Usually, if you are on a healthy diet and exercise regularly, you should be able to keep your weight under control. Not if you have an excess of cortisol in your blood.
Cortisol is a hormone that has a high level when we are stressed or in danger. If this is not part of your daily routine and still have a high level of cortisol in your blood, this is the reason why you cannot lose weight.
A stressful life can cause excess cortisol, and it can cause serious health problems, like Cushing syndrome. In the worst-case scenario, the continuous production of high quantities of cortisol can lead to muscle deterioration, slow metabolism, and a lot of abdominal fat that wraps around the organs.
Here are some common symptoms of high cortisol:
- Constant depression and anxiety, even uncontrolled anger;
- Feeling tired all the time for no reason;
- Constant headaches;
- Hypertension and abnormal heartbeats;
- Chaotic eating habits, weight loss with no explanation;
- Slow digestion, constipation or diarrhea;
- Urinating frequently;
- Insomnia;
- Memory problems;
- The sense of defense is decreased;
- Wrinkles and facial hair;
- Inflammation on areas of your face;
- Fat on your neck.
Read also: What Is Your Type of Body Fat and How to Lose Weight
What to do to reduce the cortisol level:
- Avoid the following: coffee, alcohol, sugar, other sweeteners (aspartame), excess potassium.
- Consume more of the following:
- Fish containing phosphatidylserines, such as mackerel, herring, eel.
- Other foods that contain phenylalanine, such as chicken, eggs, brown rice, broccoli, pumpkin, watercress, and artichoke.
- Include in your diet more tryptophan that you can get from soy, nuts, brown rice, eggs, and milk.
- You also need vitamin B5 from almonds, salmon, dates, wheat, and oatmeal.
- Don’t forget beans, sunflower seeds, and cereals.
- Have a fixed schedule for eating. It is ok to have five small meals every day. Skipping meals will increase the cortisol level.
- Keep the training schedule in a limit. Fifty minutes, three times a week is plenty. Too much exercise will cause cortisol increase, so take a break every other day.
- Rest for at least 8 hours every night. Sleep is perfect for body regeneration and slowing down its processes.
- If you are under too much stress, try meditation or relaxation techniques to get the edge off.
- Avoid energy drinks, caffeine, and alcohol.
- Try some natural anti-stress supplements: Rhodiola, vitamin C, ginseng, folic acid, vitamin A, magnesium, calcium, St. John’s wort, chamomile, oats…
- Don’t forget to drink water. Keeping hydrated will lower the cortisol level. Make a habit of drinking one glass of water when you wake up and one before going to sleep.
Meet the Experts
- Dr. David Katz – Dr. David Katz is a preventive medicine specialist advocating for evidence-based approaches to healthy eating. He collaborates with th True Health Initiative
- Dr. Neal Barnard – Dr. Neal Barnard is a plant-based diet advocate and author, focusing on nutrition s role in preventing chronic diseases. He works with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine PCRM
- Dr. William Li – Dr. William Li is a physician and researcher focusing on how diet can impact diseases, including cancer prevention. He leads the Angiogenesis Foundation
- Dr. Cynthia Sass – Dr. Cynthia Sass is a sports dietitian and nutritionist helping individuals achieve health goals through personalized plans. She collaborates with major sports organizations.
- Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian – Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian is a cardiologist and public health advocate researching the relationship between diet and chronic diseases. He is affiliated with Tufts University.