Stress and Weight Gain: How to Lower High Cortisol Levels

Sudden weight gain can be a symptom of another underlying problem. Find out how to control cortisol for weight loss!

When you suddenly gain weight, it’s common to hear that you must reduce your stress levels because this factor could trigger weight gain. This is due to high cortisol levels, but how can you control cortisol to lose weight?

In this article, we’ll explain how you can tell if you need to control your cortisol levels, how to do so, and how to ensure you’re within acceptable parameters.

What is Cortisol and What Are the Symptoms of High Cortisol Levels?

According to MedlinePlus, cortisol is a hormone released by the adrenal glands to respond to stress, control blood pressure, regulate blood sugar levels, and reduce inflammation. This hormone directly communicates with the brain, specifically in the pituitary region, since it releases the adrenocorticotropic hormone so that the adrenal glands produce cortisol.

Symptoms of High Cortisol Levels

Cortisol release is a standard action of the body. It is usually released in the highest amount in the morning to help you wake up, gradually decreasing throughout the day until it reaches its lowest level at night to help you sleep. But how do you know that you need to control your cortisol levels?

If you have any of the following symptoms, your cortisol levels may be high:

• You have high blood pressure
• You have gained weight, especially in the abdominal area
• You have constant mood swings
• You feel tired, even after a long period of rest
• You have irregular menstrual cycles
• Decreased libido
• Lack of concentration and memory problems
• Insomnia and depression

How Do I Know If I Have High Cortisol Levels?

These symptoms can be confused with other conditions, so it’s essential to perform a blood test to determine whether or not high cortisol levels cause your symptoms. This test is straightforward, as it only requires a blood sample in a laboratory.

Regular cortisol levels in the morning range between 6 and 23 mcg/dL. If the results show a higher amount, your doctor will need to perform other tests to find the trigger and provide appropriate treatment.

Reasons Why You Have High Cortisol Levels

Before you know how to lower high cortisol levels, it is essential to know some e reasons why you might have high cortisol:

• When your body and mind are continually stressed, cortisol is produced constantly, which causes it never to decrease and causes symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, irritability, and fatigue.
• Exercising at high intensities also causes an increase in cortisol, but this usually decreases on its own.
• Poor sleep also increases cortisol since this hormone is responsible for maintaining the sleep-wake state, and when you do not sleep, this pattern is altered.
• Alcoholism and caffeine can also cause a temporary increase in cortisol, so it is recommended to moderate their consumption.
• If you have a condition and are being treated with corticosteroids, you can also have elevated cortisol levels.
• Finally, Cushing’s syndrome also causes cortisol levels to increase. This is due to the existence of a tumor in the pituitary or adrenal gland.

How to Lower High Cortisol Levels

If you have gained weight due to high cortisol levels, it is essential to know that this increase in body weight is reversible and that you can return to a healthy weight with changes in your daily life. Below, we will explain how to control cortisol for weight loss.

Improve your Sleep Hygiene

As we mentioned, a bad night’s sleep can increase this hormone. To keep controlling cortisol levels, we recommend establishing a sleep routine, leaving electronic devices aside at least an hour before going to bed, and, if you want, using relaxing music or white noise. Sleeping at least 8 hours is necessary for restful sleep.

Switch to a Healthy Diet

Eating a healthy diet is another answer to the question, “How to control cortisol for weight loss?”. This way, you will prevent your weight from increasing further, especially if you experience anxiety with binge eating. A balanced diet will help you reduce your weight and improve your digestion.

Make Time for Recreational Activities

Although the relationship between how to lower high cortisol levels and recreational activities may not be evident initially, spending time on activities you enjoy will help reduce your stress levels, and therefore, cortisol will also begin to drop. You can focus on relaxing activities such as walking, knitting, reading a book, watching a movie, or simply spending time with your loved ones.

Exercise Regularly

Exercising your body has multiple advantages, as it will help you achieve a healthy weight, reduce stress levels, and, due to physical exhaustion, help you sleep better at night. You can do physical activities such as yoga, swimming, or jogging. In addition, if you do it with your partner or a friend, their pleasant company will also benefit you.

Organize your Time

Sometimes, increased cortisol levels are due to the constant stress you experience daily, whether at home or work. Organizing your time can help you manage stress, prioritizing certain activities based on their urgency and avoiding overloading yourself with tasks that you probably won’t be able to complete in the short term.

Try Natural Alternatives

Another answer to “how to control cortisol for weight loss” is to try a dietary supplement made from natural ingredients. Adaptogens are medicinal plants that have properties to reduce stress and anxiety. This way, you can control your cortisol levels without taking medications that may have side effects.

Get Some Help Controlling Cortisol Levels with Meno-Pause

Meno-Pause is a dietary supplement designed to support menopausal symptoms such as stress and anxiety. Rhodiola, also known as rose root, has a direct effect on the stress hormone, controlling cortisol levels.

On its own, Rhodiola can have some adverse effects if the amount consumed through infusions is not controlled. However, by taking it as a supplement like Meno-Pause, you can ensure that you are taking enough to enjoy the benefits without feeling the adverse effects.

We recommend taking a 30 ml shot at any time of day. You can dilute the same amount in 8 oz of water or any beverage if you prefer. And just like that, this is the answer to how to control cortisol for weight loss.

Have a Relaxed and Healthy Life to Keep Controlling Cortisol Levels

Controlling your cortisol levels is necessary to avoid gaining weight, especially when you enter the menopause stage. Implementing simple actions in your daily life, such as sleeping at least 8 hours and taking a nutritional supplement, will make your process easier.

If you want to know how the Yes You Can! transformation program can help you achieve a healthy weight quickly, keep reading our blog, visit our online store, or call us at 1-888-988-5515.