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The
Effects of Cortisol on the Body
The Conscious Evolution Institute
On this webpage, we will discuss one of the most
significant factors which speed up the aging process, preventing us
from living our life to the full extent Cortisol. We will also
discuss what can be done to prevent this often-rogue hormone from
devastating our lives. When cortisol levels are either too high or
too low, it prevents the body from functioning optimally, and this
causes the body and mind to grow older at a faster rate.
Cortisol and the
Adrenal Gland
The Adrenal Gland is the endocrine
organ responsible for Cortisol Secretion. These glands sit right on
top of the kidneys. The adrenal glands receive more blood from
circulation than almost any other organ or type of tissue in the
body. In addition to this, the adrenal glands are also the bodys
store-house for Vitamin C, holding more than any other organ.
What is the Composition of the
Adrenal Gland?
The Adrenal Gland is made up of
two primary sections. The outer part of the adrenal glands is called
the cortex, and it releases a number of hormones such as cortisol,
DHEA, and aldosterone. DHEA is one of the key hormones in the
production of Testosterone, Estrogen, and the other sex hormones. The
central, inside part of the adrenal glands are known as the medulla.
The Adrenal Medulla releases the hormones norepinephrine and
adrenalin. These two vital hormones are part of an endocrine group
known as catecholamines. In common parlance, most people would
understand these hormones as the hormones responsible for the fight
or flight response that is a central aspect of animal and human
behavior. 
What is the Adrenal Circadian
Rhythm and what is its Importance?
Like many other organs and systems
of the body, the adrenal glands release their steroid hormones at
different rates throughout the day. This normal pattern of adrenal
hormone release is known as the Adrenal Circadian Rhythm. The Adrenal
Glands release Steroids such as DHEA and Cortisol in cyclical
patterns throughout the day. The Adrenal Glands are at their most
active during the early hours of the day. They are least active at
night.
This cycle is one of the central
enforcers of the circadian rhythm which controls so many of our
physiological responses. When the Circadian Rhythm becomes
unbalanced, it negatively effects the release of Adrenal hormones.
When Cortisol and other hormones are released in a sub-optimal manner
it can create major issues all throughout the body. It alters sleep
patterns, increases fatigue, and hinders the immune system, among
other things.
Energy and the Adrenal Glands
When the adrenal glands are not
functioning properly this causes the body great fatigue both at the
conscious level and the physiological level. At the physiological
level, it reduces the ability for human cells to reproduce and
undergo the vital functions which support your organs and therefore
your entire body. At the conscious level, this makes you feel tired.
It reduces your capacity for work and prevents you from making the
most of your life. If you have a lot of trouble waking up in the
morning and getting your day started you are likely having issues
with your adrenal rhythms.
In addition to this, fatigue will
also prevent you from making it through the workday without
succumbing to exhaustion. It can also hinder your ability to
exercise. If you dont have enough energy, your capacity for
physical exertion will be greatly hindered. There are tons of people
all across America that suffer from Circadian Rhythm malfunctions and
dont realize it.
How Do The Adrenal Glands
Effect Muscle and Joint Function?
Low levels of Cortisol and other
Adrenal Gland Hormones can also have a devastating impact on tissue
healing processes. This greatly affects the joints and the muscles,
making people who have adrenal deficiencies much more prone to
injuries. Over time, this can even lead to chronic joint and muscle
pain. It is relatively well known that steroid abuse can damage the
shoulder and hip muscles, but it should also be recognized that the
opposite is true as well. If you dont work out your muscles hard
enough you can also weaken your body. This doesnt just mean
exercise.
Bad posture ruins the muscles and
damages joints by underutilizing them even in a sedentary position.
Sitting too much, having bad posture, and engaging in a sedentary
lifestyle all lead to increased cortisol production which reduces the
bodys natural production of sex hormones such as DHEA and
Testosterone. This also leads to increased secretion of
catecholamines into the bloodstream also. Adrenal malfunction can
lead directly to Testosterone Hormone Deficiency.
Although it seems natural that
lack of exercise would hinder natural Testosterone production, why
does bad posture cause the body to release catecholamines and
cortisol?
This position is sometimes
referred to as the Neanderthal Posture. In this stance, the shoulders
and hips are situated in a flex position. This position is very
similar in many ways to the arrangement of the body caused by the
fight or flight response. When catecholamines are released and the
body assumes a position to fight or run, the body tightens the
muscles and prepares for quick action, whether it be toward or away
from a source of distress.
Cortisol and the Neanderthal Stance
Although catecholamines and
cortisol encourage the body to enter this Neanderthal Stance, just
assuming the stance can encourage the increased release of these
hormones. Todays sedentary school and office culture propagates
the release of amplified levels of cortisol. When we sit at a desk or
in a cubicle eight hours a day or more it encourages the body to
produce significant amounts of these hormones. Day after day to year
after year of this lifestyle can completely wreck your circadian
rhythm and proper adrenal function.
Martial Arts such as aikido and
jujitsu recognize the negative effects of the catecholamine response
on an effective, conscious, and concerted fighting style. It is a
necessity in these martial arts programs that students keep their
spines straight and their shoulders back. One of the primary reasons
for this is that when a fighter is positioned for fight or flight,
catecholamine is released which fills the body with frantic energy
which can prevent the fighter from performing the delicate art of
battle.
Cortisol and Chin Position
Another aspect of posture which
effects adrenal response and the aging process is chin positioning.
If you sit or stand with your neck forward and your chin jutted out
this can speed up the process of aging, especially in the area of
cognitive function. When your chin is jutted forward, like when your
head is down looking at a keyboard, your skull is tilted downward and
this sends signals to the spinal cord to ignore responses from the
midbrain and cortex. This is a form of fight-or-flight short
circuiting in which the body is preparing itself to move based on
perception and reflex rather than through conscious motivation. When
the chin is jutted forward, this encourages the cortex and midbrain
to perform less actively.
How does Good Posture Increase
Brain Activity?
Proper head posture encourages
cortex activity, however. When the skull is in an upright position,
the impulses from the spinal cord and brain stem travel more
efficiently to the midbrain and cortex, encouraging both cognitive
and physiological activity. Sitting upright helps you think clearly
and maintain an innovative mindset. Physiologically, this increased
cognitive ability increases the health of the brain, encouraging the
gray matter to produce more vital proteins. It will also help the
brain utilize those proteins, converting them into hormones which
ensure that we live long lives with healthy minds.
When the jaw is jutted forward and
the skull is pointed downward, this prevents the cortex from
functioning and optimal capacity, and therefore the stimulative
effects of cognition are retarded and if this effect is severe
enough, the brain will lose its ability to optimally produce
hormones.
Also, if the cortex does not
receive enough stimulation, the proteins in the brain start to break
down. As these proteins break down, the proteins release their
charges, changing the electrical makeup of the brain, causing it to
become more positive over time as the negative charges held by the
proteins are released into the brain. As this composition in the
brain changes, it can cause severely detrimental issues later in
life.
What are Action Potentials?
Action potentials are the primary
way in which neurons interact with one another. There is a rest level
at which the neurons are not active. When the neurons reach a certain
level of electrical activity, they release a burst of energy. When
the resting potential of the brain has too much energy, it causes the
neurons of the brain to fire off at more and more random intervals,
causing many neurological issues. When the neurons are firing
abnormally, it can lead to significant issues such as tics, spasms,
pain, and seizures. In addition to this, it can lead to other major
neurological disorders as well.
Ensure Good Posture to Preserve
Brain Health!
Also, the proteins in the brain
start to break down, and this causes the organ to shrink and atrophy
over time. This atrophy is the direct result of underutilization of
the cortex and midbrain. When you sit in a jutted forward position
too often, this can reduce your cognitive abilities not only while
you are in that position, but also later in life as well. It follows
the simple and logical idea that what you dont use you are
destined to lose. In this way, the brain is a muscle just like any
other in the body. In order to maintain physical health, its
important to undergo an exercise routine which involves your entire
muscular system. If you dont use a particular muscle or group of
muscles, then they will start to atrophy and decline. Using your
entire brain is important as well. This is why its vitally
important to maintain proper posture in addition to simply exercising
your cognitive faculties.
In addition to this, there is
growing evidence that osteopathic and chiropractic vertebral
realignment and mobilization can increase blood flow, allowing the
cortex to maintain optimal blood flow and neurological connection the
brain stem and spinal cord.
Adrenal Function and Bone
Health
The Adrenal Glands are also
incredibly important in maintaining the health and structural
integrity of the bones. Abnormal cortisol rhythms can break down the
strength of the bones. If your cortisol rhythm is reversed (i.e. you
release your highest levels of cortisol at night) the bones do not
rebuild themselves efficiently. Cortisol levels become high over time
and your body does not produce sufficient levels of testosterone and
estrogen, then the processes of osteopenia and osteoporosis can set
in. The bones slowly become porous and overtime the body becomes
highly susceptible to fractures and breaks which can be detrimental
to a good life if not absolutely life threatening.
If cortisol production is too
high, then even the usage of calcium supplements cannot counteract
the negative effects of this hormonal imbalance. When cortisol levels
are elevated for an extended period of time, this causes organs known
as osteoclasts to break down calcium at an enhanced rate. This
increased rate of calcium breakdown causes the body to actually break
down its own bones in spite of the
devastating consequences. This process is known as bone
demineralization.
Organs known as Osteoblasts are
responsible for rebuilding bone, but this organ can only function at
a certain rate. Because of this, the osteoclasts can easily sap the
bones of calcium faster than the body can replace it because of
elevated cortisol levels. Often, this causes issues such as kidney
stones and other more harmful issues when the calcium leached from
the bones is deposited or trapped in other parts of the body.
Cortisol and the Immune System
When
cortisol levels are too high, it breaks down the immune system. High
cortisol also reduces the ability of the mucous membranes all over
the body from functioning properly. Increased cortisol causes there
to be a lower number of surface antibodies in these membranes. These
anti-bodies are known as Secretory IgA. These antibodies serve the
immune system by filtering toxins, bacteria, viruses, and plasmids
out of the body. Patients who have high levels of cortisol are much
more likely to have mucous and serosal membranes which are not as
effective at warding off outside contagions. Because of this, these
individuals are far more likely to be plagued with issues such as
kidney infections, bladder infections, acid reflux, yeast infections,
ulcers, gallbladder inflammation, coughing, sore throat, chronic
bronchitis, pink eye, and earaches.
Immune Health and
Cortisol Case Study
A young woman we will call
Samantha went to visit six separate physicians over the course of the
last month. Her eye doctor prescribed her eye drops to resolve a
persistent eye infection. Her gynecologist provided her with a
medical ointment in order to resolve a yeast infection. Her family
doctor prescribed her with expectorant in order to resolve her
coughing fits. She also had to visit a gastroenterologist and
received an H-2 blocker to resolve her worsening acid reflux. In
addition to all of this
she also had to take an anti-biotic in order to relieve a sinus
infection. She received this medicine from an ear, nose, and, throat
specialist. She was further inundated with medication when she had to
rush to a rapid care medical office in order to obtain a separate
anti-biotic in order to stop a bladder infection that was making it
painful for her to urinate.
Although all of these afflictions
affected separate parts of the body, they could all be attributed to
breakdowns in the mucous membranes which prevent our bodies from
succumbing to illness. Before she came to us, she said she felt that
there had to be a connection between all of her persistent medical
issues and she was coming to us for help. We informed her that her
issues were very likely caused by an underlying hormone issue
preventing her immune system from working properly. We performed a
battery of tests and confirmed that this was the case.
After we confirmed that her issue
was rooted in a hormone imbalance, we provided her with a month of
hormone balancing care in order to restore optimum hormone balance.
Her cortisol levels were through the roof, so we provided her
supplements to lower her cortisol levels and normalize her estrogen
levels. In addition to this, we worked with her to create nutritional
and exercise guidelines in order to help restore her circadian rhythm
and normal adrenal gland secretion. After she went through our
Natural Therapy Plan, she told us that all of her issues had cleared
upEvery Single One.
All of this was done without Hormone Replacement Therapy as well,
although in many cases, and especially for those suffering from
Testosterone Deficiency or Human Growth Hormone Deficiency, Hormone
Treatments may be necessary to restore hormone balance.
The Effects of Low
Cortisol on Immune Health
Although high levels of cortisol
are associated with poor immune response, low levels of cortisol also
create major immune issues as well. Patients who have low cortisol
tend to have amplified immune responses to otherwise normal stimuli.
Cortisol is an immune suppressant. When cortisol levels are normal,
this creates an immune balance, preventing us from getting sick by
targeting foreign cells which can make us sick while also ignoring
outside stimuli which are harmless or even potentially beneficial.
In some cases, high cortisol
levels can make us highly sensitive to common allergens. In other
cases, it can actually make our immune system perceive its own cells
as a threat. This is one of the causes for the relatively common
medical issues of psoriasis and dermatitis. When the immune system is
over-responsive, it taxes the ability of the entire system to do its
job properly. The human body only has a limited amount of energy to
work with and when the immune system is over-reactive it takes energy
away from other more vital processes, degrading our health as a
result. There are a number of other immune disorders which can result
from low cortisol, including lupus, Sjorgrens syndrome, and
Rheumatoid arthritis.
Cortisol Levels and Sleep
Quality
The natural sleep cycle is highly
predicated upon healthy cortisol rhythms and balance. Cortisol in
many ways acts as an activity generator. When our cortisol levels are
low, it prompts the body and mind for sleep. There are a number of
disruptions that can occur which can disturb sleeping patterns,
however. If cortisol levels are high when they should be low, it
interrupts the vital early stage of sleep known as REM-sleep, or
Random Eye Movement Sleep. When this phase of sleep is broken up, it
takes away from the restoration and refreshment of sleep, leaving us
tired and exhausted even after 8 hours of rest.
Many times, this early morning
fatigue is misdiagnosed by both patient and physician as a clinical
depression. In these cases, patients are often provided psychological
medications that they simply dont need and that can in some cases
lead to dependence or even make things worse in some cases.
Depression that has been caused by cortisol and poor sleep is not
properly solved by medications which treat serotonin and
norepinephrine imbalance. Always make sure you talk to your
psychiatrist about your sleeping habits before you consent to taking
anti-depressants, because you may save yourself a lot of money and
preserve your health and happiness more efficiently.
Cortisol Case
Study Two
The case of a second young
womanlets call her Mariashows us how a disturbed circadian
rhythm can intensely effect individual well-being. When she was a
child she had numerous issues in regard to attention and behavior
stability and her parents couldnt figure out what was wrong. Maria
was a different girl at different times it seemed. One semester she
would excel in a class, the next semester her grades would plummet.
She would go from completely unmotivated to cheerful and happy just
through the course of a school day. Her parents finally decided to
take her to a professional because they realized that something
simply wasnt right. Their daughter underwent psychological testing
and it seemed that she was just a normal young girl. There was
nothing that set off any alarms.
At first, it seemed no one could
unravel her erratic academic performance at school. Initially, they
thought it might be an aspect of her personality, but the testing
seemed to disprove that theory. Next, they thought it might be the
result of outside influences such as the particular teaching style or
gender of her professor, but the problem persisted even when the
teachers were the same gender with the same teaching style. They
toyed with the idea that she may simply have been a rebellious little
girl, but that answer just didnt seem to cut it either.
High School Only Made Things
Worse
Although her problems were bad in
middle school, they only got worse once she entered high school. Her
mom and dad said that it was a nightmare trying to get her out of bed
in the morning. Sometimes they would literally have to take her by
the wrist and yank her out of bed. Once they finally managed to get
her out of bed and dressed, she was still not fully awake it seemed.
She was edgy and ill-tempered, and she was incredibly sluggish as
well. Her report cards in high school seemed to be effected even more
markedly.
In her first semester of Algebra,
her professor noted that she was frequently tardy, showing up minutes
after class had begun. In addition to this, she often came in with
nothing but her textbook, forgetting many of her necessary and
required supplies. She was slow to respond in class and kept to
herself for the most part. She often forgot to do her homework, and
her teacher was incredibly concerned.
But Then Something Changed: The
Power of Hormonal Balance
Things soon changed completely for
Maria, however, and her teacher (and Marias parents) were stunned.
In the second semester, the young girls performance in class
improved tremendously. Her instructor said that she was among the
most active and mathematically inclined students that he had ever had
the chance to instruct. In addition to this, Maria was very active in
the classroom, going out of her way to help other students who were
having trouble comprehending the material. So what changed? How did
this miraculous turn of events occur? She was taking the exact same
class as the previous semester. The textbook was the same and she
still had the same professor as she did a month earlier.
What was causing her behavior
to change?
The time that the class began
Her second semester of high school
she took Algebra after her lunch break. In addition to this, Maria
had Gym class first period, the same time that she had taken math the
semester before. This semester, her behavioral issues affected her
performance in gym rather than mathematics. She was keeping to
herself in gym, and was half-heartedly participating in physical
exercise if she participated at all. In addition to this, she would
frequently come in without gym clothes, in which case she would be
forced to sit on the wall, separate from the other students.
Maria Visits a Specialist
With this new set of data points,
her physician made the decision to send her to an endocrinologist.
The endocrinologist performed blood tests on her both in the morning
at 8am and during the afternoon after lunch at 1pm. It was then
discovered that Maria was suffering from a significant cortisone
imbalance, with levels much lower than normal during the am hours.
Because of this, she was incredibly fatigued until nearly afternoon
when her cortisol levels would finally normalize and she would become
more active, friendly, and motivated.
The Debilitating Effects of Low
Cortisol
Low cortisol can have incredible
effects upon the daily life of an individual. For some men and women,
cortisol deficiency can be so debilitating that the government will
actually approve disability support for some of these patients. The
levels of fatigue can be so severe that it prevents a person from
holding a steady job or making it through the day effectively.
Thankfully for Maria, the effects
were not so severe, though it is clear that the condition was having
a terrible effect on her educational opportunities. The
endocrinologist said that, physiologically speaking, waking up Maria
at 6:30 in the morning was tantamount to waking up a normal girl at
2:30 in the morning and expecting them to perform like a rational and
well rested person. It was almost too much to ask of a young girl. By
the time that lunchtime approached, Marias cortisol levels were
finally balancing out, and she was able to be the young woman that
she was perfectly capable of being.
The physician prescribed her a low
dose of cortisol therapy and helped the parents adjust her sleep,
exercise, and dietary habits in order to effectively reset the young
girls biological clock so that cortisol levels were at their
lowest just before bed and peaked just as she was to wake up and
seize the day. The results were simply astonishing. The highly
motivated girl that appeared in the afternoon was now available from
sunup to sundown, and her performance in school in both academic and
physical ventures improved dramatically. She became a bright and
cheerful girl, acing her classes and dreaming of her college career.
By the time she began her second year of high school, she was waking
up at 5:45am in order to attend student council meetingsshe was
elected class representative by her classmates!
Diagnosis: Prenatal Hormone
Imbalance
After the issue had been resolved,
they had one last question. Exactly when did Marias cortisol
imbalance take root? Marias mother and father said that she had
been amazingly easy to take care of as a child. She didnt become
ornery and tearful as night approached, ready to be put to sleep at
8pm like most other children. In addition to that, she never seemed
to have significant issues come morning either. In this way, she
seemed the complete opposite of her older sister, who would wake up
with energy after a nights rest. It seemed that Maria developed
her imbalanced cortisol levels at a very early age, perhaps even
before she was born!
As the doctor contemplated this
point, Marias mother informed him that while she was pregnant, she
worked second shift at a highly competitive and demanding workplace.
Sometimes she wouldnt get in bed until two or even three in the
morning. Although it would be nearly impossible fifteen years later
to pinpoint if this were the exact root cause, it seems incredibly
likely that Marias mothers work habits altered Marias
circadian rhythm prenatally, leading to a childhood and adolescence
of late nights and hard mornings.
Cortisol and Skin
Regeneration
In addition to bone and muscle
regeneration, the skin also rehabilitates itself at night for the
most part as well. If the body generates too much cortisol, then skin
health starts to deteriorate as a result. A healthy Adrenal Hormonal
Rhythm is necessary for the skin to remain optimally healthy. High
levels of cortisol play a big role in acne as well, as both
adolescents and those who abuse Testosterone can report.
One common reason that many folks
suffer from skin conditions is because they have too much copper in
their bodies and not enough zinc. Excess copper levels cause dopamine
to be converted into adrenaline and norepinephrine. Dopamine is the
endocrine hormone associated with pleasure, and is the primary reward
provider of the brain. Dopamine spikes lead directly to positive
feelings and when you do things that the body is pleased with, the
brain rewards you by giving you more dopamine. When you engage in
actions that the body considers harmful, dopamine is converted into
other hormones like adrenalin and norepinephrine, which both provide
short term benefits while preparing the body to defeat outside
negative stimuli.
When adrenaline levels increase,
this causes cortisol and catecholamine levels to increase is well.
Cortisol levels increase in order to decrease the effect of pain
stimuli, and catecholamine levels increase in order to prepare the
body for fight-or-flight. Although for short periods of time this is
incredibly beneficial, it can lead to catastrophic issues when
cortisol levels remain elevated frequently for extended periods of
time. Long term high cortisol issues can hinder the bodys ability
to produce dopamine, which is a direct cause of both Parkinsons
and Alzheimers, as well as many other neurological disorders.
In addition to cortisol imbalance,
excess copper levels can also exacerbate gluten intolerance, which is
a physiological response to gliaden, a compound found in many grains.
Gluten allergies are also commonly linked to skin issues such as
eczema.
Thyroid Function and Cortisol
Cortisol is the primary factor of
thyroid hormone secretion at the molecular level. Cortisol imbalances
can lead to many severe issues which are the direct result of
hypothyroidism like fatigue, abnormally low body temperature, and
issues with weight loss. For patients who do not receive benefit or
only receive temporary relief from the issues of hypothyroidism,
cortisol imbalance may be the underlying cause of their deficiency.
Gluten
Intolerance, Cortisol, and Stress
For patients who suffer from a
condition known as gluten intolerance, the digestive system responds
negatively to the digestion of gluten grains. These grains produce
significant levels of inflammation within thirty minutes of the
consumption of grains such as oats, barley, spelt, and rye. Although
for the majority of patients who have gluten sensitivity, the
physical symptoms of pain are not altogether too severe, for some
patients it creates significant amounts of pain throughout the
digestive tract. It has been compared to a feeling of sore throat
which seems to be 30 feet long.
This form of gluten sensitivity is
common among young babies and it is known as colic. It takes a couple
of years for the human digestive tract to develop tolerance for all
of the foods that adults normally consume as a part of their normal
diet. Certain digestive bacteria and internal processes have to fully
develop before the body is able to fully process an adult diet. The
common assumption used to be that all kids eventually outgrew the
condition of colic, but it is clear to day that is in no way the
case. The body slowly develops a resistance to gluten agitation in
normal children, but for a significant number of people, the body
never fully gains the ability to process gluten.
For patients who are sensitive to
gluten but not highly symptomatic, the problems can still negatively
impact the body in major ways. For these people, the body is able to
mask the inflammation associated with gluten grain consumption by
producing cortisol. The body trains itself to produce cortisol
whenever gluten is consumed and this can create a significant
cortisol imbalance dependent upon the amount of grain that a
gliaden-sensitive individual consumes. In a large number of these
patients, another chemical is released by the body in addition to
cortisol which has even more significant pain reliving effects, and
carries many similarities with the highly addictive substance
morphine. For this reason, wheat consumption can become both harmful
and addictive in many individuals. The bodys natural aversion to
negative stimuli is high-jacked by this complicated physiological
process.
Gluten Sensitive Patients
Release Cortisol and Other Painkillers
After this morphine derivative is
released by the digestive track it is then taken directly in by the
blood stream where it is circulated through the body to the brain. In
the brain, this pain killer attaches itself to the same receptors
responsible for the painkilling powers of morphine, and the molecule
creates the same symptoms of addiction as well. This is why the human
brain can develop addictions to certain foods which are
physiologically damaging to many individuals, such as grain or dairy
products which illicit a negative response of inflammation.
There are many who argue that
dairy and gluten-sensitivity are far more widespread than we have
been lead to believe, and that it is possible to actually see the
hallmarks of addiction in those who commonly consume gluten-wheats
and milk-based dairy products. It is believed that the consumption of
these foods creates high levels of cortisol and hormonal instability
which create a rollercoaster of ups and downs directly attributable
to diet. They also argue that many people who try to forgo milk and
dairy products suffer from significant symptoms of withdrawal as a
direct result of their food addictions.
Elevated Cortisol
Levels and Diminished Sex Drive
When our bodies manifest an
excessive amount of cortisol in response to negative stimuli, it
keeps our bodies from producing sufficient levels of other hormones
such as Estrogen, Testosterone, and DHEA. The body produces cortisol
in order for the body to essentially fight through pain. It is not
generally meant to be a long term way to manage pain. In order to
manufacture cortisol in order to counteract pain and inflammation,
the endocrine system uses energy and proteins that would normally be
used for the maintenance of the sex hormones and uses those resources
in order to create even more cortisol. The primary sex hormone that
is used for cortisol conversion is a sex hormone precursor known as
progesterone.
Cortisol and Abnormal Sex
Hormone Dominance
This decreased amount of
progesterone in the body leads to a situation in which female
estrogen male testosterone and female estrogen become dominant in
comparison to serum levels of progesterone. This causes a number of
issues related to estrogen dominance and testosterone dominance.
Throughout our lives, the sex hormones participate in a delicate
balancing act in order to provide maximum benefits to the human body.
Issues such as high cortisol disrupt this homeostatic balance and
create major issues throughout the body.
Both Estrogen and Testosterone
dominance have been correlated with a number of behavioral issues
such as irritability, violence, and aggression. In women, feminine
hormone dominance can lead to other issues such as aggravated
pre-menstrual syndrome, benign fibroid tumors in the uterus, and
increased incidence of uterine and breast cancer. On top of that, it
can lead to blood clotting and heavy flow during menstruation. For
pregnant women, progesterone deficiency is also dangerous because
increases the odds that a women will undergo miscarriage. As you can
see, low progesterone levels are no laughing matter.
Also, progesterone balance is
incredibly important in males because its presence prevents
Testosterone from being broken down into DHT. DHT is an important
male hormone which serves vital purposes, but, like cortisol, DHT
causes major issues when it is released in excess.
Progesterone Deficiency inevitably
leads to Low-T over time. This leads to excess levels of DHT,
decreased sex drive, balding, and increases in prostate size, which
creates issues with bladder health and control. Also,
Testosterone-Cortisone imbalance increases the frequency and severity
of migraines.
What Causes
Cortisol Imbalance?
There are many activities and risk
factors which raise cortisol levels. Among these are:
1. Skipping BreakfastBreakfast
is supposed to be the meal which kick-starts the metabolism,
preparing us for a busy day. Eating breakfast also satiates the body,
reducing the spike in cortisol levels associated with waking us up in
the morning. A healthy and regular breakfast anchors the circadian
rhythm.
2. Skipping other
mealsCortisol is one of the primary
indicators for hunger in general. Skipping meals, whether due to a
busy lifestyle or for the purpose of weight loss, prevents slowly
rising cortisol levels from going through the process of rebalancing.
In addition to this, skipping meals slows down the metabolism,
decreasing the rate at which the body consumes calories ambiently. It
is always better to eat smaller meals more often in order to both
suppress hunger and cortisol levels.
3. Eating more carbohydrates
than proteins over the course of any 5 hour timespanCarbohydrates
are complex sugars that, although necessary for proper human
function, are grossly over-consumed by the majority of Americans.
High levels of carbohydrates wreak havoc upon both HGH and Sex
Hormone Balance. In addition to this, for those with gluten
intolerance or sensitivity, carbohydrate digestion leads directly to
excess cortisol secretion.
4. Bad postureStaying
in a stance in which the shoulders are slouched or flexed forward,
sitting with the hips bent, or staying in a position in which the
head is tilted forward with the chin down are all examples of bad
posture. All of these positions are associated with the fight or
flight response, which increases the production of both
catecholamines and cortisol, unbalancing sex hormone production.
5. Going to sleep late (i.e.
after 10pm)This is one of the worse
culprits for excess cortisol production. The body is naturally tuned
to produce the least amount of cortisol at night when the body is
preparing for bed. Staying up too late causes the body to produce
more cortisol later, and this is exacerbated dependent upon how long
the bad sleeping habits have persisted. Staying up later also pushes
back the morning cortisol peak which causes people with bad sleeping
habits to be groggy in the morning, sometimes for hours after they
wake up. This Circadian Rhythm Malfunction also causes metabolism to
atrophy, leading to a buildup of body fat and reduction in muscle
mass.
6. Experiencing emotional
distressAny form of pain corresponds
with an increase in cortisol production, whether that pain be
physical or emotional. Long term anxiety or depression, anything that
has a negative effect on well-being and positive mentality, has the
ability to increase cortisol levels. High cortisol levels can also
contribute to these feeling of depression and anxiety by reducing
natural sex hormone levels. Testosterone and Estrogen are natural
anti-depressants when they are properly balanced, and when cortisol
eats away at hormone production, this leads directly to more
emotional issues.
7. Undergoing any type of
painThis is what the majority of
Americans understand as the primary function of cortisol. Cortisol is
a potent form of pain relief provided by the body to aid it in
physical and mental endurance while under short term duress. Cortisol
levels spike dependent upon the intensity of the pain, reducing the
bodys negative response to this stimuli in order to prepare the
mind and body to escape that pain by any means necessary. When pain
and stress are temporary this is an amazing way that our bodies help
us cope with temporary issues. The problem is that cortisol
production creates many problems when the body utilizes the hormone
for long term pain management. Chronic pain also triggers a Cortisol
response as well, which can be far more problematic. Long term pain
causes the body to produce excess levels of cortisol over an extended
period of time, which can be damaging both cognitively and
physiologically.
In addition to this, long term
levels of high cortisol production slowly eat away at the precursor
hormones that combine to produce this vital pain reliever. After a
certain period of time, the body no longer has the ability to produce
enough cortisol to cover the demands placed by the body, which over
time can leave the body and mind susceptible to increased levels of
pain. This nadir of cortisol production is the bodys way of
telling you to ease up and give yourself time to recuperate.
Healthy and low cortisol levels
slow down the rate at which the body ages, helping you live a longer
and healthier life while looking and feeling younger. Although low
levels of cortisol do produce Anti-Aging effects, it also causes many
other physiological issues which counteract those benefits, so it is
in your best interests to maintain healthy cortisol levelsdefinitely
not too high, but avoid allowing them to get too low.
How can I slow
down aging? What does aging have to do with Cortisol?
Eat breakfast early
Eating breakfast early (preferably
around 8am) increases metabolism throughout the day and decreases
cortisol levels which spike around the time you wake up in the
morning.
At breakfast, eat at least as
much protein as carbohydrates, and consume protein every five hours
Protein has a number of positive
effects on the body, and these nutrients are the building blocks of a
healthy life. They contain fewer calories per gram than carbohydrates
and the stomach works harder to process them. Your body uses protein
to refuel the body and to manufacture the building blocks of your
enzymes and hormones.
About five hours after your last
meal, cortisol levels begin to be secreted at high levels, prompting
feelings of hunger. In order to minimize cortisol production, it is
important to satiate this cortisol response with a healthy and
nutritious meal as soon as possible. The eight hour period of sleep
Is a form of fast, and in healthy individuals, our cortisol levels
slowly rise until we awake in the morning. Cortisol provides us with
the energy we need to wake up even when our stomachs are empty.
Eating dinner after 8pm can upset this natural rhythm of the adrenal
glands. If you eat later, your cortisol levels spike later and your
body prompts you to wake up later than normal.
If you wake up before your body
tells you that you are fully rested, you experience grogginess and
fatigue even if you theoretically had a full nights sleep. This
can lead to energy issues which last for the entire day. Once
cortisol rhythms become unbalanced, it can be very difficult to
restore proper balance without a concerted effort, or without
assistance provided by Hormone Replacement Therapy. By the time
cortisol levels reach their high point, it is already fairly late in
the day. This completely alters the pattern of human hunger and
encourages self-perpetuating poor sleeping and eating habits which
completely dirupt the normal circadian rhythm.
Dont skip meals
Many people who suffer from
fatigue and tiredness unconsciously skip breakfast in order to raise
cortisol levels in order to spur feelings of awareness and mental
acuity. This activity does indeed increase the production of
cortisol, but it also increases the level at which adrenalin is
produced, which shares many similarities with cortisol. Adrenalin is
intended by the body for short term use in order to resolve immediate
critical issues, but when adrenalin is secreted frequently and for
long periods of time it disrupts the delicate balance of hormones
within the human endocrine system. Over time, high levels of serum
adrenalin lead to physiological breakdown and enhance the rate at
which aging occurs.
Another reason that it is
unhealthy to starve oneself before bedtime is that the brain needs an
internal supply of glycogen in order to power the brain and govern
internal processes over the course of the night. Glycogen levels
increase whenever we eat protein or when we consume foods which have
a low glycemic index. This is why the frequent consumption of healthy
proteins is vital to mental and physiological health and well-being.
Whenever we skip a meal, or whenever we eat an unhealthy meal in
which we consume far more carbohydrates and sugars than proteins, our
body has to consume more of its own internal store of precious
glycogen. Glycogen that the brain uses for fuel is stored inside the
liver.
Limit Starches and Sugars
Eating too many sugars and
starches, or skipping meals as a habit, can disrupt the circadian
rhythm and raise cortisol levels while decreasing internal store of
brain fuel. For patients who are in the process or restoring normal
sleeping habits, they might need to eat a very small amount of
protein before bedtime in order to ensure that the brain has enough
energy to perform all of its vital nighttime functions. If the brain
is starved of glycogen, this creates numerous issues. The brain no
longer has the energy it needs to support healing functions, and the
body starts to age and atrophy. In addition to this, the brain stores
data and internalizes learning at night, so memory and cognition also
break down for the same reason.
Support Brain Function by
Building Glycogen Stores
There is a ton of debate about
which foods most effectively increase glycogen levels in the liver.
One of the primary reasons for this confusion began in the seventies
when athletic trainers and coaches encouraged their athletes to
undergo a process known as carbo-loading in order to maximize energy
levels for sporting events. Although the coaches didnt realize it,
they were actually putting their athletes at a severe physical
disadvantage. In addition to this, one of the most talked about fad
diets of the decade was to only eat fruit before lunch. Inadequate
protein consumption had the unintended effect of actually reducing
athletic performance.
In addition to this, it had a
negative effect on weight loss for dieters as well. Protein has fewer
calories per gram than carbs or sugars, so proteins are the
healthiest for the body to consume. Depleted glycogen stores deplete
hormone production, including Testosterone and Human Growth Hormone.
These hormones are vital both to optimal athletic performance,
physiological repair, and weight loss outcomes. The idea during this
period of time was that high-glycemic foods lead directly to
increased levels of glycogen in the liver, and now we realize that
the digestive system simply doesnt work that way. Because of this,
an entire era of athletes and dieters suffered from fatigue and
exhaustion. Although the concept of carbo-loading has been thoroughly
discounted today, there are still may people who believe in its
efficacy.
Control Pain Swiftly to Lower
Cortisol Levels
Pain is the most pronounced
determinant factor that leads to high levels of serum cortisol. A
single migraine headache can boost cortisol release by many times the
average baseline. Patients who suffer from long-term pain issues have
been proven to experience symptoms of the aging process more quickly
as a result of elevated cortisol levels. Physiological and cognitive
fatigue sets in and the muscles begin to atrophy. In addition to
this, the body begins to accumulate adipose fat around the
midsection. He stomach becomes more prone to complications, and in
many cases, diet becomes restricted as a result.
Also, the body becomes quicker to
bruise and slower to heal. Full and restful sleep becomes nearly
impossible. The immune system starts to break down because of
cortisol-suppression, leading to increased complications and
occurrence of many common medical ailments. The body begins to take
on water weight, also referred to as edema. This is a short list of
physiological complications caused by long term cortisol elevation.
They are varied, yet entirely interconnected, and the only way to
meaningfully resolve the majority of the issues is through efficient
pain management.
Get In Bed Early to Stabilize
Cortisol Rhythms
Ben Franklin was really on to
something when he said that those who have proper sleeping habits are
those most likely to find success both financially and academically.
The time at which a person is most likely to experience the most
rejuvenative sleep is between the hours of 10 and 3. There is even
evidence that individuals who only sleep during this time are more
refreshed than most individuals who stay up until 3 but sleep a full
eight hours.
Another key concept to remember is
that some activities of immune health do not initiate until an
individual has rested for at least seven hours. This is why
individuals who are significantly ill tend to sleep longer than eight
hours a day. Individuals who wake up before they have slept a full
eight hoursespecially younger men and womensuffer significantly
in regard to immune health if they do not get a full nights rest.
Resolve Cortisol Issues by
Restoring the Natural Circadian Rhythm
There are a number of methods that
can be used in order to restore a proper Circadian Rhythm. The
ultimate goal of this form of treatment is to bring back natural
cortisol balance and optimization in order to redevelop a normal and
healthy pattern of rest, rejuvenation, and activity. There are a
number of herbal health products which can be of great benefit, but
it is important to use them with caution and precision. One dietary
aid which has been shown to lower cortisol is deglycerinized
licorice.
Also, the root of the licorice
plant has been shown to elevate cortisol levels also. By using both
parts of the licorice plant, one can stabilize the cortisol release
pattern by eating the licorice at night and the root in the morning.
One medical compound that has been proven to provide balance to the
circadian rhythm is phosphorylated serine. This compound has the
ability to increase IgA levels which boost the immune system by
optimizing the health of the mucous membranes. It is believed that
this form of serine has the ability to alleviate high cortisol,
thereby resolving immune issues caused by SigA suppression.
Consuming a dose of phosphorylated
serine around 7pm can be a knockout remedy for restoring healthy
sleep patterns by managing cortisol levels.
More Cortisol Today Means Less
Cortisol in the Future
Although Cortisol is highly
beneficial at controlling pain, it is detrimental to long term pain
management to have elevated cortisol levels for long periods of time.
Cortisol imbalance at an early age can lead to cortisol secretion
problems later on. Medical decisions and life choices at a relatively
early age can cause frequently elevated cortisol levels. If the body
produces excess cortisol for too long, this can lead to the depletion
of pregnenolone, a key component of cortisol. Pregnenolone is
utilized by the body in order to create Estrogen, Testosterone,
Cortisol, and other sexual hormones. When cortisol production gets
out of hand, the body begins to make so much cortisol that other
hormones suffer as a result, and as pregnenolone levels decline as a
result of long-term high cortisol levels, then the body becomes less
able to alleviate pain issues, actually creating greater levels of
perceived pain as a result.
What Can I do to Preserve My
Health and Maintain Cortisol Balance?
Each day of our lives we make a
number of vital decisions whichalthough each is minor in and of
itselfhave incredible effects on our long term health and
vitality. Poor pain management, sleeping habits, posture, and stress
response all have an adverse effect on long term health and hormone
production. If we take control of our health and our lives today, we
will not only be happier and healthier in the present, we will live
longer and more fulfilling lives as a result. If we take the easy way
out and refuse to change our ways, then the results can be disastrous
to our health, and we will age at a rapid pace. Choosing to control
cortisol production today preserves human vitality by ensuring that
hormone production remains stable throughout our lives and that we
live by natures rhythm as best we can.
Cortisol and Catabolism
When cortisol is released at too
high of a rate, the body undergoes the processes related to
catabolism more quickly. Catabolism is a term that describes
processes within the body which break down cells, proteins, and
tissues. When catabolism outpaces the rate at which the body
rejuvenates itself, then the aging process accelerates and the body
begins to break down. Catabolic processes break down bone, leading to
reduced mineral density and osteoporosis. It also leads to vascular
breakdown which can cause blood to pool in the extremities rather
than circulate efficiently throughout the body. It also leads to the
atrophy of the ligaments, muscles, and tendons which support the
body.
When catabolic processes,
especially those related to cortisol, become dominant, they cause a
number of medical conditions that are detrimental to the body. These
medical issues create a vicious cycle in which the body responds to
negative physiological stimuli by producing even more cortisol. As
cortisol levels reach unhealthy levels, they greatly increase the
incidence of ocular issues such as cataracts and glaucoma. Cortisol
is also linked to high blood pressure which increases the risk of
blood clots, aneurisms, and cardiovascular disease.
It can also lead to exceptionally
high intraocular pressure behind the retina, which, if left
untreated, can result in migraine headaches or even blindness. Long
term excess cortisol levels also contribute to poor skin health,
causing the skin to bruise easy and heal slowly. Stretch marks are
more prone to appear and the skin becomes thinner and more prone to
cuts and scrapes.
How Can I Develop
a Healthy Circadian Rhythm?
Again, there are a number of
precautions you can take in order to balance your Circadian Rhythm
and lower your cortisol levels to a healthy state. To live a
healthier and happier life with balanced cortisol levels, follow
these simple rules to the best of your ability:
1. Go to sleep earlyPreferably
around ten at night
2. Eat a healthy breakfast which
includes a significant amount of protein
3. Consume starches and sugars
more cautiously
4. Make sure you eat a small, yet
satiating meal at least once every five hours, which has a low
glycemic index, and contains more protein than carbohydrates.
5. If you suffer from a gliaden
sensitivity, avoid or limit gluten consumption
6. Sit up straight, and frequently
take breaks from sitting in order to rest the muscles
7. Take care of pain quickly and
effectively
8. Make efforts to remove or
alleviate sources of stress from your life. Learn new patterns to
cope or see a psychiatrist
Controlling Cortisol is a Key
to Good Health
Cortisol
is a necessary, yet potentially debilitating hormone that flows
through each and every one of us. If you live your life meaningfully
with respect for your body, you will live a longer and happier life,
and you will maintain control over your cortisol production.
There
is no reason to throw your life away over short term, ephemeral
pleasures. Self-control and intelligent living can add years and
years to your life.
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