A natural health and wellbeing blog
A natural health and wellbeing blog
Cortisol can have incredibly significant affects on your mental and physical health. Commonly known as “the stress hormone,” it does so much more than simply make you feel stressed.
Let’s take a look at some key facts, figures and statistics about this hormone.
Cortisol is often referred to as the “stress hormone” because it’s released in response to stress. When you encounter a stressful situation, your adrenal glands produce cortisol to help your body respond appropriately. It’s part of the fight-or-flight response that has helped humans survive for millennia.
Cortisol levels are not constant; they follow a daily pattern. Typically, levels are highest in the morning, around 8 AM, to help you wake up and get going. They gradually decrease throughout the day, reaching their lowest point in the evening as you prepare for sleep.
When stress becomes a chronic part of your life, your body may produce too much cortisol. This can happen when the stress response is activated too frequently or remains turned on for too long. It’s estimated that millions of people globally experience elevated cortisol levels due to chronic stress.
One of the most noticeable effects of high cortisol levels is weight gain, particularly around the abdomen. Cortisol can increase your appetite and encourage your body to store fat, especially during prolonged periods of stress.
Elevated cortisol levels can interfere with your sleep patterns. Since cortisol levels are supposed to drop at night, having too much cortisol in your system can make it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep, leading to insomnia or restless nights.
Prolonged high cortisol levels can suppress the immune system, making you more susceptible to infections and illnesses. This is because cortisol reduces the inflammation that is part of the body’s natural defence mechanism.
Cortisol plays a role in regulating blood pressure. When cortisol levels are consistently high, it can contribute to hypertension (high blood pressure), which in turn increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Cortisol doesn’t just affect your body; it can also impact your mind. High levels of cortisol are associated with mood swings, anxiety, and even depression. This is because cortisol can alter the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain.
While much attention is given to high cortisol levels, having too little cortisol can also be problematic. Low cortisol levels can cause fatigue, muscle weakness, weight loss, and low blood pressure. This condition is known as Addison’s disease.
Cortisol plays a crucial role in metabolism, helping to regulate how your body uses carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It ensures that your body has enough energy to handle stressful situations, but imbalances can lead to metabolic disorders.
Cortisol works with insulin to maintain blood sugar levels by increasing glucose in the bloodstream. However, too much cortisol can lead to insulin resistance, which is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes.
Chronic high cortisol levels can lead to decreased bone density, making bones more fragile and increasing the risk of osteoporosis. This happens because cortisol inhibits the bone-building process.
Physical activity is an effective way to reduce cortisol levels. Regular exercise, particularly aerobic activities like walking, running, and swimming, can help your body manage stress more effectively and lower cortisol production.
Practices like meditation, mindfulness, and deep breathing exercises have been shown to lower cortisol levels. These activities promote relaxation and can help your body counteract the effects of stress.
What you eat can affect your cortisol levels. Diets high in sugar and refined carbs can lead to spikes in cortisol, while a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can help keep cortisol levels in check.
Chronic high cortisol levels can contribute to premature ageing. Elevated cortisol can damage the skin’s collagen and elastin, leading to wrinkles and other signs of ageing. Additionally, it can have detrimental effects on the brain, potentially contributing to cognitive decline.
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