The Root Cause of Disease: Understanding the Impact of Stress and Mood Disorders

Blog Description

Chronic stress and mood disorders can significantly impact physical health, especially in adults over 40 and those managing chronic conditions like diabetes. This blog explores the science behind stress-related illness and highlights holistic and functional medicine approaches—such as yoga, Tai Chi, Reishi mushrooms, mindfulness, and EFT tapping—to support mental, emotional, and metabolic health.

The Silent Culprits

Chronic stress and mood disorders are often overlooked contributors to many health conditions. Persistent activation of the body’s stress response can lead to systemic inflammation, hormonal imbalances, and weakened immunity, creating a fertile ground for chronic diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and autoimmune conditions (McEwen, 2017).

The Science Behind Stress and Disease

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis regulates the body’s stress response. Chronic stress can dysregulate this system, causing prolonged cortisol release, which contributes to hypertension, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular disease (Russell & Lightman, 2019).

Stress also triggers neuroinflammation, increasing levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the brain. This is linked to mood disorders such as depression and anxiety (Köhler et al., 2017).

The Bidirectional Relationship

Chronic disease and mental health interact in a two-way relationship:

• People with chronic conditions, including diabetes, are more likely to develop anxiety, depression, and fatigue (Huang et al., 2010).

• Mood disorders can worsen chronic conditions through inflammation, poor sleep, unhealthy eating, and reduced adherence to treatment (Gimeno et al., 2009).

Holistic and Functional Medicine Approaches

Addressing stress and mood disorders requires more than medication. Functional medicine and holistic approaches focus on the root causes and integrate body, mind, and lifestyle strategies:

1. Yoga – Reduces cortisol, improves insulin sensitivity, and supports mental health (Cramer et al., 2013).

2. Tai Chi – Enhances balance, reduces stress, improves blood pressure, and supports emotional well-being (Wayne et al., 2014).

3. Reishi Mushrooms (Ganoderma lucidum) – Adaptogenic mushroom that may support immune function, reduce inflammation, and improve fatigue in chronic illness (Gao et al., 2003).

4. Mindfulness & Meditation – Lowers stress, improves mood, and helps regulate blood sugar and blood pressure (Goyal et al., 2014).

5. EFT / Emotional Freedom Techniques (Tapping) – Emerging evidence suggests tapping may reduce anxiety, PTSD symptoms, and stress-related hormones (Clond, 2016).

6. Nutrition & Supplements – Anti-inflammatory foods, omega-3 fatty acids, and adaptogens like Reishi or Rhodiola can support stress resilience and metabolic health (Hibbeln et al., 2006).

7. Exercise – Moderate aerobic activity combined with strength training improves insulin sensitivity, mood, and cardiovascular health (Colberg et al., 2016).

Taking Action

Addressing stress and mood disorders holistically empowers adults over 40 to reduce the risk of chronic disease and improve quality of life. Practical steps include:

• Incorporate 10–20 minutes of yoga or Tai Chi daily.

• Practice mindfulness or meditation to calm the nervous system.

• Use EFT tapping for emotional stress regulation.

• Include adaptogenic mushrooms and anti-inflammatory foods in your diet.

• Stay physically active and maintain consistent sleep hygiene.

These interventions complement medical care and can be particularly beneficial for individuals managing type 2 diabetesor other chronic metabolic conditions.

Conclusion

Chronic stress and mood disorders are root causes of many illnesses. Functional medicine and holistic practices—like yoga, Tai Chi, mindfulness, EFT tapping, and adaptogenic supplements—provide safe, evidence-based tools to manage stress, improve mood, and support long-term health.

References

1. McEwen, B. S. (2017). Neurobiological and systemic effects of chronic stress. Chronic Stress, 1, 2470547017692328.

2. Russell, G. M., & Lightman, S. L. (2019). The human stress response. Nat Rev Endocrinol, 15(9), 525–534.

3. Köhler, C. A., et al. (2017). Peripheral cytokine and chemokine alterations in depression. Brain Behav Immun, 64, 301–314.

4. Huang, C., et al. (2010). Depression and diabetes mellitus: A bidirectional relationship. Clin Pract Epidemiol Ment Health, 6, 29–35.

5. Gimeno, D., et al. (2009). Association of chronic diseases with depression and stress. Psychosom Med, 71(4), 425–431.

6. Cramer, H., et al. (2013). Yoga for depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Depress Anxiety, 30(11), 1069–1083.

7. Wayne, P. M., et al. (2014). Effect of Tai Chi on cardiovascular risk in adults. J Altern Complement Med, 20(5), 348–356.

8. Gao, Y., et al. (2003). Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) in cancer treatment. J Ethnopharmacol, 85(1), 25–41.

9. Goyal, M., et al. (2014). Meditation programs for psychological stress and well-being. JAMA Intern Med, 174(3), 357–368.

10. Clond, M. (2016). Efficacy of EFT for anxiety: A meta-analysis. Explore (NY), 12(6), 416–426.

11. Hibbeln, J. R., et al. (2006). Omega-3 fatty acids in mood and metabolic health. Am J Clin Nutr, 83(6 Suppl), 1505S–1519S.

12. Colberg, S. R., et al. (2016). Exercise and Type 2 Diabetes: ADA Position Statement. Diabetes Care, 39(11), 2065–2079.