Understanding the Impact of Chronic Stress on Your Brain | Dr. Robert Sapolsky

The Doctor's Farmacy with Mark Hyman, M.D.

Stress isn’t just in your head—it’s rewiring your brain. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Robert Sapolsky to dive into the science of stress and its profound impact on mental and physical health. We explore how chronic stress damages the brain, particularly the hippocampus, leading to cognitive decline and mood disorders. Tune in to learn powerful strategies for managing stress, from mindfulness to exercise, and discover what it means for your health and society at large.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The difference between short-term (acute) stress, which can be beneficial in small doses, and long-term (chronic) stress
• The impact of stress on brain health
• The argument that free will is an illusion, as our decisions and behaviors are largely driven by complex biological processes and environmental factors
• How stress interacts with genes and the environment, influencing behavior, health outcomes, and the body's ability to cope with stress
• How chronic stress triggers inflammation throughout the body, contributing to various health problems
• Effective ways to manage stress, including mindfulness, physical exercise, and proper nutrition

View Show Notes From This Episode

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