Coleen Rooney says Wagatha trial triggered arthritis: How stress can impact health

Coleen Rooney has revealed the toll that stress took on her physical health during the 'Wagatha Christie' trial.

In Coleen Rooney: The Real Wagatha Story, a new documentary that has dropped on Disney+, the 37-year-old said the stress of the trial caused her reactive arthritis to flare up.

"It caused anxiety and there were lots of tears. I have reactive arthritis. I’ve had it previously, but this situation brought it on a lot more," she said.

Rooney was sued for libel by Rebekah Vardy after she accused Vardy of leaking stories of her and her family to tabloids in a social media post. The case went to court in 2022 which ultimately saw the judge rule in Rooney's favour.

How stress can affect physical health

While it’s well known that stress can cause a multitude of mental health problems, leading to conditions such as depression, burnout and anxiety, stress can also take a toll on your physical health as well.

"Stress is more than just a feeling; it's a complex biochemical and physiological reaction," Dr Veronika Matutyte says.

As for how it can trigger conditions like arthritis, Dr Matutyte explains that pro-inflammatory cytokines (small proteins that play a role in immune system and blood cells) are released in response to stress.

"In people predisposed to conditions like arthritis, these cytokines can cause inflammation in the joints," she adds. "Over time, repetitive stress and the consequent inflammation can potentially lead to joint damage, thereby either triggering or exacerbating arthritic conditions."

Studies have shown that chronic stress can also lead to everything from heartburn to headaches and even fertility problems.

Stress can also cause blood sugar problems which can lead to conditions such as insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, and chronic stress can also lead to rises in blood cholesterol, triglycerides, blood sugar, and blood pressure which can all lead to heart disease.

"The effects of chronic stress on the body are profound," Dr Matutyte says. "When the brain perceives stress, it activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, leading to the release of cortisol."

The physical implications of stress

Dr Matutyte explains that persistent elevation of cortisol levels can lead to impaired cognitive function, suppressed thyroid function, increased abdominal fat, reduced bone density, raised blood pressure, and lower immunity among other things.

Some of the main physical conditions caused by stress include:

• Cardiovascular disease: "Chronic stress damages the blood vessels and arterial walls due to the increased heart rate and elevated stress hormone levels."

• Obesity: "High levels of the stress hormone cortisol can increase the amount of fat stored in the abdomen."

• Gastrointestinal problems: "Stress doesn't cause ulcers, but it can exacerbate symptoms. It can also aggravate chronic diseases like Crohn's disease or irritable bowel syndrome."

• Cognitive decline: "Chronic stress can lead to cognitive impairment, memory problems, and can even increase the risk for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's."

• Endocrine disorders: "Stress affects the balance and production of hormones, which can lead to conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome, menstrual disorders, and possibly even fertility problems."

Signs and symptoms of chronic stress

Dr Pablo Vandenabeele, clinical lead for mental health at Bupa UK, says that there are several surprising symptoms that you may be experiencing that could indicate that you have high levels of stress. These include:

• Muscle tension: "Your brain sends messages to your muscles to tense up, to help guard against perceived injuries and pain. If you’re waking up with a clenched jaw, or feeling more sensitive than usual, it could be a sign you’re more stressed than you realise."

• Acid reflux: "Stress can lead to an increased amount of acid in your stomach. For those with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), acid reflux may become more prominent when they’re stressed."

• Bloating: "Stress can reduce the amount of blood flowing to your gut, which makes it harder for your body to digest food. This can also lead to abdominal pain and constipation.

• Oily skin: "The stress hormone, cortisol, means your skin’s glands produce more natural oil when you’re stressed. This excess oil can clog your pores and lead to skin complaints like spot breakouts and acne, which can leave you feeling even more stressed."

• Unexpected weight gain: "If you’re putting on weight, despite eating and exercising well, stress could be the culprit. When your body is in fight or flight mode, your cortisol levels increase. Cortisol gives your bloodstream a higher sugar content, which can impact your rate of metabolism, which can lead to weight gain."

• Irregular periods: "If you spot a sudden change to your menstrual cycle, it could be a sign of stress. Cortisol – the stress hormone – can affect your hypothalamus’s ability to work well and release regular reproductive hormones. This may result in lighter or skipped periods."

• Bleeding gums: "High cortisol levels over a longer period can impact your immune system’s ability to work well. When your immune system is suppressed, it may be more difficult for your body to protect you against harmful mouth bacteria, which may lead to bleeding gums."

Simple techniques to de-stress

If you suspect you may be chronically stressed, there are some simple things you can do to help to lower your stress levels.

Dr Matutyte suggests using deep breathing techniques as diaphragmatic breathing "can engage the parasympathetic nervous system, negating the effects of the fight-or-flight response".

She adds cognitive behavioural therapy can also be a good tool, as can avoiding ‘information overload’.

"In today's digital age, constant notifications can be a significant stressor. Setting boundaries for tech use can be beneficial," she explains.

Other ways to de-stress include activities such as painting or puzzles that take up your attention and move it away from everyday stressors. She also recommends establishing a routine that you can follow day to day to give you a sense of normality.

"Remember, while stress is an inherent part of life, chronic unchecked stress can have dire consequences on physical health,” she adds. “Being proactive and recognising the signs is the first step to taking control."

Stress: Read more

• Which areas of the UK are the most stressful places to live? New survey reveals surprising results (Yahoo Life UK, 3-min read)

• Britons stuck in 'toxic age timeline' with unrealistic expectations before 30 (Yahoo Life UK, 5-min read)

• The most stressful time of the day is 7.23am as the top 50 everyday dramas are also revealed (Yahoo Life UK, 6-min read)