Summary
Highlights
Stress is a universal feeling experienced when challenged or overwhelmed. It's a hardwired physical response that impacts the entire body. While short-term stress can be beneficial, chronic or prolonged stress can be detrimental, changing the brain and damaging organs and cells throughout the body.
The adrenal gland releases cortisol, epinephrine (adrenaline), and norepinephrine during stress. Adrenaline increases heart rate and blood pressure, potentially leading to hypertension over time. Cortisol can impair the normal function of blood vessel linings, triggering atherosclerosis—cholesterol plaque buildup in arteries—which increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.
The brain communicates stress to the intestinal nervous system. This gut-brain connection can disrupt natural digestive contractions, leading to irritable bowel syndrome and increased gut sensitivity to acid, causing heartburn. Stress can also alter the composition and function of gut bacteria, affecting overall health.
Chronic stress increases appetite by releasing cortisol, which prompts the body to crave energy-dense foods and carbs. High cortisol levels also contribute to the accumulation of visceral, or deep belly fat. This fat actively releases hormones and immune chemicals (cytokines) that increase the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and insulin resistance.
Stress hormones initially prepare the immune system for invaders and healing. However, chronic stress dampens the function of some immune cells, making individuals more susceptible to infections and slowing healing. Chronic stress can also shorten telomeres (the protective ends of chromosomes), which measure a cell's age. Shorter telomeres mean cells can no longer divide and eventually die, impacting longevity.
Beyond the major systems, chronic stress can lead to acne, hair loss, sexual dysfunction, headaches, muscle tension, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, and irritability.
Stressful situations are inevitable, but the key is how one responds to them. Viewing challenging situations as controllable and manageable, rather than insurmountable threats, can lead to better performance in the short term and sustained health in the long run.