Are your food choices increasing your stress level?
Did you wake up this morning with tight shoulders and a grumpy outlook? Welcome to the world of chronic stress and inflammation.
If that's you, chances are you're cranking out too much of the stress hormone cortisol and opening yourself up to the wide range of health problems that it causes. They range from disruption in the metabolism of carbs, adipose (fat) tissue, lipids, bones, and proteins to elevated blood pressure, the yin and yang of the immune system-inflammation and suppression, intestinal troubles and increased risk of clotting and easy bruising. Chronic stress can even raise your risk for glaucoma.
You know I believe stress is the No. 1 ager -- and that exercise, meditation, a posse and a purpose can lower stress profoundly. But are you aware that what you eat can also pump up your body-damaging cortisol levels, and changing what you eat can reduce your level of chronic stress?
The main food-based fuels for chronic stress are added sugars and natural sugar in juices (but not in whole fruits). And added sugars don't just boost cortisol levels, the increased cortisol levels make you want more added sugars! Refined carbs, ultra-processed foods, and unhealthy, inflammatory fats also fuel a cortisol spike.
So, for a more relaxed approach to daily challenges, ditch excess natural and added sugars, fatty and fried foods, and ultra-processed foods. And for more tips on taming cortisol, check out "The Great Age Reboot," and get ready (hopefully) to preorder the newest YOU book, "YOU: The Owner's Manual to Getting Older."
Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.4YOUngevity.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at questions@4YOUngevity.com.
(c)2026 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2026 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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