Everyone is familiar with that unpleasant, lingering feeling after a heated argument or a stressful situation at work. It seems the conflict is over, but the body remains drained for several hours. This isn’t just a bad mood or simple psychological fatigue. According to Spanish nutrition experts, this state is driven by a powerful biochemical reaction that can literally paralyze our bodies for up to five hours.
At the heart of this process is cortisol, more commonly known as the ‘stress hormone.’ Fran Zamorano, a well-known dietitian-nutritionist in Spain who specializes in women’s hormonal health, has devoted much time to studying this issue. He explains that any surge of emotion—whether a family argument, traffic jam, or unpleasant conversation—triggers a cascade of reactions in the brain. The so-called hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis is activated, sending the adrenal glands an urgent command to release cortisol. This hormone mobilizes all available energy to fuel the ‘fight-or-flight’ response, which was vital for our ancestors. The problem is that modern stress rarely requires a physical reaction, yet the hormonal storm remains.
What happens when cortisol levels remain elevated for several hours? The consequences affect the entire body. First, there is a sharp increase in cravings for sweet and fatty foods—the brain seeks quick energy to cope with a perceived threat. Second, the body starts actively storing fat, especially in the abdominal area, even with moderate eating habits. Zamorano points out that this is one of the reasons why people experiencing chronic stress struggle to lose weight. In addition, sleep quality deteriorates: it becomes difficult to fall asleep, and waking up does not bring a sense of refreshment. Prolonged exposure to cortisol also disrupts the function of sex and thyroid hormones and weakens the immune system, making us more vulnerable to infections.
The most interesting part is why this effect lasts so long. The reason is that the hormonal system is slow to readjust. Even after the cause of stress has disappeared, the triggered mechanism cannot come to a halt instantly. Cortisol keeps circulating in the blood until the liver and kidneys gradually metabolize it. On average, it takes four to six hours for the body to ‘clear’ itself of the effects of a single intense surge of anger. During this entire time, the body remains in a heightened state of alertness, depleting resources and causing that familiar sense of exhaustion.
Understanding this mechanism changes our approach to self-control. The ability to remain calm is not a sign of weakness, but a conscious act of caring for your health. Every time you avoid unnecessary confrontation or resist irritation, you protect your metabolism, hormonal balance, and overall well-being. When there is biochemical balance within, any goal—whether it’s losing weight or increasing productivity—can be achieved much faster and more easily.
