Stress is a physiological response that travels throughout the body, particularly during challenging situations. Chronic stress arising from long working hours or emotional distress has harmful effects on the brain's structure. Here are a set of unexpected effects of stress on the body, according to the British newspaper Express:
**Brain Shrinkage**
When cortisol levels, the stress hormone, rise, the electrical signals in the brain region associated with learning, memories, and stress control deteriorate. The loss of synaptic connections between neurons leads to the shrinkage of the prefrontal cortex, a part of the brain that regulates behaviors such as focus, decision-making, and social interaction.
**Memory Weakness**
The loss of synaptic connections in the brain also results in fewer new brain cells being produced in the learning and memory area, which affects memory. Since high cortisol levels further disrupt neural circuits, this leads to more acute neurological complications, including depression and Alzheimer's disease.
**Blood Pressure**
As the adrenal glands release cortisol, two other hormones—adrenaline and noradrenaline—enter the bloodstream. Chronic stress causes elevated levels of these hormones, prompting the body to constantly prepare for fight or flight. However, when adrenaline reaches the heart, it begins to pump more blood, thus raising blood pressure and increasing the risk of hypertension.
**Increased Cholesterol**
Stress is one of the major contributors to high cholesterol; however, it remains one of the most overlooked factors. The stress hormone cortisol can cause the inner lining of blood vessels to not function properly, leading to cholesterol accumulation in the arteries, thereby increasing the risk of heart attacks or strokes.
**Aging**
We all know that severe stress can accelerate the appearance of gray hair and wrinkles; however, the effects of stress on aging can be much deeper. One of the main sources of aging identified is the gradual shortening of telomeres—repetitive nucleotide sequences located at the end of chromosomes in most living organisms—in our cells during replication. Chronic stress can cause telomeres to shorten more quickly, thus accelerating aging.
**Killing Brain Cells**
In a study conducted by researchers from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, it was discovered that a single stressful social event can kill new nerve cells in the area of the brain responsible for emotion and learning. This area is also one of two in the brain where neurogenesis, or the formation of new brain cells, occurs throughout life.
