The same overall findings held true in Robert Sapolsky’s studies of baboons. Baboons are social primates that have a strict hierarchy but do not have access to alcohol, drugs, junk food, or cigarettes. Nonetheless, top baboons have lower “bad” cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and better functioning immune systems—and again, the lower-ranked animals are at greater risk for all types of early death. Stress linked to low status harms health by raising blood pressure and cholesterol and altering immune response—all of which affect risk for all types of disease. High levels of stress hormones can
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