For those who don’t know what cortisol is, cortisol is an important hormone in the body, secreted by the adrenal glands and involved in the proper functioning and regulation of blood pressure, glucose metabolism, immune function, insulin release and much more..
We thus need to realize the importance of this hormone and see that there is a balance in the secretion of this hormone. Getting more information on stress and resources to help you to manage it can help you to build habits that can help you to cope with stress once your stress response is triggered.
So that you do not believe the myths that are doing the rounds about cortisol here are the myths debunked:
Myth 1# Cortisol cannot be fixed as stress is unavoidable
Sure stress is unavoidable but simple things like exercising, eating your meals on time and eating right will keep you on track and keep your cortisol rhythm in proper sync and flow.
Myth 2# High cortisol causes weight gain
High cortisol can cause weight gain but so can low cortisol or cortisol made at the wrong times. Simple steps like getting ½ hour of sunlight within an hour of waking can help cortisol if it is too high or too low.
Myth 3# Exercise lowers cortisol
Exercise is a type of stress. It serves us best when it is challenging but not overwhelming. To understand whether it is good or bad you need to see how stable your adrenals are now and how much exercise you are already used to.
Do not indulge in activities that overwhelm your body and make it think of exercise as a factor of stress.
Myth 4# Carbs are bad for cortisol
Your body uses cortisol to rescue you from low blood sugar. This makes carbs a tool you can use to help regulate your cortisol. Start your day with 25-35 grams of protein and finish it with 20-50 grams of high-quality carbs. You need it at both times of the day to help regulate all your hormones.
Myth 5# Cortisol is not of importance
Regulating or maintain cortisol levels in the body is essential to keep your energy high, your sleep good, and your metabolism strong.
