What is cortisol?
I have found high cortisol levels; stress & lack of sleep keep presenting themselves in my clinic, either in client’s symptoms or blood tests.
Cortisol is a steroid hormone that your adrenal glands produce & release. Cortisol has effects on several aspects of your body, one is helping to regulate your body’s response to stress. Not getting enough rest can influence the cortisol levels.
When cortisol is in balance, it can help to regulate stress and metabolism. But when cortisol levels remain too high for too long, it can cause serious health issues. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538239/
Elevated levels & health issues:
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Heart disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- Increase the risk of depression and anxiety
- It can weaken the immune system
- Contribute to autoimmune diseases
Long-term exposure to this hormone can lead to:
- Memory problems
- Frequent headaches
- stomach pains & digestive issues
- fatigued
- Difficulty sleeping
Tips on reducing elevated cortisol levels:
- Getting quality sleep on a regular basis, cortisol levels can kept in balance https://www.nutritionalhealthenterprises.com/quality-sleep-spinal-posture/
- Regular exercise
- Spending time outdoors
- Eating a balanced diet
- Reduce caffeine
- Engaging in relaxing activities like yoga, meditation & breath work
- Listening to relaxing music before bed
- Don’t go to bed with worries or arguments on your mind, try talking them through or writing them down.
- Write in a Journal
- Indulge in hobbies
Adrenal fatigue:
Can occur when the adrenals have become overtaxed by excess cortisol release. Which can no longer produce levels of cortisol necessary for optimal body health.
Common symptoms of adrenal fatigue can include:
- Fatigue with intermittent “crashes” throughout the day
- Poor stress response & mood regulation
- Cognitive issues or “brain fog”
- Increased energy levels in the evenings
- Cravings for salty & sweet foods
- Overuse of caffeine & other stimulants
- Compromised immune system
Less common symptoms can include:
- insomnia
- Frequent urination
- Loss of muscle tone
- Poor circulation
- Depression
- Weight gain
- Decreased libido
In Summary:
High cortisol levels, poor sleep, stress, & adrenal fatigue are all tied in with each other in varying degrees.
So remember lifestyle changes will make a significant difference. You will be surprises how small steps along this new direction makes a huge difference in our health & well-being.
I wish you all the best on your journey to a happy, healthy & relaxed life.
