The impact of stress on our physical and emotional health | Robert Sapolsky, Ph.D. (#51 rebroadcast) | The Peter Attia Drive

Intro

In this episode of “The Peter Attia Drive” podcast, Peter Attia interviews Robert Sapolsky, a professor of biology, neurobiology, and neurosurgery at Stanford. Sapolsky is renowned for his work on stress, stress-related diseases, and coping mechanisms, which he explores in his book “Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers.” The episode delves into the impact of stress on our physical and emotional health, discussing the molecular and physiologic harm caused by stress and the relationship between stress and disease. Sapolsky also shares insights from studying a population of wild baboons in East Africa, highlighting the role of social rank, personality, and patterns of social affiliation in stress-related diseases. The episode provides valuable information on understanding stress and its effects on our overall well-being.

Main Takeaways

Stress and Disease

• Stress doesn’t directly kill you, but it amplifies and accelerates the diseases of aging.
• Hypercortisolism caused by stress can have harmful molecular and physiologic effects on the body.
• The impact of stress on the developing brain and later in life is significant.
• The relationship between stress and disease is not well understood in some areas, such as cancer.

Stress and Baboon Studies

• Studying a population of wild baboons in East Africa helps understand the relationship between stress and disease.
• Social rank, personality, and patterns of social affiliation affect the baboons’ stress-related diseases.
• Baboons’ natural predators include leopards, lions, and hyenas, but the most likely thing to kill a male baboon is another male.
• The hormone CRH runs the stress response in baboons and is secreted by the hypothalamus.

The Stress Response

• The two main hormones involved in the stress response are adrenaline and glucocorticoids.
• Adrenaline is released by the sympathetic nervous system within seconds of a stressful event.
• Glucocorticoids, like cortisol, are released by the adrenal glands and take longer to kick in but work alongside adrenaline to respond to stress.
• Glucocorticoids increase glucose levels in the bloodstream, deliver it to muscles, and increase cardiovascular tone.

Individual Differences and Stress

• Individual differences in hormone receptors and sensitivity impact how individuals respond to stress.
• Genes, prenatal environment, early development, and psychological factors contribute to individual differences in stress response.
• Glucocorticoid levels vary in different primates due to genetic variations in the glucocorticoid receptor gene.
• Insulin sensitivity and receptor levels also contribute to individual differences in stress response.

Rank, Environment, and Health

• Social rank and the contextual meaning of rank impact stress-related health outcomes in primates and possibly humans.
• Subjective socioeconomic status and feelings of poverty can have a significant impact on health outcomes.
• Local income inequality has a bigger impact on health outcomes than global income inequality.
• Technology and exposure to extreme wealth or disparity can negatively affect children’s development and well-being.

Summary

Stress and Disease

Robert Sapolsky emphasizes that stress doesn’t directly kill you, but it amplifies and accelerates the diseases of aging. Hypercortisolism, caused by stress, can have harmful molecular and physiologic effects on the body. The impact of stress on the developing brain and later in life is significant, although the relationship between stress and disease, particularly in areas like cancer, is not well understood.

Stress and Baboon Studies

Studying a population of wild baboons in East Africa provides valuable insights into the relationship between stress and disease. Social rank, personality, and patterns of social affiliation play important roles in the baboons’ stress-related diseases. Despite having natural predators like leopards, lions, and hyenas, male baboons are most likely to be killed by other males. The hormone CRH, secreted by the hypothalamus, runs the stress response in baboons.

The Stress Response

The stress response involves the release of adrenaline and glucocorticoids. Adrenaline is quickly released by the sympathetic nervous system in response to stress, while glucocorticoids, such as cortisol, take longer to kick in but work alongside adrenaline to respond to stress. Glucocorticoids increase glucose levels in the bloodstream, deliver it to muscles, and increase cardiovascular tone. They also shut down non-essential bodily functions during times of stress, such as digestion, growth, and reproduction.

Individual Differences and Stress

Individual differences in hormone receptors and sensitivity contribute to variations in stress response. Factors such as genes, prenatal environment, early development, and psychological factors impact these differences. Glucocorticoid levels vary in different primates due to genetic variations in the glucocorticoid receptor gene. Additionally, insulin sensitivity and receptor levels also play a role in individual differences in stress response.

Rank, Environment, and Health

Social rank and the contextual meaning of rank have a significant impact on stress-related health outcomes in primates and possibly humans. Subjective socioeconomic status and feelings of poverty can affect health outcomes. Local income inequality has a bigger impact on health outcomes than global income inequality. Technology and exposure to extreme wealth or disparity can negatively affect children’s development and well-being.

Conclusion

Understanding the impact of stress on our physical and emotional health is crucial for maintaining overall well-being. Robert Sapolsky’s research sheds light on the molecular and physiological effects of stress, the relationship between stress and disease, and the role of individual differences and social factors in stress-related health outcomes. By recognizing the importance of stress management, individualized approaches to health, and addressing societal factors that contribute to stress, we can take proactive steps towards improving our overall health and well-being.