Colleen's increased illness can be attributed to reduced levels of immune function, caused by her increased levels of stress.
Stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline can suppress the immune system, decreasing its ability to fight off infections, leading to an increased incidence of cold and flu infections. Additionally, stress can lead to increased fatigue, decreased appetite, difficulty sleeping, and other issues that can further compromise the immune system. This, in turn, can lead to an even higher incidence of infections. Cortisol is a hormone released by the adrenal glands in response to stress. It is responsible for the body's fight-or-flight response and helps regulate many other bodily processes, including metabolism, immune response, and blood pressure. Cortisol levels are highest in the morning and gradually decline throughout the day. When cortisol is released in large amounts and for long periods of time, it can lead to adverse health effects.
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