Cortisol and Stress

Cortisol is a corticosteroid hormone. It is one of the adrenal hormones secreted during stressful times. The "tire" that most middle aged men have is the direct result of cortisol

Adrenaline is known as the 'fight-or-flight' hormone. As the bodies stress or anxiety level increases so does the production of adrenaline... and with it comes cortisol. So, as you can see, cortisol is the direct result of stress.

No amount of dieting or exersize can overcome the effects of cortisol. Cortisol causes the body to store fat around the mid-section. You can only overcome the weight gained from stress by relieving the stress that you are experiencing.

If you are experiencing too much stress in your life you are in danger of Hypercortisolism: Excessive levels of cortisol in the blood result in Cushing's syndrome.


5 Quick Ways to Relieve Stress

  1. Sunshine - Get out in the sun for at least 20 minutes. This is proven to help relieve stress.
  2. Hobbies - Hobbies allow you to get your mind off the source of your stress.
  3. Exercise - Exercise is a great stress reliever. Your body will produce endorphins as a result of exercise.
  4. Massage - A long relaxing massage speaks for itself. Just thinking about it is making the stress go away.
  5. Water - Drink it. Get in it. Enjoy it. Take a hot bath. Swim in it. Splash around in it and have fun. Water is a great stress killer.