Cortisol, a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal gland, is responsible for feelings of stress and for regulating blood pressure, insulin levels, and the immune system. Maintaining normal cortisol levels is one of the best ways to protect your body and help it function at its best. Higher than normal cortisol levels can cause a number of health conditions and can be lowered through certain relaxation techniques and activities. Lower than normal cortisol levels can lead to problems such as low blood pressure and weight gain and can be addressed with medication and certain dietary changes.
In small bursts, cortisol provides an extra boost of energy and lowers pain tolerance so you can deal with stressful situations. If cortisol is consistently higher than normal, health problems can start to develop. If you suffer from higher than normal cortisol levels, you are likely to put yourself at risk for developing high blood pressure, thyroid problems, reduced bone density, and mental health problems. To lower your cortisol levels, thereby reducing your feelings of stress, try some breathing and mindfulness exercises.
If you need to lower your cortisol levels, dietary changes can also help. Eating foods rich in omega 3 and magnesium, as well as drinking black tea, has been shown to help lower cortisol levels. Avoiding caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol can also help maintain normal cortisol levels because these substances can increase cortisol production in your body. Safe and regular sexual encounters can also help lower cortisol.
When cortisol levels are too low, you can suffer from low blood pressure and unwanted weight gain because lower than normal cortisol levels can suppress your metabolism. If you need to increase your cortisol levels, there is likely a medical issue at play. Doctors usually prescribe medications such as prednisone or hydrocortisone, a synthetic version of cortisol, to replace the hormone the body is missing. Reducing sodium intake and eating potassium-rich foods may also be helpful because these changes can help correct cortisol imbalances.
If you have normal cortisol levels, maintaining them is key. While small amounts of stress can be helpful, be sure to allow yourself periods of relaxation to recover from the natural rise in cortisol. It's also important to maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating well and exercising regularly. Doing this can help your body maintain balance and protect you from future health problems.