Stress is an inevitable part of life, but its consequences are not just mood swings and mental fatigue. Continual stress makes people produce extra cortisol, a hormone that has a critical role in adapting to short-term challenges, but chronically in high quantities it tends to cause harm to the body causing lots of physical and mental disorders.

The adrenal glands produce cortisol, which helps the body control its "fight, flight, or freeze" response. Cortisol temporarily adjusts blood sugar levels, maintains blood pressure, and assists the immune system, among other functions, in short spurts. But when stress persists, cortisol remains high, and necessary functions of the body are interfered with and rendered more susceptible to disease.

According to one survey conducted by the American Psychological Association, stress negatively affects a third of Americans' physical health. Concerns are reinforced by research where studies have shown 80% of primary care visits are stress-related.

But why does stress have such a profound impact? Elevated cortisol limits the immune system's ability to fight infections, disrupts hormonal balance, and triggers inflammation. Over time, these changes can lead to serious health complications.

Signs That High Cortisol Is Stressing Your Body

Persistent Eye Twitches

Do you have involuntary eye spasms? These harmless but annoying twitches often indicate elevated cortisol. The tiny muscles around the eyes are extremely sensitive to stress, contracting or spasming because of cortisol's stimulant-like effects.

Skin Breakouts and Sensitivity

Your skin often reflects what is going on inside your body, and chronic stress can cause inflammatory skin conditions. Elevated cortisol levels stimulate oil production, which exacerbates acne. It also slows down the healing process, worsens conditions like eczema, and contributes to general irritation of the skin.

Frequent Bloating and Digestive Issues

It also interferes with the body's balance of salt and water, which causes fluid retention and bloating. Excess cortisol also slows down blood flow to the digestive system, which further weakens gut bacteria and causes poor digestion, excess gas, and abdominal discomfort.

Weight Fluctuations

High cortisol stimulates the production of insulin, which can cause blood sugar to drop, making people want to eat sugary, high-fat foods. For many, this becomes an excuse to stress-eat and gain weight. For others, the opposite is true: their appetite disappears under stress, causing them to lose weight.

Unexplained Bruising

If you’re noticing random bruises, elevated cortisol could be the culprit. This hormone weakens skin proteins and the walls of small blood vessels, making your skin more fragile and prone to damage.

Cold Symptoms That Won’t Go Away

Do you feel rundown or experience muscle aches, fatigue, or upset stomach regularly? Elevated cortisol mimics cold-like symptoms. Long-term stress also weakens the immune system, making you more susceptible to infections.

Also Read: Stressed At Work? Your Sleep Might Be Paying The Price, New Study Shows

Vision Problems

Chronic stress can damage your eyesight. Elevated cortisol disrupts blood flow to the eyes, increases eye pressure, and raises the risk of glaucoma. Symptoms like dry eyes, blurred vision, and light sensitivity are also common.

Irregular Menstrual Cycles

Irregular Menstrual Cycles that disrupt the menstrual period. In females, this leads to hormonal distress causing irregular or missed periods. Over time, it may also disturb fertility.

Tinnitus or Persistent Ringing in the Ears

If you hear ringing, buzzing, or hissing sounds without an apparent source, stress might be the culprit. Cortisol affects the auditory system by interfering with blood flow and nerve function and could be the trigger for tinnitus.

Increased Inflammation and Chronic Disease

Increased levels of cortisol contribute to inflammation that can exacerbate conditions such as arthritis and promote the development of heart disease. Chronic inflammation is also associated with mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression.

Long-term Consequences of Increased Cortisol

Left unchecked, high cortisol levels can lead to more than just short-term discomfort. Chronic stress has been associated with serious conditions such as heart disease, psychiatric disorders, and metabolic syndromes. A 2013 study published in JAMA Internal Medicine underlined the link between stress and physical health, with recent research in Neurobiology of Stres supporting these findings.

Ways Managing Stress and Cortisol Levels

Managing stress and cortisol levels is essential for maintaining overall health. One effective approach is practicing mindfulness through meditation or yoga, which helps lower cortisol by calming the mind and promoting relaxation. Regular physical exercise, especially aerobic activities, helps reduce stress hormones and boosts endorphins. Prioritizing sleep is crucial, as lack of rest can increase cortisol levels; aim for 7-9 hours per night.

Another remedy is an overall balanced diet full of anti-inflammatory foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains that could manage cortisol production. Finally, it would prevent burnout and chronic stress if proper boundaries were set at work and in personal life.

Ozempic (semaglutide) has quickly become a widely used drug for managing type 2 diabetes and supporting weight loss. With its growing use, many people are wondering whether it has any interaction with alcohol. There have also been reports suggesting that Ozempic may reduce alcohol cravings in some users.

While it is not always necessary to completely avoid alcohol while taking Ozempic, doctors say there are certain side effects and risks that should not be ignored. To understand this better, we spoke with Dr Monika Sharma, Senior Consultant in Endocrinology at Aakash Healthcare.

Can Ozempic Make Alcohol Hit Twice as Hard?

Yes, alcohol can feel noticeably stronger when taken alongside medications like Ozempic, and this has a lot to do with how the drug alters digestion, metabolism, and brain signalling. Ozempic belongs to a class of medicines called GLP-1 receptor agonists. It is primarily prescribed for type 2 diabetes and is increasingly used for weight management. One of its key actions is slowing down stomach emptying, meaning that both food and liquids stay in the stomach longer before moving into the intestines.

Dr Sharma explains, “When alcohol is consumed, delayed gastric emptying can lead to uneven absorption. In some people, alcohol enters the bloodstream later but more rapidly once absorption begins, which can raise blood alcohol levels faster and intensify intoxication even with smaller amounts.”

Ozempic and Alcohol: Reduced Appetite and Drinking On An Empty Stomach

Another major factor is appetite suppression. Many people on Ozempic eat significantly less or skip meals altogether, either intentionally or due to reduced hunger. Drinking alcohol on an empty or nearly empty stomach allows it to be absorbed more quickly, as there is little food to slow the process. As a result, an amount of alcohol that once felt manageable may suddenly cause dizziness, flushing, nausea, or loss of coordination much sooner than expected.

Ozempic and Alcohol: Brain Effects and Alcohol Sensitivity

Ozempic also affects areas of the brain linked to reward, fullness, and impulse control. Emerging research suggests that GLP-1 receptor agonists may lower cravings for substances like alcohol, while at the same time increasing sensitivity to its effects. This means that even if the desire to drink decreases, the body’s reaction to alcohol may feel stronger or more unpleasant. Many users report unusual tiredness, light headedness, or nausea after just one drink, often describing it as alcohol “hitting twice as hard.”

Ozempic and Alcohol: Blood Sugar Changes and Hypoglycemia Risk

Blood sugar regulation is another concern. Alcohol can cause fluctuations in glucose levels, and when combined with a medication that tightly controls insulin release and glucose use, the risk of low blood sugar increases, particularly for people with diabetes. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include sweating, shaking, confusion, and palpitations. These signs can resemble alcohol intoxication or worsen its effects, making the experience more intense and potentially dangerous.

Ozempic and Alcohol: Dehydration and Slower Recovery

Dehydration also plays a role. Ozempic can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and reduced fluid intake, all of which increase the risk of dehydration. Alcohol further depletes fluids, and when the body is already low on hydration, alcohol’s impact on the brain and heart becomes stronger. This can lead to faster intoxication, headaches, and a longer recovery time after drinking.

Ozempic and Alcohol: Gut Sensitivity and Worsening Side Effects

Gastrointestinal sensitivity should also be considered. Ozempic commonly causes nausea, bloating, acid reflux, and stomach discomfort, especially in the early months of treatment. Alcohol irritates the stomach lining and relaxes the lower oesophageal sphincter, which can worsen these symptoms. Together, even small amounts of alcohol can trigger stronger negative reactions, reinforcing the feeling that tolerance has suddenly dropped.

Why Alcohol Feels Stronger On Ozempic

While Ozempic does not directly interact with alcohol the way some medications do, its indirect effects on digestion, hydration, metabolism, and the nervous system can make alcohol feel more potent. This is why moderation is strongly advised. People taking Ozempic should limit alcohol intake, avoid drinking on an empty stomach, stay well hydrated, and pay close attention to how their body responds.

In short, Ozempic can make alcohol feel stronger not because it increases alcohol levels directly, but because it changes how the body processes and reacts to alcohol. Being aware of this interaction can help people make safer, more informed choices while using this medication.

Dense, toxic smog covered India’s capital on Monday, driving air pollution to its highest levels in weeks, disrupting travel, and prompting authorities to enforce the strictest containment measures. More than 40 flights were cancelled, with several dozen more delayed. Over 50 trains arriving and departing from New Delhi faced delays of several hours, officials reported. Healthcare experts urged residents to stay indoors as hospitals recorded a surge in patients with breathing problems and irritated eyes. Now, a pulmonologist is warning that indoor air in Delhi might actually be more hazardous than the smog outdoors.

Delhi Pollution: Indoor Air More Toxic Than Outdoor Smog

Indoor air quality in Delhi is reportedly worse than the air outside, according to a lung specialist. Dr. Vivek Nangia, head of pulmonology at Max Healthcare, said indoor spaces can have particulate matter, or PM2.5 levels, nearly two-and-a-half times higher than outdoor readings, even when there are no direct pollution sources indoors.

Also Read: Delhi Sees Rising Cancer Burden With Sharp Increase in Oral and Lung Cancers; Breast Cancer Remains Most Common

“Indoor air can be 20 to 30 times more polluted than outdoor air, so it’s important to monitor and improve it,” he explained. Studies have shown that lung-damaging tiny particles inside homes are “substantially higher” than what nearby government monitors report outdoors. This was also confirmed by a study conducted by the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC) between 2018 and 2020, which surveyed thousands of Delhi households across different income levels, finding that both rich and poor families are affected equally.

Researchers noted that wealthier households were 13 times more likely to own air purifiers than low-income ones, yet indoor pollution in those homes was only about 10% lower than in disadvantaged settings.

“In Delhi, the bottom line is—whether someone is rich or poor, nobody gets to breathe clean air,” said Dr. Kenneth Lee, the study’s lead author. “It’s a complex, vicious cycle.”

Also Read: Delhi Is a Gas Chamber Where Nothing Comes In or Goes Out, Says Expert; Neighboring States Not to Blame for AQI

How Does Indoor Air Quality Affect Your Lungs?

Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) can harm the lungs by causing inflammation, weakening the body’s defenses, and triggering or worsening conditions such as asthma and COPD. Pollutants like dust, mold, VOCs, and smoke can lead to coughing, wheezing, infections, and long-term lung damage, even raising the risk of lung cancer over time. Because the lungs are constantly exposed to air, they are extremely sensitive to irritants, which can reduce lung function and capacity—particularly in children, older adults, and those with pre-existing conditions, according to the American Lung Association.

Dr. Nangia noted that patients are now showing a different kind of chest congestion. “These days we’re seeing two kinds of patients—those who never had lung issues before but are now coming in, saying their coughs, sneezing, and chest congestion started once air quality worsened, and those with existing lung problems who are experiencing much worse symptoms,” he said.

How To Protect Yourself From Indoor Toxic Air?

According to the American Lung Association, protecting yourself from indoor air pollution involves controlling sources of pollutants (no smoking, using low-VOC products), improving ventilation (opening windows, using exhaust fans), using HEPA air purifiers, cleaning regularly (dusting and vacuuming), managing humidity to prevent mold, and wearing N95 masks on days with high outdoor pollution to reduce indoor air infiltration.

Influenza and other respiratory viruses are surging, note the United Nations. In fact Dr Wenqing Zhang, Unit Head for Global Respiratory Threats at the Department of Epidemic and Pandemic Threats Management of the World Health Organization said that this year is marked by "the emergence and rapid expansion of a new AH3N2 virus subclade". This new variant is called J.2.4.1 or subclade K. This was first reported in August in Australia and New Zealand and has since been detected in over 30 countries.

2025 - A Year Of Flu

Earlier in November, the Public Health Ontario's (PHO) data revealed that Ontario and Canada as a whole could be in a "very tough" flu season this year, thanks to the Influenza A or the flu A. The PHO data revealed a 1.8% rise in influenza cases in the last week of October. Now, amid the influenza A outbreak, 3 children have died from the same in Ottawa and Eastern Ontario region.

US is also facing a flu outbreak and as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data, an estimated 2.9 million people have gotten sick so far this season. Among them, 1,200 have also died. This is the 'worst' flu season, point out many experts. For US, the country is seeing a post-Thanksgiving spike in influenza, and saw an 8% increase in people testing positive for the flu.

Super flu or the mutated variant of flu, clade K, has swept the world and caused an early spike in cases worldwide. In Australia, it has caused an early summer spike, while in the UK, it has caused a surge in hospitalization. As per the National Health Service (NHS) England, the number of cases of K flu has been increasing since December 7 and December 11. Hospitalization is up 55% in a week, noted NHS.

Read: Flu Outbreak: Close To 3 Million People Affected, With 1.2k Dead In the US; Where's the Virus Hitting Hardest

Is Flu Shot Effective?

The strain driving the current spike has picked up the nickname “super flu” because it is believed to be a mutated form of influenza A (H3N2), known as “subclade K.”

Influenza H3N2 does not circulate as often as some other flu strains. Dr Simon Clarke, associate professor of cellular microbiology at the University of Reading, explains that the letters “H” and “N” refer to two proteins found on the virus surface, haemagglutinin and neuraminidase. “The numbers simply tell us which versions of those proteins are present,” says Dr Clarke. “It’s a way of grouping strains. This year, H3N2 happens to be the one in the lead.”

“H3 subtypes are relatively uncommon,” he adds. “That means fewer people have built up immunity. There is also evidence they spread more easily and mutate faster, which makes them harder for vaccines to keep up with.

“What we are seeing now is the outcome of that: cases rising sharply earlier than usual, with numbers likely to climb further as winter goes on.”

Recent figures suggest the flu vaccine cuts the risk of hospital admission by roughly 30 to 40 per cent in older adults. That protection rate is lower than for some other vaccines, but it is in line with flu vaccine performance in past years. For that reason, advice has not changed. Vaccination remains the single most effective step people can take to protect themselves and to ease pressure on the NHS.

Super Flu or The K Strain

Known as the superfly, this is H3N2 'subclade K'. It is a type of seasonal influenza A virus and people have not encountered much of it in the recent years. This is why there is less immunity against it. However, the National Health Service (NHS), UK, has already sent out a 'flu jab SOS' to vulnerable people.

NHS has confirmed that the super flu is circulating in England this year, and due to less immunity, it is making it easier to spread across people. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has urged people to get a flu jab. As per the early data, this year's vaccine has offered good protection despite the new strain.

Daniel Elkeles, chief executive of NHS Providers, said that the major concern is that H3N2 is associated with a more severe illness and superflu could be "a very nasty strain of flu". He said that UK could be experiencing a "tidal wave" of illness.

What Is Influenza A?

As per the National Institutes of Health, US, influenza viruses that contains single-stranded RNA that are classified into three types: A, B, and C. Type A and B cause annual epidemics and even pandemics, while type C is a less common disease.

As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Influenza A viruses are descendants of the 2009 H1N1 pandemic virus that emerged in the spring of 2009 and caused a flu pandemic. These viruses, scientifically called the "A(H1N1)pdm09 virus," and more generally called "2009 H1N1," have continued to circulate seasonally since 2009 and have undergone genetic and antigenic changes.

Influenza A(H3N2) viruses also change genetically and antigenically. Influenza A(H3N2) viruses have formed many separate, genetically different clades in recent years that continue to co-circulate.