Taming the stress hormone: cortisol's impact on well-being

Cortisol is often dubbed the “stress hormone” due to its critical role in the body’s stress response. In addition to the stress response, cortisol has other essential functions, including regulating glucose levels and influencing immune function.

The issue is, in today’s high-paced, high-stress world, levels of this important hormone can become chronically elevated, which can wreak havoc on health, leading to a host of issues from weight gain and impaired immune function to chronic fatigue and hormonal imbalance.

In this blog we’ll learn all about cortisols role in the body and what happens when you have too much of a good thing.

What is cortisol and its role in the body?

Cortisol is a hormone produced from cholesterol in the adrenal glands, and it plays a role in several important processes in the body. Most well-known is the role it plays in the body’s response to stress, but other important functions include:^[1]

• Blood pressure control
• Blood glucose regulation
• Supporting immune function
• Regulating the sleep-wake cycle

Moreover, cortisol is involved in cognitive functions; research indicates that it helps process and consolidate memories, particularly those related to survival and danger avoidance. This ensures that we remember and learn from potentially threatening or challenging situations, a key aspect of human adaptation and survival.^[2]

Cortisol and cellular health

Cortisol may affect some of the body’s cellular processes, including autophagy, which refers to the breakdown and recycling of old or damaged cells. Cortisol, which may be produced in response to actions such as calorie restriction, may stimulate the process of autophagy.^[3]

Why do cortisol levels increase?

There are several reasons why cortisol levels may increase. Here are a few:

Natural, daily cortisol fluctuations

Cortisol levels naturally fluctuate throughout the day, with levels being higher in the morning and declining throughout the day. This is referred to as the diurnal cortisol slope, and it plays a role in our sleep-wake cycle, also known as our circadian rhythm.^[4] Higher cortisol levels in the morning promote wakefulness, and the decline in levels at night helps prepare you for sleep.

Response to stress

Cortisol levels will increase when a physical or psychological threat is present to ensure that energy is available to escape the danger. While this is critically important for responding to short-term stress, in today’s world, we are exposed to daily stressors, so our cortisol levels stay elevated which can be damaging to the body.^[5]

Weight and cortisol

Cortisol levels are elevated in some people with obesity, particularly in those with increased abdominal fat and those struggling with psychological disorders. ^[6]Conversely, high cortisol levels over time may contribute to weight gain.

Loss of sleep

Disruptions in sleep can also impact cortisol levels.^[7] One night of poor sleep can impact the next day's diurnal cortisol curve. There is a bidirectional relationship between cortisol and sleep, as stress also increases sleep disruptions.

Fear and worry

Cortisol levels may also increase if unproductive ways of thinking are present, such as excessive worry, rumination, helplessness, and catastrophizing. These psychological stressors may stem from work overload, financial troubles, or social anxiety^[8].

Other factors

It’s important to know that certain health conditions and medications can influence cortisol levels. Work with a healthcare provider to discuss how your specific circumstances might impact cortisol production.

How do high cortisol levels affect the body?

High cortisol levels can have a profound impact on your health. Here’s how:

1. Metabolic disruption: High cortisol can increase glucose production and limit insulin release, leading to higher blood sugar levels. Over time, this can contribute to insulin resistance and increase the risk of type 2 diabetes.^[9]
2. Weight gain: Elevated cortisol levels are linked to increased appetite and cravings for high-calorie foods. Additionally, cortisol tends to cause fat to be stored around the abdomen, where it poses a greater risk for cardiovascular disease.^[10]
3. Sleep disturbances: Cortisol is closely linked to the sleep-wake cycle. Abnormally high levels, especially at night, can lead to difficulties falling asleep and staying asleep, resulting in chronic sleep deprivation.
4. Immune system suppression: While cortisol is vital for supporting the immune system in the short term, chronic elevation can have the opposite effect. Studies have linked cortisol to immune suppression, which results in delayed wound healing and increased susceptibility to infections.^[11]

Measuring cortisol levels

Cortisol is the only hormone that can be measured in serum, urine, and saliva. It can also be measured in other fluids, such as sweat, as well as in hair. Salivary cortisol is most commonly used to measure stress. Stress has been found to be most positively related to cortisol levels determined in saliva, hair, and serum.^[12]

Since abnormal levels of cortisol can indicate serious conditions, it’s best to work with a qualified healthcare practitioner to determine if your cortisol levels are healthy and the best way to manage abnormal levels.

How to reduce if you have high cortisol levels

If your high cortisol levels are due to stress or lifestyle factors, there are several things you can do to help manage it:

The calming amino acid L-theanine, present in green tea

Diet

Science suggests there are a few foods that lower cortisol and improve the stress response:

• Green tea contains polyphenols and a calming amino acid called L-theanine, which may help to calm the stress response.^[13]
• Higher consumption of fruits and veggies is associated with having a better response to stress.^[14]
• Water is key in helping your body respond to stress. Studies have shown that even mild dehydration can increase salivary cortisol levels.^[15]
• Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like fish, nuts, and seeds, are considered foods that lower cortisol. Studies have shown that people with higher blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids had healthier cortisol levels.^[16]

Research also suggests that sugar can have a negative impact on cortisol and the body’s stress response.^[17]

Physical activity

With regard to the best exercise to reduce cortisol, research has explored different types of activities, including resistance training, endurance, and high-intensity intervals. There is some conflicting evidence around intense training like HIIT and its impact on cortisol levels. It may increase cortisol in the short term, but it appears that levels return back to baseline after recovery.^[18]

Studies suggest that gentle exercises like yoga and tai chi may be the best types of exercise to reduce cortisol.^[19]

Meditation and deep breathing

Meditation, mindfulness, and deep breathing are powerful tools for reducing cortisol levels and enhancing overall well-being. These practices activate the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing stress and promoting a calm state. ^[20]

Final words

High cortisol levels may negatively impact the body over time and may affect the body’s processes and structures. However, several lifestyle changes have been identified that may help reduce cortisol.

References

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