I’ve seen time and again that many patients experience a major loss or trauma just before their health unravels from biotoxin illness. Stress often acts as the final “hit” that overwhelms the neuroimmune system and triggers the cascade of symptoms I described in last month’s newsletter.
Stress, especially when it’s chronic, disrupts the HPA (Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal) axis, often mislabeled by influencers as, “adrenal fatigue.” While the name is misleading, the principle is correct: ongoing stress dysregulates the stress response system, leaving us vulnerable to inflammation, immune dysfunction, and chronic disease. Without recovery time, the body loses its ability to self-regulate creating dis-ease.
Years ago, when asked about the key to aging well, I didn’t name a laser or cream—I said, “resilience to stress.” Because if we can master stress, we can preserve health and vitality. As I told the interviewer, “A great paint job on a rusty engine won’t get you very far.”
A sure way to age rapidly is to be in a constant state of stress.
Here’s what happens physiologically: the brain signals the adrenals to produce cortisol and adrenaline, fueling fight-or-flight. Normally, once the threat passes, the system resets. But when the “tiger” is psychological and constant, cortisol stays elevated, then eventually drops too low, leaving us depleted. The body tries to adapt by active processes that maintain stability through changes in response to its environmental demands in a process called allostasis. An imbalance, from too much “allostatic load” drains metabolic energy, causing sugar swings, poor sleep, hormone disruption, weight gain, blood pressure changes, anxiety, brain fog, and eventually depression.
Unresolved trauma and feelings of lost control only add to our toxic burden, increasing the risk for autoimmune disease, cancer, infections, infertility, irritable bowel syndrome, cardiovascular issues, and diabetes. This mind–body connection is now studied in a field called psychoneuroimmunology.
Testing the HPA axis with salivary cortisol in relation to the hormone, DHEA can provide insight into this stress resilience and neuroimmune function. A healthy rhythm means cortisol peaks 30–45 minutes after waking, then tapers through the day. When this cycle falters, exhaustion of body, mind, and spirit follows.
There are certain “adrenal cocktails” said to be helpful on social media. But some can be more damaging then good. Proceed with caution if they contain fruit juices; They can dysregulate sugar balance further worsening symptoms. Whole fruits high in vitamin C, fiber, leafy green vegetables, whole unprocessed foods, and grains with B vitamins are beneficial.
Evidenced Based Support of the Brain–Adrenal Connection
- Keep consistent rhythms with sleep, meals, and movement.
- Eat breakfast with fiber, and small frequent meals to stabilize blood sugar.
- Limit exercise sessions to under 45 minutes.
- Use adaptogenic herbs under guidance (e.g., Ashwagandha, Eleuthero, Schizandra, Rhodiola, and Licorice, if appropriate).
- Phosphatidylserine or L-theanine may help lower high cortisol.
- DHEA or pregnenolone may help if testing shows deficiency.
- NAD or IV nutrient support can also be beneficial.
Most importantly, healing requires identifying your stressors and building resilience. Try making two lists: what drains you and what brings joy. Begin shifting time and energy toward your “joy list.” Practices like yoga, diagrammatic breath, prayer, meditation, CBT, EMDR, HeartMath techniques, limbic retraining, and Psych-K can be powerful tools to release trauma and restore balance.
True health requires caring for both body and mind.
Reducing toxin exposure, ridding oneself of energy suckers, resolving childhood trauma, and trusting our intuition “when our body says no,” will strengthen our stress resilience allowing us to heal and live a happier, healthier life!
Wishing you wellness,
Dr. Anjali Noble
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