Cortisol is best known as the stress hormone, a term that is increasingly familiar to us. There is a lot of talk about it, but often the information circulating is not precise, leading to the risk of demonizing this hormone . Nothing could be more wrong, because cortisol is of fundamental importance for numerous bodily functions . Problems arise only when this hormone is present in our body in excessive doses .
What cortisol does and its importance for the body
Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands which, as the name suggests, are located just above the kidneys. It plays a crucial role in carbohydrate metabolism . In fact, it increases blood glucose levels , so that our body has the energy it needs. It then comes into play in lipid metabolism , stimulating the breakdown of fats that the body has stored so that they can be used, again, as a source of energy. Without forgetting protein metabolism , since it is cortisol that promotes their degradation into amino acids , which can be used to synthesize new proteins or converted into glucose to be used as an energy source.
In short, the energy balance of our body would not be possible without glucose, but it is not the only action of this important hormone. Cortisol also helps maintain blood pressure at adequate levels, promoting the correct functioning of the vascular system and reducing sodium and water retention . Furthermore, it has important anti-inflammatory properties and promotes the correct functioning of the immune system .
What happens If cortisol is high
To take it to the extreme, imagine for a moment that you are in the savannah, facing a lion. It is obviously a highly stressful situation . Your life is in danger. At the impulse of the nervous system , your body will produce a higher quantity of cortisol than usual. Why? Whether you want to fight that lion or instead you want to escape as quickly as possible, the body needs a lot of energy . If the glucose in your blood rises quickly, you will have the necessary energy at your disposal. However, this is a temporary situation . When you are safe from the lion, the stress will decrease and with it also the levels of cortisol. You will then find your calm and your natural well-being again .
But what happens in the case of prolonged stress , which more and more people are facing? Cortisol increases and increases the glucose present in the blood so much that our body is no longer able to burn it and use it as energy. Glucose is then stored for future needs, that is, converted into fat . We can then incur a significant weight gain . When cortisol levels are high for long periods of time, we may have difficulty falling asleep or incur frequent night-time awakenings , which compromise our rest. This could make us feel restless, nervous, irritable and could compromise memory, concentration and productivity, as well as relationships with others. Cortisol can also increase water retention , cause digestive difficulties and inflammation. Finally, it is the stress hormone itself that promotes premature aging of our body, including the skin of course. The skin becomes less resistant, therefore unable to carry out its function as a protective barrier. Collagen and hyaluronic acid reserves also collapse and the skin tends to become dull and spots, expression lines and wrinkles may appear .
How to lower cortisol levels in the body
How to keep cortisol levels under control? There are some useful habits that are good to follow if we want to maintain our psychophysical well-being.
Sunlight
Exposure to natural sunlight promotes the circadian rhythm, the sleep-wake cycle. By restoring this rhythm, we can rebalance the production of cortisol so that it returns to being higher in the morning and lower in the evening. Without forgetting, of course, that sunlight has a beneficial effect on our mood. It can help us reduce stress, anxiety, and send away bad thoughts so as to regain our usual well-being. Attention, it is obviously essential to remember to apply a cream with a high protection factor to the skin before exposure.
Diet
In situations of high stress, it would be good to limit refined sugars and stimulants, such as caffeine for example. By exciting the body, they could favor an increase in stress and cortisol. It would also be good to include in your daily diet higher doses of antioxidants, Omega 3 and fibers that can reduce inflammation and help regulate cortisol levels in the blood.
Mindfulness
Close your eyes and breathe deeply, try not to dwell on any thoughts. Concentrate on your breathing and follow its flow to return to the present. Ten minutes a day is enough to be able to feel less stressed. You can also try yoga or oriental meditation, the important thing is to take a moment for yourself.
Moderate physical exercise
Physical activity is healthy, as our body releases endorphins that lower cortisol levels and quickly improve our mood. This does not necessarily mean sports, but any form of movement: even a long brisk walk is a valid physical activity.
Food supplements
Many believe that food supplements are only useful for making up for the lack of certain substances, such as mineral salts and vitamins. This is a false belief that we must deny for our own good. There are many supplements that also help reduce the effect of stress on our body and promote relaxation, good mood and energy. What are the best ones? Those based on adaptogenic plants, known for their ability to restore mind and body balance.
Fill up on adaptogenic plants and fight stress and cortisol with our MOOD supplement. In its composition we find two of the most powerful adaptogenic plants, Ashwagandha which helps lower cortisol levels, and Rhodiola Rosea. They promote relaxation and improve mood, while at the same time guaranteeing energy and mental well-being. They also have beneficial effects on the nervous system, also thanks to the presence of vitamin B6 in the formula which supports their action. Are you looking for even more effective protection against the harmful effects of stress? Try the PROTECTION BUNDLE which combines the MOOD supplement with INNERYOUTH, our natural anti-aging solution to effectively prevent and fight premature aging.
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It is important to underline that the natural supplements, do not replace a balanced diet, a healthy lifestyle and the advice of your doctor. Natural supplements are not medical or dietary products and are not used to cure diseases or to lose weight. They are used to promote the well-being of the body. Self-treatment without supervision can carry risks, so it is always advisable to consult a health professional before starting any supplement regimen. In particular conditions such as young age, pregnancy, breastfeeding or certain disorders or pathologies, it is advisable to consult a competent medical specialist to best determine your dietary needs and use of supplements.
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