Can We Undo the Damage of Chronic Stress?

Undoing The Damage: Chronic stress can harm our bodies in a host of different ways — it’s tied to an estimated 25% to 40% of illnesses, from heart disease to cognitive decline. Previous thinking was that preventing stress altogether was the only way to avoid this damage (not great, considering nearly half of American adults report significant daily stress), but research indicates lifestyle changes could reverse stress effects. 

The Benefits: Stress, inflammation, and natural aging shorten the length of telomeres, the protective caps on the ends of our chromosomes. Lost telomere length is tied to age-related diseases, like heart disease and cancer. While we can’t turn back time on our actual chronological age, research shows adopting lifestyle habits can restore some telomere length by squashing stress and tamping down inflammation. 

How to Do It: While these behaviors may seem simple (and obvious), they’re often the ones that get back-burnered during stressful times. They’re also the ones science has found actually work: exercise regularly. Sleep seven to nine hours a day. Eat a healthy diet packed with plants, fiber, fermented foods, and anti-inflammatory spices. Find support and connection from real-life social networks of friends and family.