Best Ways to Reduce Cortisol Levels

The hormone cortisol is responsible for helping maintain the body's immune system and healing capacity. It helps regulate blood sugar, producing energy and affecting inflammation. Whenever your body experiences stress, your adrenal glands respond by producing cortisol. So in modern days full of air pollution, work deadlines, long commutes and economical depression, it is no wonder that many people's bodies produce a little too much cortisol. If your cortisol levels are chronically high, you may develop fatigue, high blood pressure, stomach ulcers, diabetes, hormone imbalances and weight gain.

Eat Healthy Food

• If you eat foods that are not natural (for example, ones that you find in a box) your body may have a more difficult time trying to digest them. This causes stress, which leads to higher production of cortisol. Try to focus on eating protein and basic fruits and vegetables. Also try to avoid eating a lot of junk foods. If your body is already stressed, it may crave unhealthy fats and carbohydrates that help maintain high energy short-term. Healthier foods will provide sustained power and help you maintain a healthy weight.

Relax

• If you don't already have a hobby that relaxes you, find one. Daily meditation is helpful. If you don't enjoy meditating, try an activity like yoga (it allows you to exercise and relax simultaneously). Other relaxing activities for you may be painting, walking in nature or singing. Your body will reap great benefits if you do your part to make sure it is content.

Rest

• Try to get enough rest at night so that your body feels replenished every morning. Also establish and maintain a regular sleep schedule with a set bedtime and wake time. If you are able to, take a nap in the middle of the day when you feel your energy levels dipping. If your body is rested, it is likely to have a more balanced response to stressful situations. This can have a great effect on the amount of cortisol your body produces.

Supplements

• You may want to discuss supplement options with a professional such as a naturopathic physician. He or she may suggest that you take the following supplements which are known to offer basic adrenal support:
  -A complete multi-vitamin
  -Mag-C
  -Advanced essential minerals
  -Vitamins B, B5, B6

Adrenal Exhaustion

• Adrenal exhaustion, according to Methodsofhealing.com, is currently a popular topic in alternative medicine. It is also caused by the chronic stress which contributes to high cortisol levels. Diagnosing adrenal exhaustion is difficult because there aren't any tests that can truly detect it. A physician who works in the holistic or complementary field may be able to determine whether your adrenal glands are under too much stress. Some symptoms of adrenal exhaustion include:
  -Chronic fatigue
  -Being overwhelmed by routine activities
  -Having more energy at night
  -Sensitivity to stressful or anxiety-producing circumstances
  -Susceptibility to illness
  -Problems digesting food
  -Low blood pressure
  -Cold sensitivity