Cortisol

Cortisol is produced by the adrenal cortex in response to stress. It is essential for life, facilitating survival of stressful events by:

* Raising blood glucose via glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis
* Breaking down muscle protein and fat (for additional energy sources)
* Suppressing inflammation
* Increasing responsiveness to the effects of adrenaline and noradrenaline
* Stimulating cardiac output
* Facilitating muscular work

Chronically elevated cortisol levels lead to muscle loss, fat gain, immune suppression and reduced ability to repair tissue damage following intense workouts--and these are just some of the effects on athletic performance. Prolonged stress and cortisol exposure can also damage heart and blood vessels, shrink brain cells, break down bone tissue and increase the risk of depression, diabetes and other illnesses. Fortunately, there are many ways to control cortisol levels and these strategies can simultaneously benefit health and performance.

Cortisol production

Cortisol plays an essential role in immune function, mobilizing the body's defenses against viral or bacterial infection, and fighting inflammation; however, chronic elevated cortisol levels suppress the action of the immune system and predispose to frequent infections and weight gain. Cortisol levels are highest first thing in the morning, to combat the stress of overnight fasting and to animate the body for the day's activities.

Cortisol: The Stress Hormone

The stress hormone cortisol, a chemical released by the human adrenal gland when it is under stress, has now been shown to have a detrimental effect on memory. In addition, this stress hormone may lead to illness and weight gain.
You had a stressful week at work, the baby is crying and you don’t have enough to pay all the bills. Now, on top of that, you cannot find your car keys. Your lapse in memory may have to do with the incredible stress you are under.

High Levels of Cortisol result in Weight Gain

The stress hormone, cortisol, has many different functions but the main function is to insure that the body has enough energy to live. This stress hormone stimulates the metabolism of fats and proteins and also stimulates appetite by causing the release of insulin into the blood and maintains blood sugar levels. The end result of high levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, in the body is weight gain or difficulty losing weight.

The Role That Stress Plays In Weight Gain

Because of the role that stress plays in weight gain and in the difficulty in loosing weight as well as the fact that the stress hormone causes people to gain weight around the middle, people should make stress relief a regular part of their weight loss of weight maintenance routine.

Cortisol Levels

Glucocorticoids, primarily cortisol, are produced by the adrenal glands in response to stressors such as emotional upheaval, exercise, surgery, illness or starvation. Cortisol levels play an essential role in immune function

Cortisol, also known as hydrocortisone

Cortisol, also known as hydrocortisone, is a hormone from the adrenal cortex; it is the principal glucocorticoid. A synthetic preparation is used for its anti-inflamatory actions.

Cortisol Blockers

Cortisol blockers are all natural supplements designed to control cortisol levels. Cortisol controls carbohydrate metabolism, cardiovascular function and inflammation. Cortisol is a necessary hormone needed for the body, but only in small amounts. Too much cortisol for an extended period of time can be harmful.

Cortisol and Weight Loss

Cortisol Weight Loss Key: Reduce Stress With More Sleep. Most people are living lives that put an undue amount of stress on their adrenal systems. The adrenal glands were meant to simply be an emergency system for occasional use. We're working too hard and sleeping too little. One of the biggest stresses is continual dieting and worrying about weight!

The Cortisol Connection Diet

In his best-selling The Cortisol Connection, Dr. Shawn Talbott explained how elevated levels of the cortisol hormone, when triggered by stress, will increase appetite, enhance fat storage, disrupt blood sugar control, and eventually lead to obesity that can cause diabetes and other serious conditions.