Of all the body’s hormones, cortisol sparks particular interest in the health community. Also known as the “stress hormone”, cortisol plays a big part in your body’s reaction to stress and danger. But, left unchecked, it can have lasting consequences on your overall well-being.
In this article, we’ll explore exactly what cortisol does and how it can impact your health.
What Does Cortisol Do?
Cortisol regulates the body’s stress response, also known as the “fight or flight” response. This helps you react to dangerous situations by boosting the brain’s ability to use glucose. Cortisol also slows down nonessential bodily functions as part of this response, including your metabolism.
While the fight or flight response helps your body respond to real dangers, most of the stressors we face today aren’t life-threatening. As a result, heightened cortisol levels can compromise, rather than protect, your health.
Why Do Cortisol Levels Matter?
Paying attention to cortisol is an important step in your complete wellness routine. Elevated cortisol levels from chronic stress can contribute to an array of health concerns, including:
- Chronic inflammation, which can occur if you have excessive cortisol in the bloodstream for a prolonged period
- Chronic fatigue, as cortisol activates the central nervous system and immune system
- High blood sugar, which may eventually lead to type 2 diabetes
- Weight gain, as cortisol slows the metabolism, increases appetite, and contributes to insulin resistance
- Digestive problems, as cortisol can impact the stomach’s ability to properly digest food and may cause an imbalance of “bad” bacteria in the gut
- Mental health concerns, including anxiety and depression, can result from high cortisol levels.
At A Place for Wellness in Seminole, we’re here to optimize your hormone levels, protect your longevity, and improve your quality of life. Reach out to us today to book an appointment!