5 warning signs of increased stress hormones

Five signs of high cortisol to watch out for include weight gain, a round face, severe fatigue, high blood pressure, or thin skin that bruises easily.

High blood pressure warns of high cortisol

Cortisol, also known as the stress hormone, is released by the adrenal glands. It spikes in response to various types of stress and is triggered by the brain when your sympathetic nervous system goes into fight-or-flight mode.

Cortisol is an essential hormone that affects most organs and tissues and plays many roles. In addition to regulating the body's stress response, cortisol inhibits inflammation, regulates blood pressure and blood sugar, controls sleep cycles, and helps control the body's use of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins, or metabolism.

However, prolonged release of stress hormones can have negative impacts on health.

Nutritionist Eli Brecher, host of The Gut 360 Podcast, shares five signs of high cortisol. She says many people often don't realize they have high levels of the stress hormone.

High cortisol levels can cause a variety of symptoms throughout the body, depending on the cause. Brecher recommends people be “on the lookout” for the following five signs that may indicate high cortisol levels:

• Weight gain, especially in the abdomen, face, and upper back.
• Face rounder, redder.
• Severe fatigue, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and headaches.
• High blood pressure.
• Thin skin, easy bruising and muscle weakness.

Brecher says symptoms can vary widely, and sometimes you may not feel or notice them. However, Brecher recommends that if you are concerned about your cortisol levels, you should get tested through blood, saliva, or urine.

In addition to medical treatment, there are lifestyle changes you can make to help reduce cortisol naturally. These include sticking to a sleep schedule and establishing good sleep hygiene for better rest; practicing mindfulness and breathing exercises; exercising regularly; and eating a variety of fruits and vegetables.

Additionally, for better gut and mental health, choose a nutrient-dense diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and foods rich in prebiotics and probiotics. For example, foods that can reduce cortisol levels include: dark chocolate, beans, lentils, green tea, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.

LA (according to VnExpress)

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