10 Causes of Inflammation

2. Emotional Stress

Studies show psychological stress interferes with the body's ability to control inflammation, which heightens the risk of disease. Emotional stress triggers the production of cortisol, the flight-or-flight stress hormone that plays a role in inflammation.

Excess cortisol also increases one's risk of contracting an infection. Many people make this connection themselves, noting they are more likely to develop a cold or other minor infection when stressed than when mentally healthy.