Looking for ways to lower your cortisol levels naturally? Keep reading!

The human body is a wonderful machine. All organs and systems work in coordination to accomplish complex functions. Hormones play an important role in regulating the physiology and behavior of bodily organs. They are chemical messengers that are produced by the endocrine glands. 

Cortisol is one such hormone. It is secreted by the body during times of emotional and physical stress. This is why it is called the stress hormone. When the brain identifies a stressful or dangerous situation, it commands the adrenaline glands to produce cortisol. 

As a result, the body experiences elevated levels of heart rate, breathing rate, blood sugar, and blood pressure. Cortisol switches on the fight or flight mode which enables the person to respond to a dangerous situation.

Cortisol is an important hormone that helps us survive during difficult situations. However, prolonged accumulation of this hormone can be harmful to the body. Persistently high levels of cortisol can cause high blood pressure, diabetes, weight fluctuations, disruption in sleep cycles, and mood swings. 

Regulation of cortisol levels is important for the healthy functioning of the body. Natural Cell has brought you 4 remarkable tips for naturally lowering your cortisol levels.

Keep Stress Levels in Check

Cortisol and stress go hand in hand. When the brain perceives a stressful situation, the release of cortisol is its primary response. The following tips are successful in dealing with stress in life:

• Avoid unnecessary stressful situations.
• Practice mediation and stress management techniques that can help reduce stress levels.
• Identify the triggers for stress and manage them in a way to reduce their impact.

Stress management is easier said than done. But getting control of your stress issues can guarantee a happier, healthier, and longer life. So keep your stress levels in check.

Load up on Beauty Sleep

• The simplest and easiest way to keep cortisol levels in check is to have an adequate and peaceful sleep. The length and timing of the sleep determine the quality of sleep which in turn determines the cortisol levels. 

A study revealed that night shift workers have much higher levels of cortisol because their sleep patterns are eccentric. Sleep deprivation, insomnia, and eccentric sleep patterns disturb the normal hormonal levels. Insufficient sleep causes fatigue which is an indicator of high levels of cortisol in your body. 

• Doctors recommend 7-8 hours of peaceful sleep every night for maintaining optimum levels of cortisol in the body.

Eat a Wholesome Diet and Cut Down the Sugars

The food we consume determines the trajectory of our health. Eating healthy and wholesome food has multiple benefits; one of which is the regulation of hormones. 

• If you are trying to control your cortisol levels, cut down on refined sugars. 

The reason being that sugar gives you a temporary rush. The brain perceives it as an unordinary situation and releases cortisol into your bloodstream. High blood sugar is associated with high levels of cortisol. 

Consuming the following foods can help regulate your cortisol levels

• Soluble fiber
• Dark chocolate
• Yogurt (provides probiotics)
• Bananas
• Green tea

Practice Light and Easy Exercise

Exercise is essential for the smooth functioning of the body. However, for some people, high-intensity exercise can be counterproductive. The reason being that cardio and high-intensity interval training can get the body all worked up. 

• The brain perceives it to be a fight or flight situation and releases cortisol to cope up with the situation. Lower intensity workouts are better suited to people who already have high levels of cortisol. Yoga, mediation, and weight training are known to reduce cortisol levels in individuals.