Cortisol is a critical hormone and can be called a “stress hormone” which is produced by the adrenal glands. Cortisol affects nearly every organ and tissue in your body. What most people do not know is the cortisol’s primary function is to regulate metabolism, controlling blood sugar and blood pressure, suppressing inflammation, and managing your body’s response to stress. Cortisol also regulates your natural sleep -wake cycle, influencing when you feel alert and when you feel tired.
Too high cortisol, due to prolonged stress can lead to various health problems, including anxiety, depression, weight gain and problems with memory and sleep. Too little cortisol can disrupt normal bodily functions. Typically, low cortisol presents as reduced resistance to allergies and infection or inflammation.
Normal cortisol levels have a natural 24 hour cycle with the lowest being in the evening, rising throughout the night and peaking 30 minutes after waking. The most effective way to control cortisol is to have a strong stress management practice including; lifestyle (including exercise), diet and supplemental aid to help reduce the effects of stress may be helpful. Try fiber or berberine to help regulate blood sugar.
Breathing and meditation are super for reducing stress incorporated into your daily routine, it can have big benefits. Do you have 16 seconds, breathing in for 4 holding for 4 and then breathing out for 8. Not only will this assist with detoxing, but it will send a signal to your body to relax, everything is ok.
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