Ever wondered what’s really happening inside your brain when stress won’t let go? Meet your microglia—the tiny “housekeepers” of the nervous system. Under normal conditions, they’re helpful, keeping your brain clean and balanced. But under chronic stress, these housekeepers can get overzealous, flipping into “grumpy mode” and fueling inflammation that affects mood, memory, and mental health.

In this episode of Strides to Solutions, Esther Adams explores the fascinating science of how stress reshapes brain health through microglia. Listeners will learn:

* How microglia normally protect and clean your brain

* Why chronic stress pushes them into a damaging inflammatory state

* The concept of “parainflammation” and why it matters for mood and resilience

* How microglial overdrive connects to depression and brain fog

* Simple lifestyle practices that help restore balance and calm the system

Fun, insightful, and practical—this episode makes the science of stress and brain health both accessible and empowering.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit esthernava.substack.com