Stress & Cortisol

Learning to manage stress brings many benefits, for example, peace of mind, reduced stress and anxiety, and a better quality of life.

A well-known pharmacist in the United States, Suzie Cohen, offers advice on what you need to know about cortisol and how you can control it naturally. ¹
First and foremost, she explains, it's important to understand that cortisol is produced by the adrenal glands and helps regulate the rate at which the body converts food into energy. It also helps increase blood sugar levels and supports the immune system and bone health. It's not a harmful substance in itself, unless there's too much of it in the blood, or too little of it after a long period of stress. In other words, cortisol is essential for all the body's systems to function properly, but it shouldn't be too high or too low.

Stress is the main cause of increased blood cortisol levels, which can lead to problems

• Excess cortisol will lead to weight gain in the mid-body, especially around the belly.
• High cortisol levels lead to increased infections and an increased risk of high blood pressure, osteoporosis (weakening of the bones), acid reflux, diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.
• Stress can make you really sick.
  

She mentions that the response of conventional medicine is to administer treatment with benzodiazepine-type tranquilizers, which provides a short-term solution.
Supplements can help in a much better way because, unlike medications, they can lower cortisol levels and do not cause addiction or potentially dangerous side effects.

Adaptogenic plants are the ideal ally for managing stress

• She emphasizes the importance of selecting the one that interests us based on its properties and possible side effects. It's also important to consult your doctor to see if there are any contraindications for you.
• She suggests switching herbs every few months and not expecting immediate results, as adaptogenic herbs can often take a few weeks to work properly.

She summarizes the benefits of her favorite plants:

Siberian Ginseng : Improves the body's resilience to stress and may help balance cortisol levels, indirectly supporting thyroid function by stabilizing energy levels and immune response.

Ashwagandha : Known for its ability to reduce cortisol levels and potentially improve thyroid hormone production and balance, particularly beneficial for those with thyroid problems.

Rhodiola : Helps the body adapt and resist physical, chemical, and environmental stresses, potentially reducing cortisol levels and supporting overall hormonal balance.

Schisandra : May improve resilience to stress and has been suggested to help balance cortisol levels, thereby indirectly supporting thyroid health.

Tulsi (Holy Basil) : May reduce stress-induced cortisol levels and improve mental clarity, indirectly benefiting thyroid health through increased resilience to stress.

Gotu kola : Affects mood and helps to relax. Use when you need to unwind, in the same way you would a glass of wine.

Also, among her suggestions, she mentions drinking tea , as it is a substance that helps most people relax. As well as massage : in 2005, researchers from the University of Miami analyzed some scientific studies on this subject and concluded that a simple massage can reduce cortisol levels by 31% — which is considerable! ²

Discover the Mayo Clinic's tips for learning how to manage stress in a healthy way: ³

• Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly. Get plenty of sleep as well.
• Perform relaxation exercises such as yoga, deep breathing, massage or meditation.
• Keep a journal. Write about our thoughts or what we are grateful for in our life.
• Make time for hobbies, such as reading or listening to music. Or watch a favorite show or movie.
• Foster healthy friendships and talk with friends and family.
• Have a sense of humor. Find ways to include humor and laughter in your life, such as watching funny movies or browsing joke sites.
• Volunteer in your community.
• Organize and focus on what we need to do at home and work and delete tasks that are not necessary.
• Seek professional counseling. A counselor can help develop specific coping skills to manage stress.
• Stay away from unhealthy ways of dealing with your stress, such as drinking alcohol, smoking, using drugs, or overeating.
  

It's difficult to avoid stress completely, but fortunately, we can work to manage it naturally to achieve the well-being we seek.


References:
1. https://suzycohen.com/articles/mastering-cortisol/

2. Field T. Massage therapy research review. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2014 Nov;20(4):224-9. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2014.07.002. Epub 2014 Aug 1. PMID: 25172313; PMCID: PMC5467308. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5467308/pdf/nihms644177.pdf

3. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress/art-20046037

Maison Jacynthe disclaims all liability. All information contained on this page is not intended to replace justified allopathic treatment or to disregard the expertise of the medical profession. It is up to each individual to take charge of their own health, to inform themselves, and to make the necessary changes to improve their condition. Therapeutic supervision by a qualified health professional is obviously recommended.