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.

Delhi woke up under a thick blanket of haze on Tuesday, October 21, just a day after millions celebrated Diwali with fireworks, signalling the start of yet another pollution season that grips the city every winter.

Residents of what is already the most polluted capital in the world were once again forced to breathe toxic air, classified under the “severe” category. In several parts of the city, the Air Quality Index (AQI) climbed beyond 500, about ten times higher than what the World Health Organization considers safe. In some areas, the concentration of PM2.5 and PM10 particles hit alarming peaks of around 1,800, fifteen to twenty times higher than healthy limits.

While we often link these conditions to respiratory problems, experts say the damage extends to the heart as well. To understand this connection, we spoke with Dr Manav Manchanda, Director & Head of Respiratory, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine at Asian Hospital.

How Does Air Pollution Affect The Heart?

An AQI of 400 or more means the air is loaded with fine dust, toxic gases, and heavy metals, levels so high they can strain even healthy lungs and hearts. What was once seen as a seasonal nuisance has now turned into a slow-moving public health crisis affecting millions across Delhi and other northern cities where winter smog pushes AQI readings into the danger zone.

These microscopic pollutants (PM2.5 and PM10) bypass the body’s natural filters in the nose and throat and reach deep into the lungs, settling in the bronchi and alveoli, the small air sacs responsible for oxygen exchange. The result is inflammation, oxidative stress, and swelling of the airways, often accompanied by excess mucus. Even healthy individuals may experience throat irritation, chest discomfort, or a persistent cough.

But the harm does not stop at the lungs. According to Dr Manchanda, “Once particulate matter enters the bloodstream, it circulates through the body and causes inflammation in the blood vessels.” Over time, this inflammation stiffens the arteries, raises blood pressure, and can trigger irregular heart rhythms. Research has shown that even short-term exposure to severe pollution can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes, particularly in those already prone to heart disease.

For healthy adults, this exposure can still cause fatigue, palpitations, or a faster resting heart rate as the body compensates for reduced oxygen intake.

What Short-Term Symptoms Should You Watch For Amid High AQI Levels?

During periods of poor air quality, experts recommend being alert to subtle but important warning signs. Common short-term symptoms include a dry cough, sore throat, breathlessness while climbing stairs, chest pain, watery eyes, or persistent headaches. Many also experience tiredness or dizziness because of reduced oxygen supply. These may appear mild but are early signs of inflammation and air toxicity.

To minimise risk, use an N95 or N99 mask before stepping out, avoid exercising outdoors when pollution levels peak, and consider using an indoor air purifier. Regular lung and heart screenings should no longer be limited to people with existing conditions.

Who Is More Vulnerable to Heart Diseases During High AQI?

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, the groups most at risk include children, older adults, pregnant women, individuals with existing heart or lung conditions, and people from economically weaker sections. These populations are more vulnerable due to developing or aging organs, compromised immunity, and higher exposure to pollution, especially among those living near traffic or using solid fuels for cooking and heating.

How to Protect Yourself From Air Pollution?

1. Track AQI updates using apps like AQI India or AirVisual, or visit the Central Pollution Control Board’s website. On days when AQI levels exceed 200 (considered poor), avoid unnecessary outdoor activity.

2. Get a good air purifier, preferably one with a HEPA filter can help reduce these toxins. Place purifiers in rooms where you spend the most time, such as your bedroom or living area. If multiple devices are not an option, create a single “clean air zone” in one part of your home.

3. In today’s pollution levels, masks are no longer optional. Choose N95 or N99 masks, which are specifically designed to block PM2.5 particles, the same ones responsible for thousands of deaths each year.

4. Certain indoor plants, like peace lilies, areca palms, and snake plants, can help reduce indoor pollutants naturally. While they can’t replace purifiers, they contribute to better air quality and bring a touch of calm to your space.

5. During severe smog, stay indoors as much as possible. If you need to step out, try to do so in the afternoon when pollution tends to ease slightly. Avoid mornings and late evenings, when toxic particles linger close to the ground.

6. Include antioxidant-rich foods such as nuts, berries, and leafy vegetables to fight the oxidative damage caused by pollution. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish or flaxseeds are also beneficial for heart and lung health.

Drink plenty of water throughout the day as it helps flush out toxins, including those inhaled from polluted air.

For the past 25 years, researchers at Northwestern Medicine have been focused on a special group of people: those aged 80 and older whose minds are still remarkably sharp. They call these individuals "SuperAgers." The goal of the research is simple: to figure out why these older adults are able to keep their brains so young and capable.

These exceptional older adults can take memory tests and score just as well as people 30 years younger. This amazing performance completely contradicts the old idea that losing your mental sharpness is an inevitable part of growing old. The SuperAgers prove that it's possible to maintain a youthful mind well into your 80s and beyond.

The researchers hope that by identifying the unique features, both in lifestyle and brain biology, that are linked to SuperAging, they can discover new methods. These methods would aim to boost cognitive resilience (the brain's ability to cope with damage) and ultimately help to slow down or prevent Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia for everyone.

Can Your Brain Age Be Less Than Your Chronological Age?

This research summary was recently published as a perspective article in the academic journal Alzheimer's & Dementia. The researchers explained that with this they hope to find better treatment options for diseases that cause cognitive decline. They stated that having an exceptional memory in old age is absolutely possible and is tied to a specific, unique brain profile.

This discovery is important because it "opens the door to new interventions" and treatments designed to keep the brain healthy late in life.

Who Is Considered A SuperAger?

Over the decades of research, the scientists noticed that SuperAgers often share certain behaviors and personality traits, like tending to be very social and outgoing. However, the most surprising and important discoveries, came from looking directly inside their brains. She said that what they found in the brain tissue itself was truly "earth-shattering" for the research team.

The term "SuperAger" itself was first created in the late 1990s by Dr. M. Marsel Mesulam at Northwestern. Since 2000, 290 SuperAgers have participated in the ongoing study, and scientists have had the unique opportunity to examine 77 donated SuperAger brains after their death. Some of these donated brains contained the telltale signs of Alzheimer's, the protein buildups called amyloid plaques and tau tangles, while others were completely clear of them.

This led researchers to find out there are two different ways to become a SuperAger. One way is resistance, meaning those people simply do not create the Alzheimer's-related plaques and tangles. The second way is resilience, meaning they do develop the plaques and tangles, but the disease markers have no effect on their brain function or memory.

What Makes A Person A SuperAger?

At the Mesulam Center, SuperAgers visit every year for evaluation. An essential part of the program is the option for them to donate their brains after death for detailed scientific examination. The researchers explain that many of the life-changing discoveries made in this paper were only possible because of the "generous, dedicated SuperAgers" who were followed for many years and chose to donate. Some key biological traits of a superager are

Outstanding Memory

On a test that requires remembering a list of words after a delay, SuperAgers score at least 9 out of 15. This high level of performance is equal to that of people in their 50s and 60s.

Youthful Brain Structure

Typical aging causes the cortex (the brain's outer layer) to thin, but SuperAgers show no such significant thinning. They even have a thicker anterior cingulate cortex than adults decades younger. This area is vital for integrating information related to decision-making, emotion, and motivation.

Unique Cells

SuperAgers have more von economo neurons, which are specialized cells strongly linked to social behavior, and they have larger entorhinal neurons, which are crucial for forming memories.

The Power of Sociability

Though SuperAgers have different jobs, hobbies, and exercise routines, the one common lifestyle factor they share is being highly social and having very strong personal relationships.

What's worse than running nose, continuous sneezing, and a fever? It is the dreams you get when you have finally managed to put yourself to sleep, and those dreams are bad, scary, intense, and negative. Why does this happen?

What Is A Fever Dream?

A dream is basically a series of thoughts, images, sensations that you feel while you are sleeping, and scientists tell us that we have our strongest dreams during the rapid eye movement or the REM of the sleep stage.

Certain factors, including you health could influence your sleep visions and your dreams. A change in body temperature, especially when it is higher than usual could lead to a fever dream, which mostly could be intense, like a nightmare.

As per a 2016 study published in the International Journal of Dream Research, 94 per cent of participants described their fever dreams as negative. Another 2013 study noted that one of the participants had dreams that would move "back and forth between a very difficult circumstance and a very comfortable circumstance." A recent online study in 2020, published in the journal Frontiers Psychology noted that of the 164 participants, 100 of them reported fever dreams. Most of them said that fever dreams were more bizarre, and negatively toned.

While fever dream is known in the medical literature, the scientific studies on the same are limited. Many often describe this as an emotionally intense, troubling, strange, out of character, or a scary dream. The dreams could be the result of less social interactions due to someone being sick.

When Does A Fever Dream Happen?

A fever dream happens when the normal body temperature rises 2 degrees above. The normal body temperature is between 97 and 99 degree F. Anyone can develop a fever, due to the following conditions:

• a viral or bacterial infection
• heat exhaustion
• certain inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis
• medicines, such as antibiotics
• an immunization
• a tumor

Why Do You Get Bad Dreams During Fever?

While there is no exact reasoning for it, the 2020 online study notes that the concept behind this is the 'over-heated' brain. High temperature of the body could disrupt the brain's normal cognitive functions. The authors of the 2020 study note, "The basic idea is that the ‘over-heated’ brain is not functioning properly and, therefore, dreams are more bizarre.”

During the REM stage of sleep, the phase where your most vivid dreams unfold, the body already struggles to regulate its internal temperature. When a fever strikes, it disrupts this delicate balance even further, often resulting in intense or disturbing dreams. Fevers can also stir the mind in other unsettling ways, sometimes causing waking hallucinations, irritability, or even brief episodes of confusion.

Dr Mark Rosenblum, who is a sleep psychologist with Hennepin Healthcare, tells CBS News that the reason behind intense dream during sickness is due to REM. He says, "If someone's not getting enough sleep, they get what's called REM rebound on the following nights. And when we have REM rebound, what we'll find is all our dreams tend to be very intense."

Are There Any Symptoms Of Fever Dreams?

As per a 2016 study published in the International Journal of Dream, fever dreams contain some sort of spatial distortion, that include:

• Moving walls
• Creatures with oversized arms and legs
• Metal spheres that move like an organism
• Blackness spreading slowly
• Gigantic insects