Cortisol: The Real Story Of This Misunderstood Hormone

Welcome to A Radiantly Healthy Life! I’m Amy, and today, we’re tackling a hot topic: cortisol.

It’s often cast as the villain and blamed for a range of issues from weight gain to stress. But is controlling cortisol really the magic bullet for our health?

If you’ve been on social media or even read magazines in the grocery store checkout line, you’ve probably noticed that cortisol has become somewhat of a buzzword, with many claiming that high levels are the cause of a list of health issues.

But here’s something to consider before jumping on the “I need to lower my cortisol” bandwagon – managing cortisol is about more than simply lowering its levels.

So, let’s dive in and unravel the myths, understand cortisol’s true impact, and discover how to genuinely support our body’s health.

Ready to get a clearer picture?..Great!

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What Is Cortisol?

But, before we dive into the deep end, it’s important to understand what cortisol really is.

Think of cortisol as your body’s built-in alarm system. It’s your main stress hormone, intricately involved in managing how your body uses carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. I

t also keeps inflammation down, regulates blood pressure, increases blood sugar, and boosts your energy so you can handle stress and then restore balance afterward.

But here’s where it gets tricky.

Cortisol has been painted in a rather unflattering light, often labeled as something to be minimized at all costs.

The thing is, cortisol isn’t the villain it’s made out to be.

What social media influencers and grocery store magazines don’t mention is that, for most people, the issue isn’t about having too much or too little, but having the right balance of cortisol at the right times.

Our bodies are designed to have higher levels of cortisol in the morning to help us wake up and get going.

As the day progresses, these levels gradually decrease, helping us to unwind and prepare for sleep at night.

Should You Consider Cortisol Testing?

Now, you might wonder, “Why all the fuss about cortisol testing then?”

And that’s a great question. The thing is – cortisol levels aren’t static. They fluctuate throughout the day and are influenced by a variety of factors like stress, sleep patterns, and even what we eat.

This, in addition to many cortisol tests being inaccurate, means that a cortisol test might not give us the full picture of our hormonal health.

It’s like taking a snapshot of the ocean’s surface to gauge its depth—it only tells you so much.

Now that we have an understanding of what cortisol is, why testing isn’t always the best route, and what can affect daily levels, let’s talk about why trying to lower cortisol isn’t always the answer.

Lowering Cortisol vs. Balancing Cortisol

So, we’ve established that cortisol isn’t the enemy; it’s a crucial part of our body’s response system.

But what happens when we try to manipulate these levels artificially, thinking it’s a shortcut to better health?

Trying to change cortisol levels through supplements or medication might seem like an immediate solution. But, this method can actually backfire.

Our bodies operate on a delicate balance and artificially lowering cortisol without addressing the cause of the imbalance can lead to more issues down the road.

It’s like turning down the volume of an alarm without understanding why it went off. The nois stops, but the cause of the alarm isn’t addressed.

The real issue here, for most people, is not cortisol itself, but how our bodies regulate this hormone.

This regulation is influenced by several factors, a few of which are: our nervous system, liver health, and, the health of our adrenals.

To have healthy cortisol levels, we need to support these underlying systems, not just adjust the hormone levels they produce.

How To Regulate Cortisol Levels Naturally

Now, let’s dive a bit deeper into what truly regulates cortisol levels.

The Nervous System

Did you know that the way our body responds to stress, plays a huge role in hormone balance?

A constantly activated stress response can lead to elevated cortisol levels, wearing down our body’s resilience over time.

Supporting our nervous system through practices like:

meditation
deep breathing
gentle exercise

can help mitigate this constant state of alert and bring our cortisol levels into a more balanced rhythm.

Liver Support

Similarly, our liver and how it processes toxins affects our hormonal balance, including cortisol.

A healthy liver supports proper hormone metabolism, helping to maintain that delicate balance we’re aiming for.

Adrenal Support

And let’s not forget about the adrenals themselves. They need support through proper nutrition, adequate rest, and stress management techniques.

What we’re seeing here is a holistic picture. Balancing cortisol isn’t about targeting the hormone itself but about supporting the systems that regulate its production and metabolism. It’s a symphony, not a solo performance, and every part of our body plays a role in this delicate balance.

As we move forward, remember: tackling high cortisol or even dealing with adrenal fatigue isn’t just about taking a pill or a supplement. It’s about nurturing our body as a whole, addressing stress, nutrition, rest, and our environment.

Up next, we’ll explore practical, holistic strategies to support adrenal health and maintain that all-important balance.

So Stay with me, as we uncover how to truly support our body in gentle, yet effective ways.

Tips To Help Support Healthy Hormone Levels

Alright, let’s get to the part my clients are always interested in learning! Which is, how do we support our body in a way that naturally regulates cortisol?

It’s like being the conductor of an orchestra; every instrument needs to be in tune for the symphony to sound right. So, how do we tune our body’s instruments?

Sunshine In The Morning

First, let’s talk about the sunshine and morning light. It sounds simple, doesn’t it? Stepping outside to catch some rays first thing in the morning can help set your body’s internal clock, or circadian rhythm, which in turn regulates your cortisol levels.

Prepare For Sleep

Now, onto the nighttime habits..

A great start is to reduce blue light exposure in the evening.

In the age of binge-watching and scrolling through our phones before bed, we’re essentially telling our bodies it’s still daytime, messing with our natural wind-down process.

Try swapping out that late-night screen time with a book, yoga and stretching, or a warm bath and relaxing music.

Think of it as setting the mood for a good night’s sleep, letting your body know it’s time to relax.

Mineral Balancing: The Little-Known Key To Health

Now, get ready because this next tip is a big one that not many know..

Balancing minerals is another key player.

Our bodies are a bit like a complex recipe, and getting the right balance can affect everything, including cortisol.

Minerals like calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium, (just to name the 4 big ones), must be in balance for our body systems to work properly.

Wondering if your mineral levels are balanced? Learn more about this simple, non-invasive test here!

A Balanced Diet For Lifelong Wellness

And let’s not forget about the power of a balanced diet.

Eating a rainbow of fruits and vegetables, quality proteins, and healthy fats can do wonders for your health and, by extension, your cortisol levels.

It’s like fueling your car with premium gas; it just runs better.

Ready to get started on the road to better eating habits? Here are a few helpful tips!

Effective Supplements For Cortisol Balance

Now, while we’ve talked about the importance of lifestyle changes and holistic approaches to managing cortisol levels, I also want to touch on something that can be really helpful—supplements.

While it’s essential to stick to food-based supplements, the truth is, that no supplement is a magic bullet, but, some can complement the efforts we’re making through diet, sleep, and stress management.

Today, I’d like to share three of my top picks that have consistently worked for my clients (and myself!).

They are:

Bioray Adrenal Lover
Nettle infusions
Oat straw infusions

Bioray Adrenal Lover (Formerly Called Loving Energy)

First, we have Bioray Adrenal Lover.

This supplement is designed to nourish the adrenals, those tiny but mighty glands that play a huge role in managing our cortisol levels. Adrenal Lover is formulated with herbs that have a history of supporting adrenal health and aiding the body in adapting to stress.

Nettle Infusions

Next, let’s talk about nettle infusions.

Nettles are like the unsung heroes of the herbal world. Rich in vitamins and minerals, they’re especially known for their support of the adrenal system and their ability to assist in detoxification processes.

A nettle infusion, which involves steeping dried nettles in hot water for several hours, is a powerful way to get a concentrated dose of these nutrients. It’s like soaking in all the goodness of nettles in a form your body can easily absorb.

Click here to read more about how easy it is to make a nettle infusion and the amazing benefits!

Oat Straw Infusions

Lastly, we have oat straw infusions.

Oat straw comes from the stems and leaves of the oat plant, and it’s packed with vitamins and minerals that support nervous system health and stress response.

Drinking an oat straw infusion can help soothe and support your nervous system, indirectly supporting your adrenal health and helping maintain balanced cortisol levels.

Think of it as a calming, nourishing drink that tells your body, “It’s okay to relax.”

Learn all about oat straw infusions here!

Adding these supplements to your routine can be a supportive step towards balancing cortisol and enhancing your overall well-being.

But, remember, supplements are just one piece of the puzzle. They work best when used in conjunction with healthy lifestyle choices, like those we’ve discussed.

Also, always consult with a healthcare professional before adding new supplements to your routine, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking medications.

Last Thoughts….

As we wrap up, I encourage you to pick one thing we talked about and try incorporating it into your routine this week.

Maybe it’s enjoying your morning coffee outside to catch some of that early sunlight, or setting a nightly reminder to start winding down without your phone or TV.

Whatever you choose, know that each small step is a step toward better health and well-being.

Thank you so much for spending part of your day with me. I hope this information has shed some light on the complexities of cortisol and inspired you to embrace a more holistic approach to managing stress, cortisol levels, and supporting your health.

Until next time, remember to listen to your body, nurture your health, and enjoy the little things in life!