What is it?
Often referred to as our ‘STRESS HORMONE’ It is a steroid hormone released from the adrenal glands when it receives the message to do so form your pituitary gland.

Why we need it?
Cortisol has many important functions acting on many different parts of the body.
It helps your body to:
 Respond to stress or danger
 Increase your body’s metabolism of glucose
 Control your blood pressure
 Reduce inflammation


Your body produces the right amount to keep you healthy but if too much is produced you may experience symptoms of
 Weight gain particularly around the abdomen and face
 Thin and fragile skin that is slow to heal
 Acne
 Female facial hair and irregular menstrual periods
 Fatigue

So, when does it become a problem?
Stress is a natural human response but when you have Chronic stress your body stays in a heightened state of alertness even when you’re not in danger. When you stressed your body releases hormones – one of these being cortisol which triggers your ‘fight or flight’ response.
Typically, your body returns to normal once the threat has passed but with chronic stress this persists. Cortisol remains high and We get stuck in fight or flight!! This is a problem which contributes to the above symptoms.
Cortisol also helps to limit any functions that are not essential for ‘fight or flight’ responses -it’s your body’s way of preparing itself for danger. The problem occurs when what has been limited or turned off does not get turned back on again and stays reduced or supressed for long periods of time.

Long term exposure to cortisol and other stress hormones can negatively effect most of your body’s process and result in health issues

7 ways to lower your Cortisol

  • Get morning sunlight – this resets our circadian rhythm, supresses melatonin during the day and increase it during the night
  • Eat breakfast and don’t have coffee on an empty stomach. Important in balancing your blood sugar levels make sure it’s a savoury one. when blood sugar spikes our bodies become stressed raising our cortisol levels and increase inflammation
  • low impact workouts- High impact workouts put our bodies in a state of stress which raises cortisol and inflammation in the body .opt for gentle regular exercise – like walking
  • Stay Hydrated and ensure mineral absorption by drinking water throughout the day and take a flake of Celtic Sea salt to contribute to mineral absorption and water uptake.
  • Drink Bone Broth – contains glycine which counteracts the effects of cortisol. Increases GABA causing you to relax and helps lower inflammation
  • Pair carbs with protein to avoid sugar spike and increased glucose
  • Supplementation can help to support high cortisol levels and contribute to reduction. L-theanine, ashwagandha, magnesium glycinate, holy basil.