…If not, you are definitely in the minority! In fact, over half of all Americans report experiencing chronic daily stress. This is a 16-point increase over the past two decades and the highest level recorded to date! This is a major problem because chronic stress poses significant health risks.
The human body was never designed to withstand chronic stress. Have you ever watched an episode of National Geographic and seen an animal frantically running away from its predator? Once the chase is on, it can only end in two ways. Either the animal succumbs to its predator, or it successfully escapes to live another day. This well- known “fight or flight” response applies to humans as well and is meant to be short lived…a few minutes, not hours, days, months, or even years.
Some of you may have heard of the hormone cortisol. Cortisol is the body’s primary stress hormone and is responsible for coordinating the human stress response. When we encounter a stress, cortisol tells our cells and organs to do whatever is necessary to keep us alive…things like increasing our heart rate, pulse, and blood pressure so we can ‘fight or flee’. In the short term, these hormonal reactions are intended to save our lives. But over the long term, the very hormone meant to protect us can become the very thing that kills us.
Chronic stress affects every system in the body, leading to both short-term discomfort and long-term health risks. In fact, research has shown that stress plays a crucial part in up to 75% to 90% of diseases in humans!
Here’s a breakdown of how ongoing stress can negatively impact different areas of your health:
1. Hormonal & Endocrine System
♦️Increased Cortisol Levels – Chronic stress overproduces cortisol, leading to:
• Adrenal stress (burnout, exhaustion)
• Insulin resistance (increased risk of diabetes)
• Weight gain (especially belly fat)
• Menstrual irregularities & reduced fertility
♦️Thyroid Dysfunction – Stress slows down thyroid hormone production, leading to:
• Hypothyroidism-like symptoms (fatigue, weight gain, brain fog)
• Increased risk of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (autoimmune attack on the thyroid)
2. Cardiovascular System
♦️ High Blood Pressure – Cortisol and adrenaline increase heart rate & blood pressure, raising the risk of:
• Heart attack & stroke
• Atherosclerosis (hardened arteries)
♦️Increased Inflammation – Chronic stress triggers systemic inflammation, which:
• Damages blood vessels
• Increases LDL (bad) cholesterol
• Leads to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease
3. Mental Health & Brain Function
♦️Anxiety & Depression – Chronic stress reduces serotonin & dopamine, worsening mood disorders.
♦️Brain Fog & Memory Loss – Cortisol damages a part of the brain known as the hippocampus. This results in:
• Poor concentration
• Short-term memory loss
• Slower cognitive processing
♦️Increased Risk of Dementia & Alzheimer’s – Chronic stress shrinks the brain over time, accelerating cognitive decline.
4. Immune System Suppression
♦️More Frequent Illnesses – Stress lowers white blood cell function, making you more susceptible to:
• Colds & infections
• Autoimmune conditions
♦️Slower Wound Healing & Recovery – Stress reduces collagen production, delaying healing.
5. Digestive & Gut Health
♦️ Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) & Leaky Gut – Stress disrupts gut bacteria, leading to:
• Bloating, diarrhea, constipation
• Increased food sensitivities
♦️Ulcers & Acid Reflux (GERD) – Chronic stress increases stomach acid, leading to:
• Heartburn & indigestion
• Higher risk of ulcers
6. Metabolism & Weight Gain
♦️Increased Belly Fat – Cortisol promotes fat storage in the abdomen, raising risks of:
• Type 2 diabetes
• Fatty liver disease
♦️Cravings for Sugar & Junk Food – Stress increases ghrelin (“hunger hormone”), leading to:
• Emotional eating
• Blood sugar spikes & crashes
7. Sleep Disruptions
♦️ Insomnia & Poor Sleep Quality – Stress increases nighttime cortisol, making it hard to:
• Fall asleep
• Stay asleep
• Enter deep, restorative sleep
Chronic sleep deprivation and interruptions in the normal sleep wake cycle can further fuel the negative health effects of stress.
♦️Waking Up Tired – Even with 8 hours of sleep, high stress can make you feel exhausted & unrefreshed.
8. Musculoskeletal System
♦️Chronic Muscle Tension & Pain – Stress triggers muscle tightness, causing:
• Migraines & tension headaches
• Neck, back, and shoulder pain
♦️Higher Risk of Osteoporosis – Stress reduces bone density, increasing fracture risk.
In summary, chronic stress wreaks havoc on every system in the body. In fact, the detrimental effects of stress can even trump a healthy diet and regular exercise. The good news is that there are many different stress reduction techniques people can implement to mitigate the negative effects of stress. In addition, there are some excellent ‘stress busting’ natural supplements that can be added for extra protection. Stay tuned for more information about them which I will include in my next blog.