How Extreme Stress Affects The Body <\/p>\n
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June 28, 2026 From blood pressure to sleep issues, here are how extreme stress affects the body <\/p>\n
Image credit: Unsplash<\/p>\n
Heart & blood pressure: Stress triggers adrenaline and cortisol, raising heart rate and tightening blood vessels. Over time this increases risk of hypertension, heart attack <\/p>\n
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Immune system: Short bursts help, but chronic stress suppresses immune cells. You get sick more often and heal slower <\/p>\n
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Digestive system: Stress diverts blood away from the gut. Expect nausea, cramps, acid reflux, or IBS flares. It also alters gut bacteria <\/p>\n
Image credit:\u00a0Unsplash<\/p>\n
Image credit:\u00a0Unsplash<\/p>\n
Muscles & tension: Constant \u201cfight or flight\u201d keeps muscles tight, leading to headaches, back\/neck pain, and TMJ issues
Sleep & brain: Cortisol disrupts melatonin, causing insomnia. It also impairs memory, focus, and decision-making by shrinking the hippocampus over time <\/p>\n
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Hormones & weight: High cortisol spikes blood sugar and increases abdominal fat storage. It can disrupt thyroid, menstrual cycles, and testosterone <\/p>\n
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Skin & inflammation: Stress worsens acne, eczema, psoriasis, and hair loss by increasing inflammation and oil production <\/p>\n
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Image: Reuters\u00a0<\/p>\n
Image: Unsplash<\/p>\n