Cortisol, also known as the "stress hormone," is often cited for its positive effects on our bodies. It helps us to tackle daily challenges, regulates blood sugar levels and enhances memory formation.
However, little attention has been paid to the negative side of cortisol and how it can wreak havoc on our health when produced in excess.
In this post, we'll explore five lesser-known negative effects of cortisol that you need to be aware of in order to maintain a healthy mind and body!
What is Cortisol?
Cortisol is a steroid hormone that is produced by the adrenal gland in response to stress.
It is involved in a variety of important functions in the body, including metabolism, immunity, and blood pressure regulation.
However, when cortisol levels are constantly high due to chronic stress, it can lead to a number of negative health effects.
Excess cortisol can lead to weight gain, particularly around the abdominal area. It can also cause high blood sugar levels and increase the risk for type 2 diabetes.
Additionally, it can suppress the immune system and contribute to anxiety and depression.
What is the role of Cortisol in the body?
Cortisol is a steroid hormone that is produced by the adrenal gland in response to stress. It is often referred to as the "stress hormone" because it helps the body to cope with stressful situations.
Cortisol has many important functions in the body, including ..
Regulating blood sugar levels; Cortisol helps to maintain normal blood sugar levels by stimulating the release of glucose from glycogen (a stored form of carbohydrate).
Helping to keep blood pressure stable: Cortisol plays a role in regulating blood pressure by helping to maintain fluid balance in the body.
Anti-inflammatory effects: Cortisol can help to reduce inflammation in the body.
However, cortisol also has some negative effects on health, particularly when it is present in high levels over a long period of time.
4 negative effects of excess Cortisol on our health?
Excess cortisol can have a number of negative effects on our health. For one, it can lead to weight gain, as it causes the body to store more fat. It can also increase blood pressure and heart rate, which can put strain on the cardiovascular system.
Additionally, cortisol can weaken the immune system, making us more susceptible to infection and disease. Too much cortisol can lead to anxiety, irritability, and difficulty sleeping.
1. Weight gain & obesity
Cortisol is a hormone that is released in response to stress. It helps to regulate blood sugar levels and metabolism.
Cortisol also plays a role in the immune system. However, when cortisol levels are too high, it can lead to weight gain and obesity.
Excess cortisol can lead to an increase in appetite and cravings for high-calorie foods. It can also cause the body to store more fat, especially in the abdominal area. This can lead to weight gain and a higher risk of developing obesity.
Cortisol also causes the body to break down muscle tissue. This can lead to a decrease in muscle mass and an increase in body fat.
If you are already overweight or obese, this can further contribute to your weight problem.
Lifestyle changes such as reducing stress, eating a healthy diet, and getting regular exercise can also help to reduce cortisol levels and promote weight loss.
2. Cognitive decline
There's no question that cortisol is a powerful hormone. It plays an important role in the body, helping to regulate blood pressure and metabolism, and it plays a key role in the stress response.
But when levels of cortisol become too high, it can have negative effects on health, including memory impairment and cognitive decline.
Cortisol is released in response to stress, and it helps to prepare the body for a "fight or flight" response. This release of cortisol increases heart rate, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels. Cortisol also affects the brain, where it inhibits the release of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine.
All of these changes are necessary in an emergency situation where we need to be alert and ready to respond. But when cortisol levels stay elevated day after day due to chronic stress, it can lead to problems.
One of the most well-known effects of cortisol is memory impairment. High levels of cortisol can interfere with working memory – the ability to remember things like what you need to do today or where you put your keys.
This can make it difficult to concentrate and focus on tasks. Cortisol also affects emotional memory.
Studies have shown that people who have high levels of cortisol are more likely to experience anxiety and depression, and they're more likely to remember negative memories than positive ones.
In addition to affecting memory, high cortisol levels have also been linked with decreased cognitive function. One study found that older adults with higher
3. Muscle loss & premature aging
Cortisol is often referred to as the "stress hormone." It's a hormone that's released by your adrenal glands in response to stress, and it can have some pretty negative effects on your health if it's present in high levels for too long.
Here are some of the ways cortisol can negatively impact your health: 1. Muscle Loss & Premature Aging - One of the most well-known effects of cortisol is its ability to promote muscle breakdown.
Cortisol does this by stimulating enzymes that break down proteins into their amino acids, which can then be used for energy. This process is known as proteolysis.
While proteolysis is normal and necessary during periods of high stress (like when you're working out), chronic elevation of cortisol can lead to muscle loss and premature aging.
4. Psychological symptoms & mood swings
Some of the psychological symptoms associated with high levels of cortisol include: anxiety, depression, irritability, and mood swings. In addition, high levels of cortisol can also lead to difficulty concentrating and sleeping.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to speak with your doctor to rule out any other underlying medical conditions. In addition to the psychological symptoms, high levels of cortisol can also lead to physical symptoms such as: fatigue, headaches, weight gain, and muscle aches.
Again, if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to speak with your doctor. If you suspect that you may be dealing with high levels of cortisol due to stress in your life, there are some things that you can do to help bring your levels down.
Some self-care techniques that can help lower cortisol levels include: yoga, meditation, aromatherapy, and exercise. In addition, it is important to make sure that you are getting enough sleep and eating a healthy diet. If you are struggling to manage your stress levels on your own, it may be helpful to speak with a therapist
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Rhodiola rosea is an herb that has been shown to help regulate cortisol levels. A study in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that rhodiola helped reduce cortisol levels in people with stress-related fatigue. Another study, published in the journal Phytomedicine, found that rhodiola helped reduce stress and improve quality of life in people with seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
Ashwagandha is an herb that has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine for its ability to help the body cope with stress. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that included 60 participants. The participants were divided into two groups, one of which received Ashwagandha and the other a placebo. After eight weeks, the group that had taken Ashwagandha showed a significant decrease in their cortisol levels compared to the placebo group.
Chamomile is an herb that has long been used for its calming and relaxation-inducing effects. It's thought to work by increasing levels of the neurotransmitter GABA, which helps to regulate cortisol levels. A recent study found that chamomile tea was effective in reducing cortisol levels in people who were experiencing stress.
Lemon balm in studies has been shown to regulate cortisol levels. In one study, participants who took a daily dose of lemon balm for four weeks had lower levels of cortisol in their saliva than those who didn't take the herb. Lemon balm appears to work by inhibiting the activity of an enzyme that helps to produce cortisol. This means that it may help to reduce the amount of cortisol that the body produces.
Bacopa monnieri is an herb that has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat anxiety and stress. A number of studies have shown that Bacopa can effectively reduce cortisol levels. In one study, supplementation with Bacopa significantly reduced cortisol levels in both healthy adults and those suffering from stress-related disorders.
Magnolia bark extract has been shown to be effective in reducing cortisol levels. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that magnolia extract was able to decrease cortisol levels by up to 30% in people who were under stress. Magnolia bark extract works by inhibiting the enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase Type 1 (11β-HSD1). This enzyme is responsible for converting cortisone to cortisol. By inhibiting this enzyme, magnolia bark extract reduces cortisol levels.
Valerian is an herb that has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for anxiety and insomnia. Recent studies have shown that valerian may also be effective in reducing cortisol levels.
Mucuna pruriens has been shown to have a number of health benefits, including the ability to regulate cortisol levels. Cortisol is a stress hormone that is released by the adrenal glands in response to stressful situations. Cortisol plays an important role in the body’s stress response, but when levels are chronically high it can lead to a number of problems, including weight gain, fatigue, anxiety, and depression.
Mucuna pruriens, a tropical legume, has been shown to help lower cortisol levels by modulating the body’s stress response and also helps improve cognitive function and memory.
One study found that people who took mucuna pruriens extract for 12 weeks had significantly improved attention and working memory compared to those who did not take the supplement.
Griffonia simplicifolia, an african herb helps regulate cortisol levels and reduce the negative effects of this stress hormone. This herb works by inhibiting the release of cortisol from the adrenal glands. In one study, Griffonia simplicifolia was shown to reduce cortisol levels by as much as 30%
Passion flower has a calming effect on the nervous system and has been shown to be effective in treating anxiety, insomnia, and nervousness. A recent study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that passion flower can also help to regulate cortisol levels.