Cortisol is a hormone found in every body and is known as stress. This hormone, which has a very important position in the body, directly affects our daily life. People who are stressed by nature have a very high level of cortisol hormone. If you’re constantly feeling stressed and anxious for no reason, your higher than normal cortisol levels may be to blame.
WHAT IS CORTISO?
Cortisol, the main hormone secreted by the adrenal glands, is also known as the stress hormone. Cortisol, secreted in situations of physical and emotional stress, increases energy and focus, making the body ready for the stress factors encountered. Cortisol, which can be life-saving when secreted against a vital threat, and supports alertness when secreted for a short time, has the opposite effect when secreted chronically and for a long time.
When cortisol (stress hormone) is constantly high, many problems can be faced. For example; It becomes difficult to balance blood sugar, and even the mind begins to have difficulty in learning new information. In the long run, the stagnation of functions leads to Type 2 diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis, high blood pressure, and decreased fertility.
SYMPTOMS OF HIGH STRESS (CORTISOLE)
High levels of cortisol are associated with some symptoms in the body. These symptoms are usually as follows:
– Insomnia, poor sleep quality.
– Lubrication around the waist, sudden weight gain.
– Problems related to blood sugar; insulin resistance, Type 2 diabetes.
-Digestive system problems.
-High inflammation
-Low immune system.
– Sudden mood swings.
-Tiredness.
SIX NATURAL WAYS TO DEAL WITH STRESS!
Coping with stress has become a very challenging subject. It is known that many of those who receive psychological treatment are those who have health problems due to high pressure and stress. There are also natural ways to beat stress. If necessary, medical support should be obtained, but supplementing with natural methods helps to get healthier results.
Eating a balanced diet, consuming complex carbohydrates at dinner, meditation, low-paced sports instead of high-intensity exercises, spending more time outside and getting quality sleep will help reduce your cortisol level, that is, your stress.
Especially Omega-3, vitamin C and potassium are among the important nutritional values that come to the fore in lowering cortisol.
Foods rich in omega-3: Salmon, avocado, chia seeds.
Fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C: Red pepper, kiwi, citrus, strawberry, forest berries.
Potassium-rich fruits and vegetables: Banana, melon, spinach, broccoli, plum, tomato.
Foods rich in magnesium: Almond, dark chocolate.