When we think about inflammation, most people imagine it’s caused by infections, injuries, or eating too much junk food. But did you know that stress is one of the biggest hidden triggers of inflammation in the body?
As a nutritionist, I see how stress and inflammation can sneakily work together — quietly impacting your gut health, energy levels, skin, and overall wellbeing. Here’s the lowdown on how stress fuels inflammation and what you can do about it.
What is inflammation - and why should you care?
Inflammation is your body’s natural response to injury or infection. Think of it as your immune system’s alarm system - it tells your body to send healing cells to the area that needs repair.
But when inflammation sticks around too long, it turns into chronic inflammation, which can cause all kinds of problems: fatigue, digestive issues, joint pain, skin problems, and even increase your risk for chronic diseases.
How stress sparks inflammation
When you’re stressed, your body releases stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline to help you handle the immediate challenge. This “fight or flight” response is lifesaving in short bursts.
But when stress becomes constant - like with work pressure, relationship worries, or ongoing health issues - your body stays in this heightened state for too long.
That’s when cortisol and other stress hormones start to throw off your immune system balance. Instead of calming inflammation, your body produces more inflammatory molecules, leading to that slow-burning, chronic inflammation that many people don’t even realise they have.
The gut-brain-inflammation connection
Stress doesn’t just impact your brain - it affects your gut too. The gut and brain are tightly connected through what’s called the gut-brain axis.
Chronic stress can disrupt your gut barrier, making it “leaky” and allowing unwanted particles to enter your bloodstream, which further fuels inflammation. Plus, stress can throw off your
What you can do
The good news? While you might not be able to eliminate all stress from your life, you can take steps to lower its impact and reduce inflammation:
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Practice mindfulness or meditation: Even a few minutes a day can help calm your nervous system.
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Prioritise sleep: Quality sleep is key to regulating stress hormones and repairing inflammation.
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Move your body: Gentle exercise like walking or yoga helps reduce stress and inflammation.
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Eat anti-inflammatory foods: Think colourful fruits, veggies, fatty fish, nuts, and seeds.
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Seek support: Talking to a friend, family member, or professional can help you manage stress better.
Final thought
Stress and inflammation are closely linked, and managing stress is a crucial part of any health journey. Your body is smart - when you give it the right tools, it can heal and thrive.
If you’re struggling with symptoms like fatigue, digestive discomfort, or skin flare-ups, it might be time to look beyond your diet and see how stress could be playing a role.
And if you want guidance tailored to you, our nutritionists at Check My Body Health are here to help!
💚 Want to learn more about managing stress and inflammation? Check out our intolerance tests and 1-1 nutrition consultations to start your personalised health journey.
