What’s so bad About Stress?
Under normal daily stress conditions, normal cortisol levels (stress hormones) help the body control blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and even inflammation. But, in prolonged stress. When stress becomes chronic, too much cortisol in the body wreaks havoc.
Signs & Symptoms of a Cortisol Imbalance
Chronically elevated cortisol levels may contribute to:
- Thyroid problems
- Cognitive decline
- Sleep disorders
- Anxiety & depression
- Compromised immune function
- Increased blood pressure
Do you think you’re a victim of increased cortisol levels. Speak to your doctor, but the following questions may help you discern if you’re suffering from a cortisol imbalance.
- Do you suffer from depression, anxiety, nervousness or irritability?
- Do you struggle with sleep waking frequently in the middle of the night, unable to get back to sleep?
- Do you feel light-headed when standing up quickly?
- Do you crave carbs?
- Do you struggle with weight gain?
- Do you have high blood pressure?
If you answered yes to more than one of those questions, you may have a cortisol imbalance.
Your doctor can conduct a 4-point salivary test. Saliva has been proven to be a better source of cortisol testing over blood and offers concrete results.
Tips for Controlling Cortisol Levels
You should always consult your physician when it comes to achieving healthy cortisol levels.
However, these lifestyle changes may be of help when dealing with a cortisol imbalance.
- Eat REAL food. Limit or avoid packaged, processed and non-organic foods.
- Avoid additives and dyes. Additives, preservatives, GMOs, dyes, food coloring, hormones, pesticides, and antibiotics increase the toxic load to the liver – adding stress to the body.
- Avoid sugars. Cortisol causes gluconeogenesis, the production of sugar from non-carb sources – elevating blood sugar levels. Avoid a diet heavy in starchy carbohydrates and added sugars to help counteract the response of cortisol.
- Eat healthy fats and/or Take Omega 3 Fish Oil. Omega-3 fatty acids, are anti-inflammatory and help counter the inflammatory effects of cortisol. Try adding a quality omega 3 fish oil into your daily diet.
- Drink water! Water will help hydrate cells and detoxify the body. Stay hydrated!
- Get Your ZZZ’s. Sleep is the most important thing when it comes to reducing cortisol and restoring the adrenal glands. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep. Have trouble falling asleep? Turn off all artificial light. Artificial light tricks the body into releasing more cortisol, suppressing melatonin, making it difficult to fall asleep.
- Take a multivitamin daily.
Your doctor can conduct a test, but there are some saliva tests you can do yourself through online services like this one.