How does Dr Kunal Sood explain chronic stress's effect on the body?

Dr. Sood explains that chronic stress elevates cortisol, accelerating aging and damaging DNA through oxidative stress.

What is the link between cortisol and visceral fat?

High cortisol levels promote the accumulation of visceral belly fat, which is linked to insulin resistance and heart disease.

Can stress shrink parts of the brain according to Dr. Sood?

Yes, Dr. Sood states that chronic stress can cause shrinkage in brain regions responsible for memory and executive functions.

Home / Health / Cortisol's Cellular Toll: Aging and DNA Damage

Cortisol's Cellular Toll: Aging and DNA Damage

26 Nov

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Summary

Chronic stress and high cortisol accelerate aging by damaging DNA.
Elevated cortisol contributes to visceral fat accumulation and heart disease.
Stress hormones shrink brain regions responsible for memory and function.

Cortisol's Cellular Toll: Aging and DNA Damage

Chronically elevated stress levels and the resulting cortisol surge accelerate the body's aging process by damaging cells from within. This persistent hormonal imbalance drives biological changes that can impair cellular repair mechanisms and increase DNA damage.

Research indicates that sustained high cortisol exposure is linked to telomere shortening and cellular senescence. This condition not only accelerates aging but also contributes to metabolic issues and a heightened risk of heart disease, partly due to increased visceral belly fat accumulation.

Furthermore, stress hormones like cortisol interfere with DNA repair and cell-cycle regulation, leading to structural changes in key brain regions such as the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. The resulting shrinkage in these areas can impair cognitive functions like memory and executive decision-making.

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