By Dr Chun Tang — MBChB (Manchester), MRCGP, MBA · Practising NHS & Private GP · Founder, Little Ox

Dr Tang in the Press: Getting Dumped Really Does Cause Physical Pain — A GP Explains Why

In February 2023, I was quoted in The Lancashire Evening Post, Wales Online and several other outlets on something that may sound obvious to anyone who's experienced a difficult breakup but is genuinely supported by neuroscience: getting dumped can cause real, measurable physical pain.

What I Said in the Press

The neuroscientific explanation is striking. Brain imaging studies have shown that the experience of social rejection activates the same neural pathways as physical pain — specifically the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex and the anterior insula, regions that process the emotional component of physical pain. The brain, quite literally, processes the loss of a significant relationship as a form of injury.

Beyond the neurological parallel, heartbreak triggers a significant physiological stress response: elevated cortisol, disrupted sleep architecture, reduced appetite, and changes in heart rate variability. The phrase "broken heart syndrome" (stress cardiomyopathy) isn't merely metaphorical — it describes a real, temporary condition in which extreme emotional stress causes the left ventricle of the heart to change shape in a way that can produce chest pain and shortness of breath indistinguishable from a heart attack.

This is real medicine, not sentiment. The body doesn't distinguish between physical and emotional threat at the level of the stress response.

Stress, Cortisol and Why This Matters for Healthy Ageing

What I want to add here is the bigger picture about chronic stress and its relationship to the biology of ageing — because heartbreak is an acute example of something that many people experience chronically.

Sustained elevated cortisol is one of the most potent accelerators of biological ageing available. Cortisol inhibits NAD+ production by downregulating NAMPT — the rate-limiting enzyme in the NAD+ biosynthesis pathway. This means that chronic stress directly depletes NAD+, accelerating the cellular metabolism decline and DNA repair impairment associated with accelerated ageing. Stress also damages telomeres, impairs mitochondrial function, and drives inflammaging — the chronic low-grade inflammatory state that underlies most age-related diseases.

This is why managing stress physiology isn't just about wellbeing — it's one of the most important biological levers in healthy ageing.

What I Recommend for Stress Resilience

Three supplements that work at the physiological level for stress resilience:

Magnesium Glycinate — Magnesium is essential for GABA receptor function, and the glycine component directly activates GABA pathways with calming effects. Low magnesium is associated with heightened anxiety, poor recovery and overnight routine and elevated cortisol. Evening Magnesium Glycinate is the most evidence-backed single supplement for improving recovery and overnight routine under stress.

Shilajit Complex — Our formula includes KSM-66 Ashwagandha, the most studied adaptogen for stress-related markers. Multiple randomised controlled trials have demonstrated significant reductions in perceived stress and cortisol levels with consistent use. The Lion's Mane Mushroom in the formula also supports NGF (nerve growth factor) production, relevant to cognition-related research under stress.

NMN Pure — Restoring the NAD+ that chronic stress depletes addresses the cellular-level damage that sustained cortisol elevation causes. If you're going through a stressful period — whether from heartbreak, work, or anything else — maintaining NAD+ levels is one of the most direct ways to support your biology.

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