ITV's Dr Amir Khan shares why you're getting ill all the time - and it might surprise you

ITV's Dr Amir Khan, who is also an NHSGP, has shared the reasons you may be getting poorly so frequently, and it's probably not the reason you think. Did you know that long-term stresscan actually make you more susceptible to colds and can even slow down wound healing? Dr Amir shared that if you're stressed for short bursts, it's not bad for you; however, if you're stressed for long periods of time, it can have a massive impact on your immune system.

"It's so hard when you're suffering with chronic stress," he wrote as part of his TikTokcaption, sharing that it doesn't just "cause mental health" struggles.

So, how can chronic stress impact you?

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1. It plays havoc with your immune system

Dr Amir shared: "Short bursts of stress boost immunity, but long-term stress suppresses it. You're more likely to get colds, infections, and slower wound healing.

"Why? Because cortisol reduces white blood cell activity, and increases inflammation".

2. It shrinks your brain

"Chronic stress raises cortisol, which, over time, can shrink the hippocampus. That's the part of your brain linked to memory and learning," he shared.

Dr Amir continued: "Studies show that long-term stress reduces grey matter volume, affecting decision making, and emotional regulation".

3. It ages you faster

Dr Amir shared that "stress speeds up cellular ageing by shortening your telomeres," which are the "caps at the end of your chromosomes".

If you have short telomeres, it means you have a "higher risk of heart disease, diabetes, and even early death".

He then discussed a study that showed carers under chronic stress had cells that were ten years older than non-stressed people.

4. It damages your heart

He said stress can "cause high blood pressure, irregular heart rhythms, and even trigger broken heart syndrome," which he shared is a "real condition" where stress mimics the symptoms of a heart attack, which can be incredibly alarming.

Dr Amir continued: "Cortisol and adrenaline make blood vessels constrict, and the heart has to work harder".

5. It disrupts your gut, brain access

He explained: "Stress throws your digestion out of sync, causing bloating, IBS flare-ups, nausea, and poor nutrient absorption. It also changes the gut microbiome, which can worsen anxiety and mood".

So, what can you do to prevent stress?

Dr Amir shared that you should prioritise sleep, move your body daily, practice deep breathing, meditate, spend time in nature as much as possible, stay socially connected - but he urged people to seek help if things are getting too much and you need to speak to someone.

If you're experiencing stress and you're struggling to manage it, it's important to make an appointment with your GP to discuss options that may be appropriate for you.