High Cortisol Levels & Metabolism

Cortisol, often called 'the stress hormone,' interacts with the body's metabolism to regulate insulin levels, glucose levels and blood pressure. In our high powered culture, many people suffer from an over-abundance of cortisol in the bloodstream, resulting in a chronic and harmful state of stress on the body.

Function

• Cortisol, produced by the adrenal glands of the endocrine system, is the hormone that is responsible for initiating and regulating the 'fight or flight' responses in the body. As an autonomic survival response, the secretion of cortisol is essential.

Positive and Negative Effects

• Short-term effects of higher levels of cortisol are positive, like heightened mental functions, a burst of energy and lowered pain sensitivity. The effects of prolonged secretion of cortisol, however, include an increase in abdominal fat, impaired mental function, an increase in blood pressure and a decrease in muscle tissue.

Time Frame

• Cortisol levels in the body are normally higher in the morning and lower in the later part of the day.

Prevention

• The key to the prevention of chronically high levels of cortisol is to lower overall stress, so the body can relax and return to a normal state.

Potential Benefits

• For those individuals attempting to lose weight, knowledge of cortisol and how this hormone affects metabolism is essential for successful weight reduction.