How Stress Influences Disease

Mladenoff Clinic of AZ • April 9, 2018

Stress wreaks havoc on the mind and body. Prolonged stress alters the effectiveness of cortisol to regulate the inflammatory response. Runaway inflammation is thought to promote the development and progression of many diseases.

Stress wreaks havoc on the mind and body. For example, psychological stress is associated with greater risk for depression, heart disease and infectious diseases. But, until now, it has not been clear exactly how stress influences disease and health.

A research team led by Carnegie Mellon University's Sheldon Cohen has found that chronic psychological stress is associated with the body losing its ability to regulate the inflammatory response. Published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the research shows for the first time that the effects of psychological stress on the body's ability to regulate inflammation can promote the development and progression of disease.

"Inflammation is partly regulated by the hormone cortisol and when cortisol is not allowed to serve this function, inflammation can get out of control," said Cohen, the Robert E. Doherty Professor of Psychology within CMU's Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Cohen argued that prolonged stress alters the effectiveness of cortisol to regulate the inflammatory response because it decreases tissue sensitivity to the hormone. Specifically, immune cells become insensitive to cortisol's regulatory effect. In turn, runaway inflammation is thought to promote the development and progression of many diseases.

Cohen, whose groundbreaking early work showed that people suffering from psychological stress are more susceptible to developing common colds, used the common cold as the model for testing his theory. With the common cold, symptoms are not caused by the virus -- they are instead a "side effect" of the inflammatory response that is triggered as part of the body's effort to fight infection. The greater the body's inflammatory response to the virus, the greater is the likelihood of experiencing the symptoms of a cold.

Read the full article here: www.eurekalert.org

If you want to decrease your stress and start living a healthier life, make an appointment today with the Mladenoff Clinic AZ by calling or texting (602) 524-0222. You can also email us at info@mladenoffclinicaz.com

By The Mladenoff Clinic of Arizona Team April 2, 2026
The Modern Health Trap No One Is Talking About
By The Mladenoff Clinic of Arizona Team February 3, 2026
The Heart–Spine–Nervous System Connection
By The Mladenoff Clinic of Arizona Team January 14, 2026
Why Spine Health Is Central to Overall Wellness
By The Mladenoff Clinic of Arizona December 22, 2025
Prenatal Chiropractic: Supporting Your Body as It Grows Life
By The Mladenoff Clinic of Arizona Team November 12, 2025
Your Gut: The “Second Brain”
By The Mladenoff Clinic of Arizona Team October 23, 2025
The Foundation: How Nutrition Shapes Your Health Every cell, organ, and system in your body depends on essential nutrients and minerals to function properly. When your nutrition is balanced, your body operates efficiently—repairing tissues, regulating hormones, supporting brain health, and fueling energy production. However, modern diets often lack the nutrients needed for optimal wellness. Processed foods, refined sugars, and chronic stress can deplete your body’s stores of vital vitamins and minerals. Over time, this can contribute to inflammation, fatigue, poor digestion, and even nerve dysfunction. Essential Nutrients for a Strong Nervous System The nervous system is your body’s communication network, connecting your brain to every organ and tissue. Certain nutrients play key roles in keeping it healthy: Magnesium – Calms nerve impulses and supports muscle relaxation. B Vitamins (B1, B6, B12) – Vital for nerve repair, energy metabolism, and cognitive clarity. Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Reduce inflammation and protect nerve cell membranes. Vitamin D – Supports neuromuscular function and immune balance. Calcium & Potassium – Crucial for proper nerve signaling and muscle contraction. When your diet supplies these essentials, your nervous system can communicate clearly and efficiently—helping your entire body function more harmoniously. The Chiropractic Connection: Aligning Structure with Function Your spine is more than just a support structure—it’s the protective pathway for your central nervous system. Misalignments (known as subluxations) can disrupt nerve communication between the brain and body, leading to discomfort, reduced mobility, and decreased organ function over time. Chiropractic care helps restore proper alignment and motion to the spine, reducing interference within the nervous system. When your spine is aligned, your body can better regulate its internal systems—improving digestion, circulation, immune response, and even mood. At Mladenoff Clinic of Arizona, our goal is to help patients achieve balance from within. Regular chiropractic adjustments, combined with proper nutrition, create the foundation for lasting health and vitality. Lifestyle Synergy: Simple Daily Habits for Lasting Wellness Wellness isn’t achieved overnight—it’s built through consistent, intentional habits that support your body’s natural healing ability. Here are a few daily practices we recommend: Start Your Day with Hydration: Water supports every metabolic process and helps flush toxins. Prioritize Whole Foods: Choose nutrient-dense foods like leafy greens, lean proteins, nuts, seeds, and colorful fruits. Move Regularly: Gentle exercise, stretching, and posture awareness complement chiropractic care. Manage Stress: Breathing exercises, mindfulness, and adequate sleep keep your nervous system balanced. Schedule Regular Chiropractic Checkups: Prevent small misalignments from becoming chronic problems. Your Path to Total Wellness Starts Here At Mladenoff Clinic of Arizona, we take a comprehensive approach to your health; combining chiropractic care, nutritional guidance, and lifestyle education to help your body function at its full potential. When your spine is aligned and your cells are nourished, your body can truly heal, thrive, and perform at its best. Ready to Feel the Difference? Experience how proper nutrition and chiropractic care can transform your health. 📞 Call or Text Dr. Diana at the Mladenoff Clinic of Arizona today 1 (602) 524-0222 or schedule your appointment online to begin your journey toward natural wellness and a vibrant, energized life. Wellness awaits you.
Show More