We all know that stress isn’t great for us—but just how deep does its impact go?
A new study explored the effects of stress on women with breast cancer, and the results were sobering:
Stress disrupted immune function in ways that actually supported cancer growth.
While stress alone doesn’t cause cancer, it clearly plays a significant role in how the body functions—and how it heals.
In functional medicine, we see this all the time:
👉 Chronic stress can disrupt your immune system
👉 It can throw off your hormones
👉 It can impair digestion and nutrient absorption
👉 It can drain your energy, affect your sleep, and even accelerate aging
The good news? You can train your body to be more resilient.
Let’s talk about how.
🌿 Small Shifts That Help You Manage Stress Better
Stress isn’t just in your head. It lives in your body—in your nervous system, your cells, and even your gut.
Here are a few easy ways to start supporting your body’s response to stress:
1. Move your body—especially in the afternoon.
If you’re someone who crashes mid-afternoon, light movement can help regulate stress hormones, improve circulation, and re-energize your brain.
Here are a few ideas:
- Take a quick 10-minute walk outdoors
- Do some light stretching or desk yoga
- Try 20 squats, jumping jacks, or another short burst of movement
- Switch to a standing desk for part of your workday
Movement doesn’t have to be intense to be effective—consistency matters more than intensity.
2. Ask better questions about stress and your health.
Most doctors don’t bring up stress, simply because there’s no quick prescription for it.
But in functional medicine, we take stress seriously. If you suspect that chronic stress is affecting your health, here are a few important questions to ask:
- Do I need to test my stress hormones (like cortisol)?
- Could stress be affecting my digestion or gut health?
- Am I missing key nutrients because of chronic stress?
- Could stress be impacting my hormone balance?
These are the types of questions we explore with every client—and they often lead to powerful insights and healing breakthroughs.
3. Support your body with the nutrients it burns through under stress.
Did you know that stress depletes key nutrients your body needs to function well?
For example:
- Magnesium – supports muscle relaxation, sleep, and mood
- B Vitamins – help with energy production and brain health
- Vitamin C – crucial for immune support and antioxidant protection
When your body is under stress, you burn through these faster—which can create a vicious cycle of feeling even more stressed and depleted.
Supplements may help, but they’re not one-size-fits-all. Testing and personalized support make a big difference here.
Final Thoughts
Stress is inevitable—but how you respond to it is within your control.
Even small changes in your daily routine—like a 10-minute walk, a better breakfast, or a few minutes of deep breathing—can have a ripple effect on your overall health.
If you’re feeling more stressed than usual (and who isn’t these days?), know that you’re not alone. And if you’re ready for more personalized support, we’re here to help you strengthen your resilience from the inside out.
Here’s to feeling calm, energized, and empowered. 💛
