Welcome back to another episode of Medicine with Meaning! Today, we're diving into an experience that touches us all: stress. But we're not just talking about stress as the usual busyness or worry instead, Dr. Julie Taw helps us explore stress as a powerful biological force that shapes everything from our immunity and inflammation to how we age and even how we look and feel. In this episode, Dr. Julie breaks down the science of stress in simple terms, discusses how our bodies react sometimes even to our own thoughts and explains why our modern, fast-paced life can leave us stuck in chronic stress without even realizing it. We’ll also uncover why stress isn’t always the villain we think it is, and how reframing it as a messenger can help us not only heal, but thrive. Plus, Dr. Julie shares actionable tips to help you tune into your body, recognize stress signals, and start building healthier, more resilient habits from deep breathing and mindfulness, to the surprising power of love and human connection. If you’re ready to see stress in a whole new light and discover practical ways to support your mind and body, this episode is for you. Let’s jump in!
00:00 Stress Response Mechanisms Explained
06:57 "Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers"
10:32 Chronic Stress: Harmful Health Effects
13:27 Stress' Impact on Healthspan
18:19 "Oxytocin's Role in Longevity"
19:45 "Inner Health Reflects Outer Beauty"
23:17 Understanding Stress and Health Connections
28:47 Advancements in Stress and Health
30:54 Understanding Stress and Body Health
36:45 "Embrace Stress for Growth"
37:34 Embracing Stress for Growth
42:16 "Self-Love, Connection, Relaxation"
46:29 "Calming the Nervous System"
47:33 "Rethinking Stress Signals"
Understanding Stress as a Messenger: Key Takeaways from Medicine with Meaning, Episode #3
We all talk about being “stressed”, but how many of us truly grasp what’s happening in our bodies, and the ripple effects of chronic tension on our health, longevity, and appearance? In Episode #3 of Medicine with Meaning, host Ibre sits down with Dr. Julie Taw for a fresh, science-driven look at stress: not just as something to “overcome,” but as an essential messenger guiding us toward better health and deeper self-awareness.
1. Stress: More Than Just Feeling Overwhelmed
Dr. Julie begins by breaking down the biology of stress. It turns out, stress isn’t merely a byproduct of a hectic day or looming deadlines, it’s our bodies’ finely tuned response to threats, whether they’re real or perceived. Two systems come into play: the immediate “fight or flight” reaction driven by adrenaline, followed by a hormonal cascade that releases cortisol (the so-called “stress hormone”).
While these responses are crucial for survival, chronic activation—think ongoing work pressure or unrelenting worries—can leave us stuck in permanent overdrive. As Dr. Julie puts it, the brain “does not distinguish between actual stress or perceived stress. Our thoughts can also trigger the stress response.”
2. The Invisible Signs of Chronic Stress
What happens when stress lingers? Dr. Julie explains that while our ancestors faced acute threats (like a predator in the wild), most of us today experience chronic, low-grade stressors from never-ending to-do lists to social pressures, which don’t have clear “end points.” Over time, this persistent stress can manifest as fatigue, digestive issues, headaches, anxiety, and even subtle changes in our immune system.
A striking insight? Many people get so used to these symptoms, they forget what it feels like to be truly well—highlighting the importance of self-awareness and tuning into our bodies’ signals.
3. How Stress Fuels Inflammation and Accelerates Aging
One of the most powerful takeaways from the episode is how stress sets off a chain reaction of inflammation in the body. Prolonged cortisol and adrenaline levels don’t just keep us anxious; they also:
Raise blood pressure, potentially leading to hypertension and heart disease
Disrupt digestion and gut health, altering our microbiome
Increase visceral fat (particularly harmful belly fat)
Promote insulin resistance and risk of diabetes
Suppress immune function, slow healing, and worsen autoimmune flares
Accelerate skin aging and exacerbate conditions like rashes
In short, chronic stress can subtly, but powerfully shape how we age, inside and out.
4. Reframing Stress: From Guilt to Growth
A refreshing thread throughout the conversation is the idea of seeing stress not as a “failure,” but as a messenger. Dr. Julie points out that guilt around being stressed is counterproductive. Instead, when we treat stress like a signal something worth investigating rather than escaping, we can learn, adapt, and make choices that better align with our needs.
She encourages listeners to look for patterns, reflect on their own stories, and notice connections between life events, emotional states, and physical symptoms. “Awareness is the first step,” she emphasizes, which builds agency and fosters resilience.
5. Simple Strategies: The Power of Love, Breath, and Connection
What can we do to break the cycle? Dr. Julie advocates returning to the basics: deep breathing, mindful self-compassion, and perhaps most surprising connection and love. “Oxytocin, the ‘love hormone,’ helps activate the parasympathetic (relaxation) system,” she explains, promoting healing and recovery. Even brief moments of calm like a mindful walk, uplifting music, or connecting with loved ones can diffuse the physiological stress response, creating space for better decisions and emotional balance.
Final Thoughts:
Rather than chasing “stress-free” lives, Dr. Julie suggests we welcome stress as a teacher pausing to ask what it’s telling us, and using its signals to recalibrate our health, relationships, and routines. By reframing stress as a call to self-care, growth, and connection, we embrace the full spectrum of our humanity, leading to longer, healthier, and more meaningful lives.
For more on the science, stories, and practical tips, catch the full episode of Medicine with Meaning. And remember: True health starts from the inside outon e compassionate breath at a time.
Show Website - https://medicinewithmeaning.com/
Dr. Julie Taw's Clinic Website - https://julietawmd.com/
Dr. Julie Taw's Instagram - @julie.taw.md
Media/Podcast Partner: TopHealth - www.tophealth.care
“Disclaimer: Informational only. Not medical advice. Consult your doctor for guidance.”