Latest Trustworthy News from Dr. Mercola - delivered straight to your inbox!

The Mind and Mental Health: How Stress Affects the Brain

According to TOURO University Worldwide, "While stress itself is not necessarily problematic, the buildup of cortisol in the brain can have long-term effects. Thus, chronic stress can lead to health problems." Stress doesn't only affect the brain, but can also affect other areas of the body and include problems such as increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

STRESS RELIEF:  Among all the factors contributing to poor health and early death, stress is perhaps the most pernicious. Stress is so widespread as to be "pandemic" in today's modern world, but suffering ill effects from stress such as weight gain, high blood pressure, and heart disease is not an inevitable fact. And as you learn how to effectively decrease your stress level, your health will improve as well.