Stress, we all recognise it, a racing mind, a tight chest, restless nights. What we may not realise is how deeply stress penetrates our biology, beyond feeling frazzled. A recent study published in Brain, Behavior, and Immunity sheds light on how psychological stress might fuel inflammation with potential long-term consequences for our health. Read the study.
What the Study Examined
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The research analysed data from over 900 adults, aged 34 to 84.
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Participants completed surveys on perceived stress.
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The study measured inflammation markers in their blood: for example, C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and fibrinogen.
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Researchers also assessed cortisol, the stress hormone, tracking its typical daily rhythm: a sharp morning peak followed by a gradual decline.
Key Findings
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Participants reporting higher stress tended to have flatter cortisol cycles throughout the day instead of the normal sharp morning rise and gentle decline.
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Those altered cortisol rhythms were associated with elevated levels of inflammatory markers.
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The data suggest an indirect pathway: stress appears to disrupt cortisol rhythm, which is linked to increased inflammation.
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Importantly, these associations held even after accounting for other factors such as age, body weight, smoking and lifestyle.
Why It Matters
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This shows stress does not just manifest in our thoughts or feelings, it shapes physiology in measurable ways.
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Chronic, low-grade inflammation is linked to many long-term health issues including heart disease and metabolic disorders.
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Understanding the link between stress, hormones and inflammation helps explain why chronic stress has real consequences for long-term physical health.
What It Means for Everyday Life
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Managing stress may help keep inflammation — and thus health risks — in check.
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Practices that support healthy stress levels and hormone regulation can help: good sleep, regular physical activity, relaxing breaks, social connection, mindfulness or gentle movement.
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While the study cannot prove that stress causes inflammation directly, it supports the idea that chronic stress can push the body toward a pro-inflammatory state.
Conclusion
The mind and body are more deeply intertwined than we often realise. Stress is not just a feeling, it is a signal that can reshape hormone patterns and influence the immune system. Recognising this gives us good reason to take stress management seriously not just for our emotional well-being, but for long-term physical health. Small changes in daily habits may pay off in big ways down the line.
