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What are the Best Tips for Controlling Cortisol?

M. Rosario
M. Rosario

Cortisol is a hormone that the body naturally produces whenever a person experiences a stressful situation. While cortisol is useful in giving the body a boost of energy, constant and prolonged exposure to elevated cortisol levels can lead to unwanted results. Weight gain, heart complications, and lengthy recovery time are some of these side effects. As a way of controlling cortisol, a person must exercise, maintain proper diet, rest and sleep well, and manage external stressors.

Regular exercise is one of the most effective ways in controlling cortisol. Exercise has been known to relieve stress, the chief cause of cortisol production. It also burns off fat, one of the side effects of high cortisol levels.

Caffeinated coffee may raise cortisol levels.
Caffeinated coffee may raise cortisol levels.

In addition, exercise produces testosterone and endorphins. Testosterone prevents cortisol from breaking down muscle tissue for energy. Endorphins, "feel good" hormones, block cortisol production because they trick the body into thinking that it is in a healthy state.

Too much exercise on the other hand, can have the opposite effect in controlling cortisol. Overtraining stresses the muscles which, in turn, produce more cortisol. The increased production may lead to catabolism, a condition where muscle tissues are broken down to be consumed as fuel. As a result, the muscles will take longer to recover and may even decrease in mass.

Production of cortisol is at its lowest during sleep. Adequate sleep lowers stress levels and allows muscle to repair itself. Sleep also produces growth hormone, a natural cortisol suppressant.

Sleep produces growth hormone, which is a natural cortisol suppressant.
Sleep produces growth hormone, which is a natural cortisol suppressant.

Stress management is crucial when it comes to controlling cortisol. Relaxation exercises, meditation, and even the occasional trip to the spa can drastically relieve stress. For those who don't have the time, taking five minutes off from work can help clear the mind.

Coffee is one of the biggest perpetrators of high cortisol. Caffeine in the coffee can heighten a person's anxiety and stress levels. Asking someone to part with his or her caffeine habit, though, can simply add more stress. Caffeine intake can be limited instead, with tea and decaffeinated coffee used as substitutes to regular coffee.

Excessive stress leads to high levels of cortisol.
Excessive stress leads to high levels of cortisol.

Diet plays a key role in controlling cortisol. A cortisol diet is generally rich in vitamin C, vitamin E, and antioxidants. Garlic has also been known to reduce cortisol. Serving more meals with smaller portions normally helps stabilize cortisol levels as well.

On the other end of the spectrum, low cortisol levels can leave a person feeling fatigued and may lead to low blood pressure. Lack of cortisol is often undiagnosed until harmful complications arise. Tests can be performed to check for cortisol deficiency. Hormone supplements may be used to help a person return to normal cortisol levels.

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    • Caffeinated coffee may raise cortisol levels.
      By: amenic181
      Caffeinated coffee may raise cortisol levels.
    • Sleep produces growth hormone, which is a natural cortisol suppressant.
      By: Savvapanf Studio ©
      Sleep produces growth hormone, which is a natural cortisol suppressant.
    • Excessive stress leads to high levels of cortisol.
      By: fotosmile777
      Excessive stress leads to high levels of cortisol.
    • Research has found that taking regular naps may reduce stress and lower cortisol levels.
      By: bst2012
      Research has found that taking regular naps may reduce stress and lower cortisol levels.
    • Meditation and relaxation exercises can help reduce stress, which is important for controlling cortisol.
      By: msw
      Meditation and relaxation exercises can help reduce stress, which is important for controlling cortisol.
    • Elevated cortisol levels may increase blood pressure.
      By: Hunor Kristo
      Elevated cortisol levels may increase blood pressure.
    • Exercise helps spur the pituitary gland to produce more endorphins, the body's natural pain relievers and mood stabilizers.
      By: Ana Blazic Pavlovic
      Exercise helps spur the pituitary gland to produce more endorphins, the body's natural pain relievers and mood stabilizers.
    • People who need to curb cortisol should eat a balanced diet that includes lean meat and low-fat dairy products.
      By: MSPhotographic
      People who need to curb cortisol should eat a balanced diet that includes lean meat and low-fat dairy products.