How to Eliminate Cortisol

Your body produces cortisol because of mental, physical or emotional stress. It is commonly called the stress hormone. Cortisol is a hormone produced by your adrenal gland, and it can cause weight gain if the level of cortisol in your body is too high. Abnormal cortisol levels can also slow down your metabolism, resulting in weight gain. Reducing the amount of cortisol in your body will have a positive influence on your weight and health. First, you need to get your stress level under control. Stress is a big contributor to high cortisol levels. There are several simple and easy ways to get rid of stress, thereby reducing cortisol.

Instructions

• 1

  Talk to a close friend or relative, or join a support group. You might even want to try therapy. Sharing your worries and stresses with others can help alleviate them.

• 2

  Start eating a healthier diet. Meat, eggs, fish, and fruits and vegetables are good, healthy choices that will help lower your level of cortisol. Consult a doctor to set up a proper diet if you do not feel comfortable doing this on your own. Your diet plays an important role in your cortisol levels.

• 3

  Exercise for at least 20 to 30 minutes a day. Walking, running, swimming or biking are good forms of exercise. Try weight lifting, as it will help build muscle and it, too, is a good form of exercise. These exercises can lower the levels of stress, cortisol and weight you have gained. Finding an exercise that you enjoy will help you to get excited to work out. Exercise also releases the endorphins in your body that have natural stress-fighting properties.

• 4

  Meditate and relax. Meditation will calm you and put your mind at ease all while promoting a personal sense of well-being.

• 5

  Get a good night's rest. Cortisol levels lower when you feel rested and rise when you have not had enough sleep. The National Sleep Foundation found that healthy adults require 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night.