The hormone cortisol plays a crucial role in regulating the body’s stress response. It aids in regulating your blood pressure, blood sugar levels, metabolism, immune system, and inflammation. Cortisol levels that are too high or too low may cause weight gain, high blood pressure, diabetes, osteoporosis, infections, mental disorders, and adrenal insufficiency.
Some people may take cortisol supplements to balance their cortisol levels or treat conditions like Addison’s disease, which results from low cortisol production. On the other hand, Cortisol supplements are not without hazards and adverse effects and, therefore, should only be taken under medical supervision.
In this post, we will look at the benefits and drawbacks of cortisol supplements and several natural approaches to reducing cortisol levels without using supplements.
Pros of Cortisol Supplements
Cortisol supplements can help replace the natural cortisol that your body is not making enough of. This can improve symptoms such as fatigue, low blood pressure, weight loss, and muscle weakness. Cortisol supplements can also help regulate your immune system and inflammation.
Cortisol supplements are usually prescribed as tablets, injections, or creams. The dosage and timing of cortisol supplements depend on your needs and condition. It’s essential for your doctor to keep an eye on your cortisol levels and make any necessary dosage adjustments.
Cons of Cortisol Supplements
Cortisol supplements can have serious side effects, especially if you take too much or too long. Some of the possible side effects include:
- Weight gain: Cortisol supplements can increase your appetite and cause you to retain water and fat. Obesity and other health problems can develop as a result of this.
- High blood pressure: Taking cortisol supplements can raise blood pressure and increase the chance of heart disease and stroke.
- Diabetes: Cortisol supplements can affect your blood sugar levels and make you more insulin-resistant. This can cause diabetes or worsen existing diabetes.
- Osteoporosis: The supplements can reduce bone density and make you more prone to fractures and osteoporosis.
- Infections: Cortisol supplements can suppress your immune system and make you more susceptible to infections and diseases.
- Mood swings: Cortisol supplements can affect your mood and cause depression, anxiety, irritability, or psychosis.
- Cushing’s syndrome: It can cause a condition called Cushing’s syndrome, where your body has too much cortisol. This can result in a round face, a fatty hump on your back, thin skin, purple stretch marks, acne, hair loss, and menstrual irregularities. Cushing’s syndrome can also damage your organs and increase your risk of death.
Natural Alternatives
If you want to lower your cortisol levels naturally without taking supplements, there are some lifestyle changes that you can make. These include:
- Get enough sleep. Cortisol levels can increase when someone doesn’t get enough sleep, which is terrible for their health. It is best to get between 7 and 9 hours of sound sleep each night and to stay away from coffee, booze, and blue light before bed.
- Exercise regularly. Physical exercise can help you feel less stressed and lower your cortisol levels. But don’t overdo it or work out too hard, because that can have the opposite effect. Choose moderately complex workouts that you enjoy and change your schedule.
- Eat a balanced diet. A good diet can help your body deal with stress and improve your happiness by giving it the necessary nutrients. Make sure your meals and snacks have a lot of fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean meats, healthy fats, and vitamins. Avoid prepared foods, sugars that have been added, and trans fats, which can make inflammation and cortisol levels rise.
- Try relaxation techniques. Things like stress often cause high cortisol levels. You can deal with focus using calm methods like deep breathing, meditation, yoga, tai chi, massage, or aromatherapy. Your nervous system can calm down, and your cortisol levels can decrease, if you do these things.
- Herbs or natural supplements may help reduce stress, anxiety, and cortisol levels. These include ashwagandha, rhodiola, lemon balm, chamomile, astragalus, holy basil, and tribulus. However, these items might not be suitable for everyone and might not work well with other drugs or vitamins you are taking. Because of this, it is important to talk to a doctor before taking any herbs or herbal vitamins.
Conclusion
Cortisol supplements can benefit some people with low cortisol levels or certain medical conditions. However, they can also have serious side effects and should only be used under medical supervision. Try some of the lifestyle changes and natural alternatives mentioned above to lower your cortisol levels naturally. However, remember that I am not a medical expert and cannot give you medical advice or diagnosis.