What Cortisol Is Doing To You

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We’ve all seen the commercials that talk about cortisol and how it creates belly fat. But do you really know what a cortisol imbalance is doing to your body? Or, what you can do about it? Believe it or not, there are many things you can do that do not require a magic pill. Whether you need to lose just a few pounds, or are on a long journey to your weight loss goals, hormone levels may be standing in your way.

Stress is the number one killer in America. It is the cause for heart attacks, mental illnesses, obesity, and many other diseases. What many people do not realize is that cortisol is the hormone that gets released when we are under stress.

For many people, stress is a constant factor in life. Whether it is work, the kids, family, or any other responsibilities, life is difficult, and that has many people under constant stress, which means that their bodies are constantly producing high levels of cortisol. Cortisol comes from the adrenal gland in the brain. Naturally, these levels should be high when you wake up in the morning, and decrease throughout the day. However, in the high stress world we live in, these levels stay high almost all of the time.

Cortisol and Fat

When our bodies release this much cortisol, it starts to create serious weight gain. This fat gain is different from other forms of weight gain. Cortisol is responsible for creating fat stores that develop around our midsections. The risk here is that, unlike other forms of fat, that sit right below the surface of the skin, fat that is a result of high cortisol levels will surround the organs of the abdomen and chest. This is what is called visceral fat and is linked with heart disease.

How To Know If You Have Too Much Cortisol

As with any imbalance, there are some signs and symptoms that indicate you might be suffering from increased levels of cortisol.

1.       Mood swings

2.       Abdominal weight gain

3.       Decreased sex drive

4.       Chronic infections

5.       Sleep disruption

6.       Acne

7.       Muscle Weakness

8.       Facial hair and menstrual changes in women

These are some of the symptoms that occur when you have increase cortisol levels. But what can you do about it? The biggest thing you can do to reduce your cortisol levels is to reduce your stress levels. This sounds easier said than done, but consider taking up a regular exercise routine, experiment with meditation, and take time to clear your mind. These are all important in protecting your mind and your body.