10 preconceived ideas about stress
Myth 5: Too much stress will give you an ulcer
In reality, the majority of ulcers are not caused by stress, but by a bacterium present in the stomach, helicobacter pylori, which causes inflammation of the abdominal area and the intestines.
Myth 6: chocolate is a stress reliever
Cocoa is rich in flavonoids and magnesium, compounds known for their stress-busting effects. It also contains tryptophan, a precursor of serotonin, also called the “happiness hormone”… The consumption of cocoa or dark chocolate could therefore have a de-stressing and anti-depressant effect.
Misconception n°7: sport is the best remedy against stress
By triggering the secretion of endorphins and serotonin, sport acts as a real anti-stress. But be careful not to practice it too late at night, as it can induce a state of hyperactivity and sleep disorders.
Myth 8: Drinking a glass of alcohol helps to de-stress
Drinking one or more glasses to relax after a stressful day is a bad idea. In fact, according to a 2008 study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism , alcohol actually promotes the production of cortisol, the stress hormone.
Myth 9: Symptoms of stress are the same for everyone
Tightness in the throat, lump in the stomach, racing heart, fatigue… Although we can recognize a range of possible elements, each organism reacts to stress in a very particular way.
Myth 10: Stress can cause cancer
It has never been proven that a psychological shock linked to a stressful life event could cause cancer. Although many scientific studies have explored this hypothesis, they have not been able to conclude that stress has a direct role in the appearance of cancer.
