Sorry to butt in on this conversation but just wanted to add my two cents that yes stress does play a role in the cause of chronic diseases for some, but it is not the stress specifically but rather the endocrine system being out of balance in a way that causes it to function at a less-than-optimal level. Over-stimulated/over-active adrenal glands is just one example of what this imbalance could look like. Anti-biotics, toxic metals, improper lifestyle, improper diet, etc. cam all throw the endocrine system out of balance and cause the body to go into a state of imbalance that leads to disease. The way I view it, when the endocrine system goes out of balance, it is just a matter of time for disease to manifest if this is not corrected.