Cortisol is present in every single person, just at varying levels. Cortisol is produced in the adrenal glands by humans and is released by the pituitary gland when the body is put under excessive stress and low blood-glucose levels.
When the body contains high levels of cortisol for extended periods of time, it can play quite a negative impact on the production and development of lean muscle and can also inhibit the metabolism of fat, proteins and carbs.
Cortisol also helps to regulate blood sugar levels to maintain a healthy constant and prevent spikes and dips leading to a fluctuation in energy.
Another common side effect of high levels of cortisol is dehydration due to its diuretic effect on the body, taking a lot of nutrients and minerals with it.
Factors that contribute to high cortisol;
caffeine (in some cases)
poor sleep
Extended aerobic exercise (long duration running)
Severe trauma or event
Anorexia
Severe calorie restriction over time
Supplements and other factors to help lower cortisol;
high quality pasture fed whey protein
Withania Somnifera (Ashwagandha) root extract
Omega-3 & Omega-6 fatty acids
Magnesium (good quality powder)
maca powder (dried root)
Epsom salts (magnesium rich)
green tea (powder of liquid)
proper sleep and rest
laughter and enjoyment
relaxation, including gentle massage (lymphatic drainage especially)
slow forms of exercise including yoga and meditation
Another super food powder that has been proven to help lower chronic cortisol and adrenal stress present in people suffering from adrenal stress related illness is the super food maca. This dried Peruvian root powder is found in abundance throughout Peru where it is used as a natural stimulant... (and for libido), often in place of coffee in a lot of places, as it isn’t addicting, and provides a natural and effective alternative.
By eliminating certain foods, and increasing the consumption of vital foods and supplements, cortisol will not begin to build up and induce side effects effecting energy, body composition, mood and stress.
Learn how to properly control cortisol by doing the correct forms of exercise that help to build lean muscle and promote fat burning like resistance training, heavy lifting, and high intensity interval training.
Once cortisol is under control and has been successfully lowered, be sure to continue to consume these foods, take the right supplements and take part in some of the external contributors that will help keep cortisol low, as well as your body fat % ;)
Thanks for reading guys and hope you can take something away from it.