Signs that indicate your body has high cortisol levels

Stress is an inherent by-product of the contemporary grind. While it is normally effective in protecting you in risky situations by triggering the fight-or-flight response, chronic stress can be detrimental to your body. Stress triggers cortisol, the primary stress-response hormone. When stress becomes chronic, you may not realize it, as your body becomes used to it, but the high cortisol levels are evident through certain signs. It’s also a reminder that physical and mental health are deeply intertwined, with each impacting the other.
These are the signs when your cortisol hormone is elevated for a prolonged period, affecting your gut, immunity and hormonal health:
Weight gain
Especially around the abdomen, face, and neck. This pattern is often linked to cortisol-related fat distribution.
Skin issues
Thinning skin, acne, easy bruising, and purple or red stretch marks (striae), particularly on the abdomen or thighs.
Digestive problems
Chronic stress and high cortisol can disrupt gut health, contributing to bloating, IBS, and irregular digestion.
Muscle and joint pain
High cortisol breaks down muscle tissue and can affect bone density, leading to weakness and discomfort.
Frequent cold and infection
While cortisol regulates the immune system, too much of it suppresses immunity, making you more prone to illness.
Irregular periods
In women, high cortisol can disrupt reproductive hormones and cause skipped or irregular cycles.
What to eat to manage cortisol?
Elevated cortisol levels, when prolonged, can weaken the immune system, promote weight gain, increase blood pressure, disrupt blood sugar levels, reduce bone density, and affect mental health, potentially leading to issues like anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances.
Foods rich in these nutrients can help.
Vitamin C
Strawberries, bell peppers, and broccoli
Omega-3 fatty acids
Spinach, almonds, cashews, and whole grains
Zinc
Oysters, beef, pumpkin seeds, and chickpeas
Probiotics
Yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi
Complex carbohydrates
Whole grains like oats, quinoa, and brown rice
Source: HT