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ZOE Science & Nutrition · September 3, 2026 · 59m

The secret to coping with stress - how to protect your brain and body, and feel calmer now

Carmine Pariante
Show Notes

Professor Carmine Pariante explains how the body's stress response, designed for acute threats, becomes harmful when chronic. He covers the physiological effects of sustained stress—including inflammation, heart disease, and brain changes—and how perceived control, exercise, and diet influence resilience. The episode also debunks viral trends like 'cortisol face' and explores why modern life makes it hard to switch off.

This summary was generated from show notes and public descriptions, not from a full transcript review. Details may contain inaccuracies.

Canon

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Chronic stress causes real physiological damage, not just feeling overwhelmed00:25:15
Professor Pariante explains that chronic stress triggers inflammation, arterial damage, and brain changes, similar to the effects of a physical illness.
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Perceived control is the most important factor in managing stress00:41:20
Pariante emphasizes that having a sense of control over one's situation is key to reducing the physiological impact of stress.
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Exercise is a powerful, evidence-based stress reducer00:45:15
Regular physical activity helps lower baseline stress and improves resilience to acute stressors.
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Highlights

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One hour of group singing can significantly lower cortisol00:42:46
A study referenced in the episode found that one hour of group singing led to a measurable drop in cortisol, demonstrating a direct physiological effect of social creative activities on stress.
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Diet, alcohol, and phone use all impact stress levels00:47:57
Pariante discusses how anti-inflammatory foods, avoiding alcohol, and reducing phone use can help manage stress.
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Misc

✧Pariante notes that chronic stress can produce an inflammatory response comparable to having a cold.
✧The episode debunks the viral 'cortisol face' trend, stating it's not clinically supported.
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