From blood pressure to sleep issues, here are how extreme stress affects the body
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Heart & blood pressure: Stress triggers adrenaline and cortisol, raising heart rate and tightening blood vessels. Over time this increases risk of hypertension, heart attack
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Immune system: Short bursts help, but chronic stress suppresses immune cells. You get sick more often and heal slower
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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
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Muscles & tension: Constant “fight or flight” 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
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Hormones & weight: High cortisol spikes blood sugar and increases abdominal fat storage. It can disrupt thyroid, menstrual cycles, and testosterone
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Skin & inflammation: Stress worsens acne, eczema, psoriasis, and hair loss by increasing inflammation and oil production