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The Stronger By Science Podcast

Busting Myths about Cortisol with Beth Skwarecki

Dec 13, 2023
Greg and Lyndsey talk to Beth Skwarecki, senior health editor at Lifehacker, about busting myths about cortisol. They discuss the prevalence of misinformation on social media, fluctuation of cortisol levels, misconceptions about high cortisol symptoms, debunking myths about cravings for sugar and salt, exploring the evolution of adrenal fatigue, unethical practices in health diagnosis, the blend of truth and fiction in cortisol information, the role of cortisol in exercise adaptation and energy metabolism, debunking high cortisol myths, skepticism of obstetricians and gynecologists, misinformation on TikTok, and challenges of following health advice.
02:29:59

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Cortisol discourse on TikTok often promotes supplements and treatments without sufficient evidence.
  • The trend of high cortisol on TikTok focuses on a pseudo-condition called adrenal fatigue.

Deep dives

Symptoms of high cortisol according to TikTok

According to TikTok, symptoms of high cortisol include cravings for salt and sugar, waking up between 2-4 a.m., feeling tired in the morning and wired at night, overthinking or feeling anxious, having fat in the belly or love handles, having a round face, being irritable, experiencing brain fog or trouble making decisions, experiencing bloating or fluid retention, having painful periods or menstrual issues, having low libido, experiencing gut issues, having low appetite in the morning, having high blood sugar, and experiencing acne.

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