The Biology of Belief: Unleashing the Power of Consciousness, Matter & Miracles

by Bruce H. Lipton

The bad side of the coin is when our bodies become chronically stimulated by misperceptions (unfortunately, our stress managing systems cannot distinguish whether a brain-directed response is derived from a real or an imagined fear) and sadness that we can’t let go. This is dangerous to our health because we maintain the “get set” posture I mentioned earlier. In these situations, the stress response becomes chronic and results in a sustained release of the adrenal glucocorticoid hormone cortisol. Overstimulation of this glucocorticoid hormone is directly linked to significant damage and long-lasting functional changes in the brain. For example, chronic stress-related illnesses such as PTSD are associated with alterations in the volume of the brain’s gray and white matter; the region of the hippocampus associated with memory and emotions shrinks as does the amygdala, the brain’s threat center.