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.
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.
Misleading claims on TikTok attribute various symptoms to high cortisol levels without considering other causes.
Approach TikTok's promotion of supplements with caution, as they may be contaminated or lack scientific evidence.
Consult healthcare professionals for accurate diagnosis and evidence-based treatment of cortisol-related symptoms.
Relying solely on TikTok advice for cortisol-related symptoms may lead to misdiagnosis and ineffective solutions.
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.
Trends in the discourse
The discourse on TikTok regarding cortisol focuses on a pseudo-condition called adrenal fatigue, which is characterized by symptoms that are now attributed to high cortisol levels. The trend heavily promotes the use of supplements, including adaptogens like ashwagandha, along with relaxation techniques, gentle exercise, lymphatic drainage massage, sunlight exposure, avoiding blue light at night, and practicing good sleep hygiene. The discourse often leads to a sales pitch for various supplements.
The link to adrenal fatigue
There is a connection between the current trend of high cortisol and the previous concept of adrenal fatigue. Originally, adrenal fatigue was a term used to explain symptoms that were now attributed to high cortisol levels. The current trend has transformed and expanded on this concept, linking many common symptoms to high cortisol and suggesting a variety of solutions, including cold water submersion, dietary changes, and somatic therapies.
Misinformation and questionable claims
Many claims on TikTok about cortisol are misleading or lack scientific evidence. Examples include blaming caffeine, intense exercise, or period exercise for high cortisol, using ice water facial submersion for adrenal fatigue, and relying on vague symptoms to make sweeping conclusions. The discourse often ignores underlying causes of stress or medical conditions, instead focusing on supplements and treatments without sufficient evidence.
Contamination of supplements
TikTok's promotion of various supplements should be approached with caution, as there have been cases of supplements being contaminated with cortisone or other substances. It is important to be skeptical of exaggerated claims and consult medical professionals rather than relying solely on TikTok advice.
Misinterpretation of Symptoms: Misunderstanding the correlation between symptoms and cortisol levels
The podcast episode discusses the tendency to attribute various symptoms to high cortisol levels without considering other potential causes. The speaker emphasizes the importance of not jumping to conclusions and instead exploring all possible factors that could contribute to the symptoms.
Influence of Social Media: The prevalence of high cortisol discussions on TikTok and the influence on women
The podcast highlights how TikTok videos often target women, suggesting that high cortisol is responsible for their symptoms. It also explores how these videos tend to focus on beauty and weight loss, promoting unrealistic expectations and reinforcing societal pressures.
Questionable Remedies: The use of supplements and dietary recommendations to manage cortisol levels
The podcast raises concerns about the lack of scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of dietary recommendations and supplements in lowering cortisol levels. It emphasizes the need for evidence-based approaches and encourages individuals to consult healthcare professionals for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Understanding the Role of Cortisol: The role of cortisol in the body's stress response and exercise
The podcast provides insights into the role of cortisol in the body, explaining that it is a normal part of the stress response and has beneficial effects during exercise. It clarifies that temporary increases in cortisol during exercise are not necessarily harmful and discusses the adaptation of the body to regular caffeine intake.
Distinguishing between mild and severe symptoms attributed to cortisol
There is concern about the dangerous and problematic information circulating on social media regarding cortisol. People are blending mild and common symptoms with severe medical issues and suggesting drastic fixes like lifestyle changes and supplements. However, high cortisol cannot simultaneously be described as a significant problem that needs to be fixed but also minor enough not to seek medical care. It is crucial to prioritize seeking medical care for severe symptoms and consulting professionals like endocrinologists instead of relying on self-diagnosis or hormone coaches on TikTok.
The allure and dangers of self-diagnosing and substituting personal responsibility
Many individuals are drawn to self-diagnosing health issues related to cortisol and seeking alternative health remedies due to the feeling of personal connection and care provided by influencers on platforms like TikTok. However, this can lead to a rabbit hole of misinformation and reinforcement of self-diagnoses. While there may be a desire to take ownership of one's health, it is important to distinguish between minor problems that can be addressed through lifestyle changes and issues that require professional medical attention. Rather than relying on affiliate-marketed supplements or questionable treatments, individuals should consider consulting doctors or specialists with relevant expertise for accurate diagnoses and appropriate solutions.
In this episode, Greg and Lyndsey sit down for a discussion about cortisol with Beth Skwarecki, the senior health editor at Lifehacker. The dangers of high cortisol are a persistent topic of content on social media content, so the discussion focuses on the types of claims that are being made, the dubious methods of self-diagnosis and “treatment” being recommended, and the potential risks and dangers associated with letting social media convince you that you’re basically an endocrinologist.
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