5 warning signs of elevated stress hormones

Five warning signs of high cortisol include weight gain, a rounder face, severe fatigue, high blood pressure, or thin, easily bruised skin.

High blood pressure is a warning sign 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 in the brain when your sympathetic nervous system switches to fight-or-flight mode.

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

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

Nutrition expert Eli Brecher, host of The Gut 360 Podcast, shares five signs of high cortisol levels. She suggests that many people often don't realize they have high levels of this stress hormone.

High cortisol levels can cause a variety of symptoms throughout the body, depending on the cause. Brecher advises people to be "on alert" for the following five signs, which may indicate high cortisol levels:

• Weight gain, especially in the abdomen, face, and upper back.
• His face was rounder and redder.
• Severe fatigue, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and headaches.
• High blood pressure.
• Thin skin, easily bruised, and weak muscles.

Brecher notes that symptoms can be very varied and sometimes you may not feel or notice them. However, Brecher advises that if you are concerned about cortisol levels, you should get tested through blood, saliva, or urine.

In addition to treatment prescribed by your doctor, there are lifestyle changes you can make to help lower cortisol naturally. These include adhering 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-rich diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and foods rich in prebiotics and probiotics. For example, foods that can lower cortisol levels include: dark chocolate, beans, lentils, green tea, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.

LA (according to VnExpress)

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