The Hidden Impact of Stress: Beyond the Surface

Stress has become an omnipresent aspect of life, often minimized to simply an emotional state. Irritability, sleep disturbances, and increased heart rate may trigger a complex array of physiological responses within the body that, if left unchecked, can significantly impact long-term health.

When you experience stress, your body kicks into a "fight-or-flight" response. This natural response is designed to help you survive immediate threats. The stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline surge, preparing you to confront or escape the perceived danger. 

While this acute response is essential, chronic stress, where heightened alert persists, can wreak havoc on your body.  It disrupts various systems, often subtly and unnoticed, until problems arise. This is how stress affects your health.

Chronic stress can significantly impact your:

• Cardiovascular System: Elevated cortisol levels can increase blood pressure and heart rate, increasing the risk of heart disease. This is one way how stress negatively affects physical health.
• Immune System: Prolonged stress weakens your immune system, making you more susceptible to illness.
• Digestive System: Gut health and stress are related to one another. Stress can trigger digestive issues, such as heartburn, irritable bowel syndrome, and stomach ulcers.
• Endocrine System: Hormonal imbalances, including disruptions to thyroid function and reproductive hormones, can result from chronic stress, including cortisol imbalance.
• Nervous System: Stress can exacerbate anxiety, depression, and sleep problems, further fueling the cycle of stress.

These effects often go unnoticed until they manifest as serious health problems associated with stress. While you might dismiss a persistent headache or fatigue as a sign of a "busy week," they could indicate your body's response to chronic stress.

Biomarkers: Unveiling the Body's Stress Response

So, how can you understand what's really happening inside?  This is where the power of a "stress test" and biomarkers comes in. Biomarkers are measurable substances in your body that provide objective insights into your health.  By analyzing specific chronic stress biomarkers, you can understand your body's response and take proactive steps to manage stress.

Key biomarkers for chronic stress include:

• Cortisol: Often called the "stress hormone," cortisol levels rise during stress. Chronically elevated cortisol levels can contribute to various health problems. Cortisol testing is crucial for understanding your body's stress response.
• CRP (C-Reactive Protein): CRP is a marker of inflammation from stress in the body. Stress can trigger inflammation, which is linked to various chronic diseases. Can stress cause CRP levels to rise? Yes, and measuring CRP levels can help identify stress-related inflammation.
• HbA1c (Hemoglobin A1c): While primarily used to diagnose and monitor diabetes, HbA1c, reflecting average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months, can also be impacted by chronic stress. Stress and blood sugar levels are connected and can lead to insulin resistance and elevated blood sugar.
• Lipid Profile (Cholesterol, Triglycerides): Stress can influence cholesterol and triglyceride levels, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Measuring these biomarkers provides a more objective and personalized picture of your body's response to stress.

Mito Health: Your Partner in Stress Management

Mito Health understands the importance of proactive health management. Our comprehensive biomarker testing services provide valuable insights into your body's stress response. Our tests analyze a range of stress-related biomarkers, giving you a complete picture of your health.

We provide personalized reports that explain your results in clear, easy-to-understand language. Based on your results, we offer actionable recommendations for lifestyle changes, stress management techniques, and other interventions to help you improve your well-being.

We strive to make testing accessible and convenient. There are over 2,000 LabCorp locations in the US and BioReference labs in New York, New Jersey, and Rhode Island for blood tests. Mito Health empowers you to take control of your health by providing the data you need to make informed decisions about your stress management strategy.

Take Control of Your Health Today

Understanding and managing stress is essential for long-term health and well-being. Don't let stress's hidden impact compromise your health. Take a proactive approach and gain valuable insights into your body's response with Mito Health's comprehensive biomarker testing.

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FAQs

Q: How do I join?

To join, sign up at mitohealth.com. Select from any of our flagship panels—individual and duo bundles to get comprehensive biomarker testing into your stress indicators. Once you create your profile, choose a location for your blood draw and schedule a date for your blood test.

Q: Is much does biomarker testing cost​?

At Mito Health, we offer our flagship panels at $399 for individual plans and $798 for duo bundles. Each package includes a lab test that covers more than 100 biomarkers, including cortisol, c-reactive protein, and HbA1c, personalized insights from our top doctors, one-on-one health coaching, and exclusive access to lab reports and advanced tests. 

Q: How is biomarker testing done at Mito Health?

A blood test​ is done at one of more than 2,000 LabCorp locations or BioReference labs in New York, New Jersey, or Rhode Island you chose. After the test, your blood sample is brought to the lab to analyze your baseline results.

Q: What do I need to prepare before these tests?

We will provide you with all necessary instructions before your tests. Certain tests may require specific preparations, such as fasting for at least 8 hours before your blood draw.

Q: How long does biomarker testing take?

Depending on the availability of the lab you chose, you can schedule your test as soon as the next day or within a few days. The entire test will only take a few hours.

Q: How and when will I get my test results?

Your results will be sent to you within a week of testing and will be accessible on your health dashboard in a clear format.

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