Chronic stress on the nervous system- what we sometimes call “nervous system stress overload” or “high allostatic load”- can be a major cause of long-term inflammation throughout the body. This kind of stress doesn’t just affect your mood or energy levels; it disrupts your gut health, weakens your immune system, and contributes to the development of many chronic diseases.
Your gut and microbiome (the community of bacteria living in your digestive system) play a huge role in your immune health—about 85% of the immune system is closely connected to gut function. When the brain and nervous system are overwhelmed by stress, it throws off the gut’s balance. In turn, this affects immune function and leads to the production of certain immune cells that drive inflammation.
One particularly harmful type of immune response is triggered by cells called TH17, which produce a chemical called inducible nitric oxide (iNOS). iNOS can spread inflammation throughout the body and even enter your cells, affecting your DNA. This leads to the release of inflammatory proteins and chemicals called cytokines, which then activate NF-kappa B—a key molecule in keeping inflammation going. This sets off a “self-amplifying loop,” where inflammation feeds more inflammation, much like a treadmill that speeds up the faster you run.
This chronic inflammation can damage your brain and body over time. It can also cause insulin resistance, leading to problems like blood sugar issues, type 2 diabetes, liver dysfunction, leaky gut, and hormone imbalances.
To reverse this cycle, you have to start by calming the nervous system. That includes identifying stressors and treatments to support the brain and body. Diet and nutrition also play a key role in breaking this cycle. Depending on the person, healing may take anywhere from three months to a year. In the early stages, you might notice 30–70% improvement in symptoms like pain, tremors, or fatigue. Over time, as inflammation is reduced and the body begins to regenerate healthier cells, those improvements can continue.
