Be cautious of elevated cortisol levels

In health circles, cortisol is also known as the ‘fat tummy hormone’. It’s produced by our bodies, and in excess it could be the reason behind that spare tyre.

What is cortisol?

Cortisol is important to your body. During times of stress, cortisol converts proteins into usable energy. Elevated cortisol levels for short periods is okay, but in the long term high levels can be harmful to your health.

To tell whether you have elevated levels, see how many of these symptoms you have:

1. You’re not sleeping well

Cortisol levels are supposed to drop at bedtime, but you could find yourself getting a second wind just as you’re supposed to be winding down for some all-important rest. Alternatively, you sleep well but wake up tired.

2. You’re gaining weight, even though you exercise and eat well most of the time.

Read also: 9 ways to evaluate your health

3. You get colds easily

An excess of cortisol compromises your body’s self-healing powers. A suppressed immune system means you get every bug going around.

4. You crave unhealthy foods, especially sugar

Cortisol raises your blood sugar levels. High glucose then spikes your insulin levels, sending your blood sugar levels into freefall, causing – yes, you guessed it – more sugar cravings.

5. You’re susceptible to headaches and backaches

Elevated cortisol levels lead to higher levels of prolactin over the long term, making you more pain sensitive.

6. You never feel like sex

The higher your cortisol, the lower your libido.

7. You have gut problems

In addition to fat around the middle, you may also suffer from ulcers, nausea, heartburn, abdominal cramps, diarrhoea, constipation, colitis, flatulence and bloating. Read how to banish bloating here.

8. You feel anxious

A constant state of fight or flight causes your heart to pump more blood, but it’s diverted away from digestion, which slows down, and away from arms and legs. This puts dangerous strain on your heart. In addition to feeling hyped up, you can also feel panicked, jittery and paranoid.

Read also: Positive work environments boost productivity 

9. You’re depressed

Cortisol suppresses levels of serotonin (the happy hormone).

10. You have high blood pressure; that is a BP above 120mmHg/80mmHg.

If you’re concerned about your cortisol levels, talk to your GP about urine, blood or saliva tests.

How to take control of your cortisol levels naturally:

1. Get the right amount of sleep

Keep a consistent sleep schedule, avoid caffeine in the evening, avoid sleep interruptions and get seven to eight hours of sleep daily to keep cortisol in a normal rhythm.

2. Exercise, but not too much

Depending on the intensity of exercise, it can increase or decrease cortisol. Exercise decreases cortisol at night. Intense exercise increases cortisol in the short term due to stress on the body, but still decreases it the following night.

3. Learn to recognise stressful thinking

‘Stress mindfulness’ emphasises self-awareness of stressful thoughts and signs of body tension. Becoming more aware of stress and its triggers is the first step to successfully coping with stress.

4. Learn to relax

Many relaxation techniques are proven to lower cortisol. Examples include deep breathing, yoga and tai chi, music and having a massage.

5. Have fun

Tending to your own happiness will help keep cortisol down. Taking up a hobby, spending time outdoors and laughing can all help.

6. Maintain healthy relationships

Relationships with friends and family can lead to both happiness and to stress. Spend time with those you love and learn to forgive and manage conflict for better emotional and physical health.

7. Take care of a pet

Several studies show that interacting with an animal companion reduces stress and lowers cortisol levels. Pets also benefit from positive relationships with their humans.

8. Be your best self

Resolving guilt improves life satisfaction and cortisol levels. This may involve changing habits, forgiving others or learning to forgive yourself.

9. Tend to your spirituality

For those with spiritual inclinations, developing faith and participating in prayer can help control cortisol. Whether you’re spiritual or not, performing acts of kindness can also improve your cortisol levels.

10. Eat healthy food

Nutrition can influence cortisol for better or for worse. Cortisol-reducing foods include dark chocolate, tea and soluble fiber. Avoiding excess sugar consumption may also help keep your levels down.

11. Take certain supplements

Studies have proven that at least two nutritional supplements can lower cortisol levels. Fish oil supplements and an Asian herbal medicine called ashwagandha have both been shown to help reduce cortisol levels.

Information sourced from Health Line and Your Family. 

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