Cortisol is popularly known like the stress hormone and it will play a fundamental and essential role in the human body. This type of hormone is created by the adrenal glands and is involved in physiological processes of all kinds, such as the regulation of metabolism, the response of the immune system to various infections and in stress management.
In the following article we are going to talk to you in detail about the hormone cortisol and how to manage it. to achieve a certain healthy balance in the body.
What is cortisol
Cortisol is a hormone that belongs to the corticosteroid family and is produced in the adrenal glands, which are located above the kidneys. This type of hormone is created to regulate various important body functions. It is popularly known as the stress hormone because high levels of stress will cause cortisol levels in the body to rise more than necessary. Cortisol increases with certain stimuli in the body, such as fever, low blood sugar or physical exercise.
What are the functions of cortisol in the body
Cortisol will play numerous functions in the body:
- Cortisol helps regulate blood sugar levels, blood pressure and the metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates.
- It is a hormone that has anti-inflammatory effects They help the body control inflammation and respond to infections.
- Cortisol is part of the body's response to stressful situations. Rise the levels of energy and improves the body's ability to deal with stress, whether physical or emotional.
- It is a hormone that will influence the sleep cycle and in mood regulation. Too high levels of cortisol can negatively affect sleep and contribute to certain mood disorders such as anxiety and depression.
- Cortisol will also play an important role in the regulation of cardiovascular function, including blood pressure and heart function.
What are the effects of too high cortisol?
Although cortisol is essential to achieve a certain well-being in the body, too high levels of cortisol can have Negative effects on health in the medium and long term:
- Excess cortisol can cause a significant accumulation of fat around the abdomen, leading to a greater risk of suffering from cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.
- High levels of cortisol can cause insulin resistance, which increases the risk of developing a disease such as type 2 diabetes.
- Although cortisol has anti-inflammatory effects, in excess it can weaken the immune system, increasing the likelihood from suffering from infections and diseases.
- Elevated levels of cortisol can directly interfere with your sleep, making it difficult.
- An imbalance in cortisol levels is associated with mood disorders as is the case with anxiety and depression.
What are the symptoms of high cortisol levels?
Having too high cortisol levels can cause a series of fairly clear symptoms:
- Increased important weight.
- Main Courses Headaches.
- Problems for be able to concentrate properly.
- Redness throughout the entire face area.
- Difficulty for wounds to heal and they heal in a correct way.
- fatigue and muscular weakness.
- Irritability and major mood swings.
- High blood pressure.
- Emotional problems as is the case of depression and anxiety.
Strategies to manage cortisol
Given the impact that cortisol has on the body, it is important to manage the levels of this hormone to achieve the healthiest balance possible. Don't miss any detail of the following tips that will help you maintain good cortisol levels:
- Meditation, yoga, deep breathing and other stress management techniques can help reduce the body's cortisol levels. These techniques will promote relaxation and tranquility.
- Doing some physical exercise on a regular basis can help lower cortisol levels in the blood, to improve mood and to help you fall asleep properly.
- A healthy and balanced diet, Based on the intake of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and healthy fats, it will help keep blood sugar levels stable and reduce inflammation, something that will affect cortisol levels.
- Prioritizing sleep for about 7 to 8 hours and maintaining it over time can help regulate cortisol levels in the body and improve sleep quality.
- Drinking too much caffeine and alcohol can increase cortisol levels. That is why it is important to consume them in some moderation and not exceed their consumption.
- You have to know how to manage different emotions. It is essential to have certain tools that help to adequately manage the emotions that arise throughout the day. This management will allow the levels of cortisol in the blood to be fully controlled.
- It is advisable to learn to recognize stressful thoughts firsthand. It is not necessary to delete them, but to accept them without any type or kind of judgment. You must have the necessary capacity to be able to process them and find the best possible solution.
In short, cortisol is a very important hormone that will perform numerous functions in the human body. While essential for survival and healthy functioning, too high levels of cortisol in the blood can have negative effects on long-term health. This is why it is important to know how to properly manage stress and lead a healthy lifestyle to achieve an adequate cortisol balance and promote general well-being.