Cortisol isn't just the villain it's often made out to be; it's essential for many bodily functions. The hosts discuss the trendy adrenal cocktails—are they truly beneficial or just a fad? They dive into the concept of 'cortisol face' and its implications, debunking myths along the way. Plus, lowering cortisol doesn't necessarily result in weight loss, and the significance of proper testing methods for cortisol levels is highlighted. Tune in for insightful advice that cuts through the noise of social media health trends!
Cortisol is essential for daily functioning, and maintaining balanced levels is more beneficial than merely seeking low cortisol levels.
Testing cortisol levels accurately requires understanding the methods available and interpreting results in the context of overall health.
Deep dives
The Role of Cortisol in Health
Cortisol is often labeled as the 'stress hormone' due to its primary function in the body's stress response system. It mobilizes resources during stress by increasing blood glucose and enhancing alertness. Contrary to popular belief, cortisol is not inherently bad; instead, it is essential for daily functioning and maintaining energy levels. The body produces cortisol as part of its natural circadian rhythm, peaking in the morning to help individuals wake up and stay alert throughout the day.
Myths Surrounding Cortisol Levels
A common misconception is that low cortisol levels are healthier, but adequate levels are crucial for vital bodily functions, including immune response and inflammation regulation. Instead of striving for low cortisol, the focus should be on maintaining a balance. It is also mistaken to think cortisol is only produced during stressful times; it operates continuously as part of the body's feedback systems. Understanding that cortisol levels are a response to environmental factors, and not merely a consequence of stress, is essential for evaluating overall health.
Addressing Cortisol Imbalances
High cortisol levels can result from chronic stress, poor sleep, and unhealthy lifestyle choices, while low levels may indicate previous prolonged stress. Identifying the root causes of cortisol imbalances is critical for effective treatment, as merely addressing cortisol levels without understanding underlying issues may lead to incomplete recovery. Various lifestyle and dietary interventions can help manage cortisol, including proper nutrition that supports blood sugar regulation and adequate nutrient intake to replenish what is lost during stress. Ultimately, true health lies in addressing and rectifying the factors contributing to cortisol dysregulation.
Cortisol Testing and Interpretation
There are different methods to test cortisol levels, including blood, saliva, and urine tests, each providing varying insights into cortisol production and regulation. Saliva and dried urine tests are especially useful as they capture the diurnal pattern of cortisol fluctuations throughout the day. The results should be interpreted contextually, as cortisol levels can vary based on numerous factors, including time of day and overall health. Accurate diagnosis of cortisol issues requires a comprehensive analysis that takes into account the interplay between cortisol and other adrenal hormones like DHEA.
Advice can be amazing—or a total miss—depending on who it is for and who it’s coming from. That’s especially true when it comes to hormones, where one-size-fits-all solutions from TikTok and Instagram don’t work. In this episode, Erin clears up the confusion about cortisol’s role in the body, addresses popular trends like adrenal cocktails and cortisol face, and discusses what high and low cortisol levels really mean for your health. Learn why lowering cortisol doesn’t always lead to weight loss and how to navigate testing options to get the most accurate results.
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Timestamps:
(7:41) Is cortisol always bad for you?
(15:53) Adrenal cocktails: Are they legit and do you need to be drinking them?
(20:49) Most common reasons for high cortisol and low cortisol
(31:07) Cortisol face – is it real?
(33:49) Does lowering cortisol lead to weight loss?