontotemporal dementia (FTD).

Causes and Diagnosis

Though the exact cause of ALS remains unknown, genetic factors play a key role in some cases. Mutations in genes such as SOD1, C9orf72, FUS, and TARDBP are linked to the disease. Environmental triggers—like toxin exposure, viral infections, and intense physical activity—are also being studied.

ALS is diagnosed by ruling out other conditions through clinical evaluation, EMG tests, genetic screening, and imaging such as MRI. Early diagnosis is essential to access therapies and plan care.

There is no cure for ALS yet, but treatments like riluzole, edaravone, and tofersen (for those with SOD1 mutations) can slow progression. Promising research areas include gene therapy, RNA-targeted treatments, biomarkers like Neurofilament Light Chain, and artificial intelligence for diagnosis and personalized care.