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Cortisol, Memory Loss, And The Fight To Protect Your Mind
Manage episode 520079275 series 2993661
We unpack how chronic stress acts as a chemical force that reshapes the brain, shrinking memory centers, scrambling focus, and turning the fear system up to a permanent high. We map the HPA axis, allostatic load, and a practical toolkit to reverse damage.
• HPA axis and cortisol as the body’s alarm
• Allostatic load as the cost of chronic alert
• Hippocampal atrophy and suppressed neurogenesis
• Prefrontal cortex inefficiency under stress
• Amygdala hyperactivity and reactive fear
• Evidence linking high cortisol to lower brain volume
• Acute stress boosts memory; chronic stress erodes learning
• Breath work to activate the vagus and lower cortisol
• Mindfulness to strengthen prefrontal control
• Nature exposure and social support as buffers
• Resilience as a trainable neurological state
This podcast is created by Ai for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional medical or health advice. Please talk to your healthcare team for medical advice.
Never miss an episode—subscribe on your favorite podcast app!
Chapters
1. Stress As A Physical Hazard (00:00:00)
2. HPA Axis And Cortisol Explained (00:01:37)
3. Allostatic Load And Brain Damage (00:03:25)
4. Hippocampus Atrophy And Neurogenesis (00:04:18)
5. Prefrontal Cortex Under Fire (00:06:31)
6. Amygdala Hyperactivity And Fear (00:07:05)
7. Evidence From Population Studies (00:08:05)
8. Acute Vs Chronic Stress Effects (00:09:10)
9. Practical Tools: Breathing And Mindfulness (00:10:11)
229 episodes
Manage episode 520079275 series 2993661
We unpack how chronic stress acts as a chemical force that reshapes the brain, shrinking memory centers, scrambling focus, and turning the fear system up to a permanent high. We map the HPA axis, allostatic load, and a practical toolkit to reverse damage.
• HPA axis and cortisol as the body’s alarm
• Allostatic load as the cost of chronic alert
• Hippocampal atrophy and suppressed neurogenesis
• Prefrontal cortex inefficiency under stress
• Amygdala hyperactivity and reactive fear
• Evidence linking high cortisol to lower brain volume
• Acute stress boosts memory; chronic stress erodes learning
• Breath work to activate the vagus and lower cortisol
• Mindfulness to strengthen prefrontal control
• Nature exposure and social support as buffers
• Resilience as a trainable neurological state
This podcast is created by Ai for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional medical or health advice. Please talk to your healthcare team for medical advice.
Never miss an episode—subscribe on your favorite podcast app!
Chapters
1. Stress As A Physical Hazard (00:00:00)
2. HPA Axis And Cortisol Explained (00:01:37)
3. Allostatic Load And Brain Damage (00:03:25)
4. Hippocampus Atrophy And Neurogenesis (00:04:18)
5. Prefrontal Cortex Under Fire (00:06:31)
6. Amygdala Hyperactivity And Fear (00:07:05)
7. Evidence From Population Studies (00:08:05)
8. Acute Vs Chronic Stress Effects (00:09:10)
9. Practical Tools: Breathing And Mindfulness (00:10:11)
229 episodes
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