Understanding High Cortisol: What You Need to Know

Cortisol is a hormone produced by your body, mainly in response to stress. It helps control your blood sugar, regulate metabolism, and manage how your body uses fat, protein, and carbohydrates. While cortisol is important, having too much of it can lead to problems. Let’s explore what high cortisol means, its causes, symptoms, and ways to manage it.

What Causes High Cortisol?

High cortisol levels can happen for several reasons:

Stress: This is the most common cause. Work or school pressure, family issues, or even too much screen time can increase stress levels.
Lack of Sleep: Not getting enough rest can lead to higher cortisol levels.
Unhealthy Lifestyle: Poor diet, lack of exercise, and consuming too much caffiene can contribute to high cortisol.
Medical Conditions: Some illnesses, like Cushing’s syndrome, can cause your body to produce too much cortisol.

Symptoms of High Cortisol

When cortisol levels are too high, you might notice some of these symptoms:

Weight gain, especially around the belly
Mood swings or anxiety
Trouble sleeping
Increased cravings for sugary foods.
Fatigue or low energy

Managing High Cortisol

There are ways to lower your cortisol levels through your daily habits, as well as through further testing your biomarkers with your physician and including supplements in your regimen.

Daily Habits

Practice Relaxation Techniques: Deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can help reduce stress.
Get Enough Sleep: Aim for 8-10 hours of sleep each night to help keep cortisol in check.
Eat Whole Foods: Focus on whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
Stay Active: Regular exercise can help lower cortisol and improve your mood.