|
|
Cortisol And Weight Gain
Recent studies have identified a link between cortisol and weight gain, but exactly what is cortisol
and what does it do?
Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands as part of the body's daily hormonal cycle. It
helps regulate blood pressure and cardiovascular function, as well as the body’s use of proteins, carbohydrates,
and fats. Cortisol is sometimes called the "stress hormone" because cortisol levels increase in response to any
physical, mental, or emotional stress. This can include common daily stresses such as job pressures or being
stuck in traffic, as well as stress caused by a low calorie or improper diet, intense exercise, lack of sleep,
infection, or injury. When cortisol levels increase, it causes blood sugar and blood pressure levels to increase
so that the body has more energy to handle a stressful situation.
There are many hormones in our bodies which in the proper amounts maintain good health, but in excess
or deficiency have negative effects or contribute to health problems. Cortisol is no different. High levels of
cortisol can lead to high blood sugar, high blood pressure, increased abdominal fat, and loss of muscle tissue.
Since cortisol levels increase with stress, the best way to maintain a healthy level of cortisol is to reduce
stress and lessen the impact of stress that can't be avoided. Trying to avoid stress completely is not possible,
and it's actually not desirable. Stress is an important part of life because it triggers positive adaptations and
growth. It’s continuous stress, and the resulting continuous high levels of cortisol, that you want to avoid.
What about using one of those heavily advertised cortisol reducing supplements that claim to be the
key to weight loss? Unfortunately, these products are not backed by scientific evidence. In fact, the Federal
Trade Commission charged the marketers of two popular products, CortiSlim and CortiStress, with making false and
unsubstantiated claims that their products can cause weight loss. If you're going to use any supplements, use ones
that have been shown by studies to be effective at reducing cortisol levels, such as Vitamin C, Glutamine (an amino
acid), and Phosphatidylserine (a substance derived from soy lecithin). You might also want to consider supplements
that are reputed to have stress relieving effects, such as Valerian, Inositol, and Gotu Kola.
Visit Vitabase.com
to learn more about any of these supplements.
In conclusion, cortisol is an important hormone and part of the body's natural stress response. High
levels of cortisol can increase abdominal fat, but cortisol is only one contributing factor to increased body fat
and weight gain, not the primary cause. An excess of calories from too much food and too little physical activity
is the main cause of increased body fat and weight gain.
Leave the Cortisol page and return to the Health And Fitness Articles page
Leave the Cortisol page and return to the Home page
|
|
