Too much cortisol: belly fat and crow's feet

The fact that being in a state of stress is the norm for a modern person is an absolutely erroneous opinion. Yes, sometimes it’s hard to withstand the pressure at work, and even harder to manage to build a career, pay attention to the family and carve out the rest of the time for yourself. In fact, being constantly under stress is a real pathology that can lead to the development of an immense number of various diseases and disorders. Instead of letting negativity eat away at you, learn how to control your stress hormone.

Cortisol differs from other hormones in that an excess of it provokes an increase in blood pressure and blood sugar. In this regard, the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and obesity increases.

If you learn how to manage the stress hormone, you can avoid so many serious consequences in the form of various ailments.

• What happens when cortisol levels are elevated
• How to find harmony: learning to control correctly stress hormone

What happens when cortisol levels are elevated

It all starts with the fact that a signal (hormone) comes from the pituitary gland to the adrenal glands , calling for cortisol to work, which immediately begins to act. At the same time, initially the functions of cortisol (like everything else in our body) are purely positive.

Cortisol helps to overcome stress, promotes better concentration, energizes and fights allergies.

If cortisol levels are normal:

• You are haunted by a sense of satisfaction;
• You are absolutely satisfied with your life;
• You are comfortable in your own body, it is difficult to push you from your place.

If cortisol levels are elevated:

• You can't sleep at all;
  
  
• a bad mood constantly haunts you;
  
  
• You constantly feel tired and exhausted;
  
  
• your belly has grown.

What happens when cortisol levels are elevated?

1. The level of sugar in the blood rises.
   
   
2. Dopamine and serotonin levels decrease.
   
   
3. The metabolism slows down, which causes fat deposits on the waist and abdomen.
   
   
4. Due to the fact that the muscles around the eyes are constantly tense , wrinkles appear .
   
   
5. Muscle tissue is destroyed.

To avoid an increase in cortisol levels in the blood, the following foods should be discarded: caffeine, alcohol, gluten.

How to find harmony: learning to properly control the stress hormone

1. Breathe! When you feel stress starting to creep in, take 10 breaths and exhale and feel instant relief.
   
   
2. Drink more water. The stress response can be a result of dehydration, and this provokes an increase in the level of cortisol in the body.
   
   
3. Eat right. Prioritize protein foods and foods with prebiotics, avoid sugar and refined carbohydrates. The ideal combination is proteins, complex carbohydrates and fats.
   
   
4. Walk more in nature. Walking outdoors has been proven to reduce stress hormone levels. It is important to enjoy being among the trees and the beauty of the surrounding area.
   
   
5. Avoid physical and mental overload.

You will be interested in: " Breathing: getting rid of fears "

Reboot Your Hormones author Sarah Gotfield has compiled a list of foods that help normalize cortisol levels. These include:

• dark chocolate (a couple of pieces after breakfast);
  
  
• dark green leafy;
  
  
• rhodiola rosea;
  
  
• omega 3 fatty acids .
  
  
• Do not exhaust yourself with unnecessary experiences, by learning to control the stress hormone, you will save yourself from many unpleasant diseases.