Spis treści:
Balance in life is hugely important for health – in physical activity, in caloric balance, and in the body’s hormonal balance.
Too low or high concentration of hormones in the body, can negatively affect health and well-being.
An important organic compound, the improper concentration of which can be dangerous and also affect appearance, is cortisol.
What is it and how to deal with its inadequate levels?
What is cortisol?
Cortisol is a steroid hormone that, in response to induced stress, raises blood glucose levels.
Such a process occurs, among other things.
when physical activity occurs.
The production of cortisol takes place in the adrenal glands.
Its proper level and occurrence in the body is very important.
It improves the action of norepinephrine and epinephrine, supports the cardiovascular system and increases the body’s energy.
However, too much of it can become dangerous.
What affects the amount of cortisol?
Cushing’s syndrome
Too much cortisol can be associated with the secretion of the hormone ACTH and be the result of chronic stress, depression, but can also be associated with more serious diseases, such as lung cancer or adrenal tumor.
For sports people, elevated cortisol can be caused by chronic exposure of the body to physical stress.
The result can be a condition called Cushing’s Syndrome.
Hypercortisolism manifests itself in mood disorders, hypertension, but also, it can visibly show up in one’s outward appearance.
How?
In the form of obesity of the figure (disproportionate physique – slim arms, larger upper arms), the appearance of fat on the neck, between the shoulders, and roundness on the face.
It is important to keep cortisol at a constant level.
What can help with this?
How to lower cortisol?
Certainly an important step is to reduce the body’s stress, which can translate into a reduction in the production of cortisol.
Another step in the fight against elevated cortisol levels in the blood is dietary supplements.
Below is a list of some of them:
- Ashwagandha – this plant, which has been appreciated for centuries, has a much broader effect on the body than just lowering cortisol levels, but in this respect it works extremely effectively.
The higher the dose of ashwagandha, the more effectively it reduces cortisol levels in the blood.
Its other properties include reducing insulin resistance, and it also helps lower cholesterol levels or improve fertility in men. - Phosphatidylserine – not only effectively reduces cortisol levels, but also reduces stress and protects the nervous system from it.
It is a fatty substance, a derivative of the amino acid serine, which plays an important role in maintaining the proper condition of nerve cells.
In addition, it can help improve training performance, which will be especially appreciated by those who are actively involved in sports. - Vitamin C – The simplest and most accessible ingredients are sometimes the best.
Such is the case here.
Vitamin C is the most popular, as well as the cheapest supplement of natural origin, used in the fight against too high levels of cortisol in the blood.
In addition, it helps in the production of collagen and also supports immunity.
Other supplements worth considering taking, not only for the sake of lowering cortisol, but also for their health-promoting effects, are: BCAAs and omega 3 acids.
Excessively high levels of cortisol can contribute not only to a disproportionate figure (a “full moon” type face, buffalo neck), but also limit the body’s exercise and recovery capabilities.
A weakened body is unable to function properly, both mentally and physically, and shows the capacity for depressive states.
It is worth controlling cortisol levels, especially if you notoriously expose your body to stress.
Systematic supplementation, the right dose of physical activity and a healthy approach will help combat the body’s hormonal imbalance.
