Stress Isn’t Just in Your Head—It’s in Your Body, Too

When it comes to stress, there’s no shortage of advice out there.

You’ve probably heard things like: 

💥 “Just shift your mindset!” 

💥 “Work out harder!” 

💥 “Power through—it’s nothing a little coffee can’t fix!”

But here’s the truth: Stress isn’t just mental. It lives in your body and nervous system, too.

It might feel like it starts in your mind—but physiological imbalances in your body can make you feel more anxious, more irritable, and less able to cope.

Stress doesn’t just come from what’s happening around you—it’s also shaped by what’s

happening inside your body.

One example? Blood sugar swings.

When your blood sugar drops too low—whether it’s from skipping meals, relying on high-sugar snacks, or going too long between eating—your body perceives that dip as a threat.

To respond, it releases cortisol, your primary stress hormone.

That internal stress response can leave you feeling:

• More anxious or irritable

• Tired but wired

• Struggling to fall asleep or stay asleep

Over time, these imbalances can create a feedback loop that makes it even harder to feel calm and steady.

Supporting Your Stress Response is a Whole-Body Practice

Stress resilience takes time to build.

And while no supplement or smoothie will make stress disappear, nourishing your body well—especially in times of high stress—can make a significant difference in how you feel and function.

At Asheville Functional Medicine, we look at stress through a whole-body lens. From nutrient testing to gut health to hormone balance, we help you understand what’s driving your stress response—and how to support your body in a sustainable way.

You can book a free, 15-minute consultation here.