Our emotions are directly related to hormones in the body. One of the most striking evidence of this is cortisol, or the so-called stress hormone. A fairly active hormone, it is usually secreted daily and stimulates activity function. The greatest amount is produced in the morning, while the lowest levels are released in the evening.
Surely, everyone is familiar with the state of overexcitation, when it’s very difficult to concentrate or fall asleep. This can occur due to the stress experienced or excessive physical exertion, when the body launches additional reserves. Now, imagine that you are constantly in such a state, which may be accompanied by depression. This happens when the amount of cortisol is overproduced. However, this can be corrected and the work of the hormone can be directed toward benefitting the body instead.
Important cortisol functions in the body
Cortisol, which is produced by the adrenal glands that sit right on top of the kidneys, performs some important functions in the human body. Foremost, it regulates carbohydrate metabolism and reduces the amount of broken down glucose in muscle fibers, and at the same time, it serves to increase this indicator in all the tissues. This allows for active and uninterrupted muscle work during physical exertion. The hormone also speeds up the heart rate and stimulates the myocardium, which likewise ensures normal physical activity and maintenance of the vascular tone. It normalizes blood pressure against the increase of heart rate. This is necessary, so that at the moment of danger or excessive excitement, the person does not faint. Cortisol also is responsible for the following: stimulates the brain, improves memory, makes all thought processes fast and clear, eliminates distraction, creates a positive effect on liver function by regulating glucose levels in the tissues and suppresses the processes of inflammation in the body, as well as the production of histamines. The latter substance is produced upon contact with allergens and provokes a pronounced reaction leading to a condition known as allergies.
Likewise, cortisol not only helps to respond to stress, but also helps the body break down proteins, lipids and carbohydrates, control blood sugar levels, regulate metabolism, and mitigate inflammation. Cortisol also normalizes water-salt balance and blood pressure. In women, cortisol helps support fetal development during pregnancy.
Сonsequences of the accumulation of cortisol in the body
When we experience chronic stress, such as arguing, anticipation, malnutrition, overtraining, traffic, air pollution, toxic chemicals from the foods we eat, plastics, anxiety, overthinking, regretting the past, self-loathing, etc., we are constantly experiencing an increase in the release of cortisol.
The accumulation of the hormone is associated with the fact that life in general becomes stressful, leading the body to begin to work against itself. As a result, the following negative consequences can occur: migraines, anxiety, poor quality of sleep or insomnia, depression, apathy, irritability, weight gain, the risk of developing diabetes, weakening of immunity and malfunctions of the digestive tract and the thyroid gland. We suggest the Migraine Stopper machine for migraine relief at home. British scientists have proven the direct effect of increased cortisol on frequent migraines, so learning to relax and seek natural relief from stress are key to combating the effects of cortisol.
If you pay attention to these negative conditions and take measures to restore balance to your life and body, you can avoid more serious consequences down the line. For this purpose, one should look in two directions: changing one’s lifestyle and combatting stress naturally.
Psychological ways to reduce cortisol
In fact, the causes of mental imbalance are associated with regular stress and chronic fatigue. Under such conditions, the adrenal glands constantly release cortisol, flooding the body with the hormone and preventing it from healing and rebalancing. Adrenal fatigue or kidney issues could develop as a result.
However, you can break the vicious circle by introducing new, healthy habits into your life!
First, the best method is to engage in regular physical activity without overexertion. You can choose any kind of activity or sport: running, wrestling, yoga, aerobics, or even walking in nature. Distribute the activities over time and do not overdo it. By doing so, you get to stimulate the body, experience a surge of energy, increase levels of confidence and serotonin and reduce stress.
Secondly, utilizing the benefits of meditation and getting quality sleep are of high importance in regulating cortisol. Prioritize at least 10-15 minutes a day to relax the body, nourish it with oxygen and stabilize the heart rate. In a stressful situation, 10 deep breaths should be taken to help redirect energy.
However, given our modern lifestyle, there is not always enough time for a full-fledged focus on self care and relaxation. If this is the case in your situation, then perhaps natural supplements will help regulate cortisol production and bring the body back to a balanced state.
Cortisol blockers
Cortisol blockers or anti-catabolics are drugs and sports supplements that antagonize cortisol, reduce its secretion or suppress activity.
You may be surprised, but the most significant anti-catabolic effect is primarily provided by a balanced diet that contains sufficient amounts of carbohydrates, proteins and fats (especially Omega-3). On a similar note, supplements from sports nutrition, such as a wholesome amino acid complex, can have a similar effect.
In terms of herbal remedies, Rhodiola Rosea is one of the best natural ways to block cortisol secretion, since it promotes the release of serotonin and dopamine. It has a rather complex mechanism of regulatory impact in the body. The herbal supplement promotes internal self-regulation, improves well-being after alcohol intoxication, reduces stress and anxiety, and improves memory. It also helps the body fight infections, insomnia and depression.
Complex sports supplements to reduce cortisol will also help and include alpha-lipoic acid, glutamine, and vitamins B, C and E.
Glucose is likewise considered effective in blocking cortisol in the blood. It is known that during intense aerobic training, it almost completely negates the bursts of cortisol. This fact is fully supported by many studies conducted on volunteer athletes.
Another natural chemical substance, Phosphatidylserine, is a strong cortisol blocker. In addition to the anti-catabolic effect, it helps to increase endurance, improve brain activity and regulate sleep.
Intranasal insulin is very effective in reducing the sensitivity of the adrenal glands to the release of cortisol, thereby reducing cortisol levels in the body. For example, if you’re going to go to a stressful meeting or a situation, you can take one or two drops of intranasal insulin and you should feel more relaxed.
Conclusion
Cortisol is an essential hormone in the body. It protects the body from inflammation, provides energy and vigor, helps regulate metabolism, and works to assist in faster recovery during illness.
However, in large quantities, it can lead to negative phenomena such as obesity, depression, insomnia, diabetes.
To avoid chronic stress, you should lead an active lifestyle, monitor your diet, and use natural blockers, if necessary. Before taking any direct approach, you should consult a wellness practitioner who will determine the level of the hormone in the body and correctly prescribe lifestyle measures or supplements to reduce cortisol.
If you are not an athlete, then the use of cortisone blockers is not recommended. It is best to try to regulate one’s nervous response instead through mediation, yoga, breathing and other relaxation techniques. The key is to consume a balanced diet (you can read our article on proper and rational nutrition), lead a healthy lifestyle and relax psychologically more often. If there is still a need for an urgent decrease in cortisone levels, it would be wise to consult a practitioner and choose the best option for you.