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Strange Things Your Body Does When It's Stressed

Updated: May 4

Let’s talk about stress – what It does and how it affects you. Stress is something we all go through—it's a completely normal (and unavoidable) part of life. It can show up as any kind of change, challenge, or pressure that your body reacts to. But believe it or not, stress isn’t always a bad thing! In fact, it can even be helpful at times. For example, it can give you a little extra motivation to get things done, or help you wake up in the morning thanks to a hormone called cortisol (a.k.a. the “stress hormone”). 

While we can’t avoid stress altogether, how we respond to it makes a huge difference in how it affects our health. 




The Stress Chain Reaction – Meet the HPA Axis

When you're stressed, your brain activates a little relay system called the HPA axis:

  • The hypothalamus sends out a hormone called CRH.

  • CRH tells the pituitary gland to release ACTH.

  • ACTH travels to your adrenal glands, which then pump out more cortisol.

This process is helpful in small doses—but if it keeps happening, it can contribute to issues like thyroid problems, Cushing’s disease, or type 2 diabetes.


Stress and Muscle Tension

Ever feel sore after a stressful week? That’s no coincidence. Stress makes your muscles tense up, and if it sticks around too long, that constant tightness can lead to aches and pains—especially in your back, shoulders, and neck.



How Stress Affects Your Breathing


For people with asthma or other lung conditions like COPD, stress can make symptoms worse or even trigger flare-ups.


The Gut-Brain Connection

Your brain and gut are more connected than you might think! The vagus nerve (the longest nerve in the body) helps link the two.


Stress and Your Immune System

Your immune system also takes a hit when you're constantly stressed. Your body's ability to fight off illness weakens, making it easier for infections to sneak in. Over time, this could even lead to autoimmune diseases like:


Bottom Line

Stress is a part of life—we can’t get rid of it completely. But being aware of how it affects your body can help you manage it better. Whether it’s through exercise, meditation, deep breathing, or just taking time to rest, learning how to calm your system down can go a long way in keeping your body and mind healthy.

Nutrition can be a powerful ally when it comes to managing stress—what you eat can directly influence your mood, energy levels, and even how your body responds to pressure. Hire a Registered Holistic Nutritionist today to help you identify nourishing foods that help you make you more resilient in the face of stress.


References

  1. Harvard Health Publishing. (2020, July 6). Understanding the stress response. Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/understanding-the-stress-response


  2. Paragliola, R. M., Corsello, A., Papi, G., Pontecorvi, A., & Corsello, S. M. (2021). Cushing's syndrome effects on the thyroid. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 22(6), 3131. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22063131


  3. Bradley, S. (2025, February 6). 5 signs and symptoms of high cortisol. Health. https://www.health.com/high-cortisol-signs-7554053


  4. Acibadem Health Group. (n.d.). Cushing syndrome and diabetes. Acibadem Health Point. https://www.acibademhealthpoint.com/cushing-syndrome-and-diabetes/


  5. Mayo Clinic Staff. (n.d.). Fibromyalgia: Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved May 4, 2025, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fibromyalgia/symptoms-causes/syc-20354780


  6. American Lung Association. (2024, December 6). Simple breathing exercises to help you manage stress.


  7. Shaffer, A. (2023, July 7). Stress induced asthma: Symptoms, treatment and more.


  8. Respiratory Therapy. (2025, April 29). Perceived stress has deleterious effects on COPD symptoms, quality of life.


  9. Breit, S., Kupferberg, A., Rogler, G., & Hasler, G. (2018). The vagus nerve at the interface of the microbiota–gut–brain axis. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 12, 49. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2018.00049


  10. Cohen, M. (2023, November 22). Can stress cause bloating? And how to manage it. IBS Gut Health Clinic. https://ibsguthealthclinic.co.uk/stress-can-cause-bloating/


  11. Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). The brain-gut connection.

    https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-brain-gut-connection


  12. BetterHelp. (n.d.). Can stress cause heartburn?

    https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/stress/can-stress-cause-heartburn/


  13. Everyday Health. (n.d.). How stress affects digestion. https://www.everydayhealth.com/wellness/united-states-of-stress/how-stress-affects-digestion/


  14. Psychology Today. (2024, July). Stress and IBD: Breaking the vicious cycle. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/gut-feelings/202407/stress-and-ibd-breaking-the-vicious-cycle


  15. Cleveland Clinic. (2022, February 18). Stress nausea: Why it happens and how to deal. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-is-stress-nausea-and-how-to-deal-with-it


  16. News-Medical. (2021, October 4). Gas-related symptoms associated with depression, anxiety, stress, and poorer quality of life. https://www.news-medical.net/news/20211004/Gas-related-symptoms-associated-with-depression-anxiety-stress-and-poorer-quality-of-life.aspx


  17. Consumer Health Digest. (n.d.). How does stress affect digestion? https://www.consumerhealthdigest.com/gut-health/how-does-stress-affect-digestion.html


  18. Shmerling, R. H. (2018, July 11). Autoimmune disease and stress: Is there a link? Harvard Health Publishing. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/autoimmune-disease-and-stress-is-there-a-link-2018071114230Harvard Health

 
 
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