So, lately, it seems like everyone’s chatting about cortisol, that stress hormone we all love to hate. But hold up—before you start stressing about your cortisol levels, let’s clear up some misconceptions, shall we?
According to the experts, cortisol isn’t the villain it’s often made out to be. Sure, too much of it for too long can cause trouble, but it’s actually pretty darn essential for keeping our bodies in check. It helps us deal with stress, regulates our metabolism, and even keeps inflammation in check.
Here’s the deal: when we’re faced with stress, like a looming deadline or a sudden crisis, our cortisol levels skyrocket. It’s our body’s way of gearing up for action, pumping out glucose so our brain and muscles have the energy to handle whatever’s thrown our way. It’s like our body’s built-in stress response system.
But here’s where things can get tricky. If we’re constantly stressed, our cortisol levels can stay elevated, leading to problems like high blood sugar and weight gain. But don’t panic just yet. Managing cortisol levels isn’t about popping some magic pill—it’s about making simple lifestyle changes.
Be cautious if you are using supplements promising to tame your cortisol levels. Not only are they expensive, but doctors advise they could even be harmful. You see, a study found that many of these supplements marketed for adrenal support contain hidden ingredients, like steroid hormones and even thyroid hormones. In fact, some contain potent steroids like dexamethasone, which can mess with your body’s natural cortisol production and land you in the hospital.
Instead, focus on the basics of stress management: get moving with regular exercise, catch those Z’s with a good night’s sleep, and chill out with some mindfulness practices like yoga or meditation.
Of course, if you’re dealing with ongoing health issues, it’s always best to talk to your healthcare clinician. Conditions like Cushing’s syndrome or adrenal insufficiency require proper medical attention, not Dr. Google’s diagnosis.
So there you have it—cortisol isn’t the enemy. It’s just doing its job. And with a little TLC and some healthy lifestyle habits, we can keep it in check and live our best, stress-free lives.
**Citation:**
Reddy, Sumathi. “Forget What You’ve Heard: Let’s Talk Cortisol.” *The Wall Street Journal*, 13 May 2024.
Farah Myers is a family nurse practitioner with Cool Creek Family Health in Carmel, Indiana. At Cool Creek Family Health, we’re not just another healthcare office. We’re your dedicated healthcare partner. With our direct primary care model, you will finally get the attention and consistency you deserve. Together, we’ll prioritize your health journey and work towards your best self. Say goodbye to the confusion of self-diagnosis and conflicting advice. Contact us today for a meet and greet and let’s make your health a priority again.
