Cortisol: A Necessary Evil
Cortisol, often called the "stress hormone," has a huge role in our body's response to stress and overall health. It often gets a bad rep and here’s why…
What is Cortisol?
Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands. It helps regulate many body functions, including:
Stress Response: Activates the body's “fight-or-flight”
Metabolism: Manages how the body uses carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
Inflammation Reduction: Controls the body's inflammatory response.
Blood Pressure Regulation: Maintains vascular tone and blood pressure.
However, consistently high cortisol levels can lead to huge health issues such as hormone imbalances, high blood pressure, weight gain, and a weak immune system.
So why do we need cortisol?
Cortisol helps us with many body fucntions. It’s not all bad!
Cortisol follows a natural daily cycle (circadian rhythm), peaking in the morning to help you wake up and gradually declining at night so you can sleep.
In small amounts, cortisol acts as a natural anti-inflammatory, helping to control immune responses and prevent too much inflammation in the body. This is why synthetic cortisol (like cortisone) is often used in medicine to treat inflammatory conditions.
Cortisol (when balanced) also plays a role in breaking down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates for energy, helping regulate body composition and metabolism.
One of my favorite tools to assess cortisol and hormones is a Dutch Test.
DUTCH Complete™ Test:
The DUTCH Complete™ test offers an analysis of cortisol by measuring both free cortisol and metabolized cortisol:
Free Cortisol: Represents the active form of cortisol available to tissues.
Metabolized Cortisol: Indicates the total cortisol production and clearance by the body.
By evaluating these numbers we can understand your adrenal function and overall hormone health.
Factors Influencing Cortisol Metabolism
Several factors can affect how cortisol is metabolized:
Increased Metabolism: Obesity, high insulin levels, and hyperthyroidism can accelerate cortisol clearance.
Decreased Metabolism: Hypothyroidism, anorexia, and impaired liver function can slow down cortisol metabolism.
Understanding these factors is crucial for accurate interpretation of cortisol levels and effective health management.
Controlling Cortisol Levels Naturally
To have balanced cortisol levels, try these:
Diet: Incorporate anti-inflammatory foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and walnuts.
Supplements: Adaptogens like ashwagandha and nutrients like magnesium have been shown to lower cortisol and improve sleep.
Stress Management: Try meditation or yoga to maintain a balanced mind and body, which can help regulate cortisol production.
Have questions about cortisol? Shoot me a message!
