2023-12-08 11:31:19
Is cortisol the stress hormone? If it is produced by the human body to help it cope with stressful situations, paradoxically, its secretion will also tire the body…
What is cortisol?
Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands from cholesterol. It is a hormone that will be secreted in response to brain stimulation, particularly in situations of stress (illness, surgery, hypoglycemia, etc.) or increased need for energy by the body.
Cortisol is particularly involved in:
- l’blood sugar balance and blood glucose,
- fat and protein metabolism,
- regulation of blood pressure,
- sleep regulation,
- stress management…
Cortisol levels can be measured in blood, urine or saliva; cortisol levels vary throughout the day : generally high when you wake up, they decrease throughout the day until being at their lowest in the evening, just before bed.
Cortisol level too high or too low, what are the symptoms?
The normal value of cortisol in the blood :
- between 7 and 9 a.m.: between 5 and 23 µg/dl (micrograms per deciliter).
- in urine: between 10 and 100 µg / 24 hours (micrograms per 24 hours).
Symptoms of too high cortisol levels :
- strong feeling of fatigue,
- need to consume fatty and sugary foods,
- weight gain,
- feeling of vulnerability,
- feeling of irritability…
Among the symptoms of a lack of cortisol :
- loss of weight and appetite,
- lower blood pressure,
- fainting,
- fatigue,
- muscle pain or weakness,
- irritability,
- depression …
QuellWhat are the health consequences of abnormal cortisol levels?
Too low a cortisol level can be indicative of a dysfunction in the adrenal glands, pituitary gland, but can also be linked to Addison’s disease … People with low cortisol levels may be at risk if they are under significant stress.
Too high a cortisol level can be linked to many ailments ranging from syndrome de Cushingto a tumor of the adrenal gland, through a stroke, a myocardial infarction, an acute infection, chronic alcoholism or cirrhosis of the liver…
The interpretation of cortisol levels must be carried out by a doctor who can prescribe additional tests to refine his diagnosis without endangering health.
Can we regulate our cortisol levels?
Yes, it is possible to regulate your cortisol levels and in many ways! Physical exercise, breathing work, or even diet can help act on your cortisol levels.
- Sport to manage your cortisol levels
By stimulating the production of cortisol, physical exercise greatly varies cortisol levels. While it is completely normal for it to be in excess during the session, better understanding its variations will help you have a healthier sports session: post-exercise recovery, choosing a suitable snack, stress management, etc. are all parameters to take into account when exercising.
- Breathing to regulate cortisol
This is nothing new: breathing is a valuable ally for stress management. Logically, better controlling your breathing will help regulate your cortisol secretion. To try ? Cardiac coherence, the breathing of yogis… and the methods allowing calm down by breathing better.
- Diet to control your cortisol levels
Preferred ? Foods that promote the metabolism of cortisol, those that help reduce stress-related inflammation thanks to their anti-inflammatory properties, their magnesium content, foods rich in probiotics, etc. On the other hand, you must be careful to reduce your consumption of foods that promote an increase in cortisol such as processed foods rich in fast sugars or even alcohol and coffee!
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Weight and hormones, what are the links?
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Hormonal diet: balancing your hormones to lose weight
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