Stress is silently destroying your health. t’s not just the pressure of work, family, or a busy schedule. Stress is one of the biggest hidden reasons your energy is gone, your hormones feel out of balance, and the weight just won’t budge. In this episode of The Heal Deal Podcast with Dr. Leona, I reveal how stress acts as a silent destroyer—draining your energy, throwing off your hormones, and keeping your metabolism stuck.   🎧 LISTEN NOW to discover: The difference between short-term protective stress and destructive chronic stress How adrenal fatigue, cortisol spikes, and hormone imbalance keep you in survival mode Why women over 40 are especially vulnerable to stress-related exhaustion The vicious cycle of stress, cravings, and weight gain (and how to break free) A simple but powerful reset tool: the Box Breathing Technique By the end of this episode, you’ll see stress for what it really is—not just an inconvenience, but a major root cause of fatigue, belly fat, and burnout. And most importantly, you’ll know the first steps to start taking your power back. ⏱ In this episode: 00:00 Why stress is silently destroying your health03:21 The hidden dangers of chronic stress15:12 Adrenal glands, hormones, and metabolism20:23 Elevated cortisol and stubborn belly fat21:00 Why women over 40 need adrenal support26:16 The cycle of stress, cravings, and weight gain29:39 Box Breathing Technique: Your daily reset35:02 Final encouragement and next steps   🔗 Resources & Next Steps: ▶️ Watch this before starting another diet, supplement, or workout plan:https://beginhealingtoday.com   💬 Let’s Connect: 📸 Instagram | 📘 Facebook | 🎥 YouTube | 💼 LinkedIn | 🐦 X | 🌐 Website   THE HEAL DEAL I'm making a deal with you to help you remove the physical, chemical, and emotional barriers holding you back from healing. All I need from you is to feel, deal, and heal. Those are the terms—that is The Heal Deal. If you enjoyed today’s episode, seal the deal to heal by leaving a review and sharing this episode with someone who needs it. Thank you for listening! Until next time, go out there and achieve more freedom in your health and your life. Take care. —Dr. Leona AllenHost, The Heal Deal PodcastFounder, Freedom Health SystemsAuthor: A Journey to Healing | Freedom in Chains | Shop & Savor 🛑 Disclaimer This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet, exercise, or health regimen—especially if you are taking medication or managing a chronic condition.