The cortisol reduction diet is essentially a stress-reduction diet. Stress leads to the production of the hormone cortisol and may increase belly fat as well as stimulate the appetite, according to the University of New Mexico (UNM). While some diet products claim to decrease cortisol levels for weight reduction, these claims are possibly misleading. Omega-3 fatty acids and the herb chamomile may lessen stress and inhibit the production of cortisol to help you lose weight.
Hormones
Stress is a common term used to express feelings associated with negative situations. The body responds to stressful situations by secreting various hormones, such as norepinephrine, epinephrine and cortisol. Norepinephrine is considered the fight hormone -- produced when you feel challenged. Increased stress and loss of control may lead to the release of the flight hormone, or epinephrine. Cortisol is released when you have prolonged stress and feel defeated, states UNM.
Cortisol
Cortisol, a hormone produced by the kidney's adrenal glands, is secreted when you are fasting, eating certain foods, exercising, awakening and experiencing psychosocial stress. This hormone regulates and mobilizes energy in your body. Cortisol determines your correct energy source -- carbohydrate, fat or protein -- and the amount required. It also relocates the body's fat stores to your abdomen or to working muscle tissues.
Weight
Cortisol directly affects fat storage and weight gain in stressed individuals. Cortisol levels are controlled by specific enzymes in your fat tissue that convert it from its inactive form into an active hormone. Higher levels of those enzymes, deep in abdominal fat cells, may lead to obesity due to increased amounts of cortisol production. In addition, animal and human observations have suggested an association between cortisol and increased appetite and weight gain, according to UNM.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Foods containing omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce your stress. A study published in the November 28, 2004, edition of Nutrition Journal suggests that the omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil may alleviate stress. Study groups received either fish oil containing the omega-3 acid, docosahexaenoic acid, a placebo containing olive oil or no supplementation at all. Researchers discovered that the fish oil group had significantly less stress than the group that did not receive fish oil or a placebo. These findings sustain previously printed evidence that supports the protective effect of omega-3 fatty acids on stress, state the investigators.
Chamomile
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), reports that the chamomile may benefit those suffering from generalized anxiety disorder, or GAD. The University of Pennsylvania observed the effect of chamomile on patients with mild to moderate GAD, according to the NCCAM. For a period of eight weeks, 57 participants received chamomile extract capsules or placebo capsules. Researchers determined that chamomile may have modest benefits for some people with mild to moderate GAD.
References
- University of New Mexico: Cortisol Connection: Tips on Managing Stress and Weight
- Good Housekeeping: Cortisol-Reducing Diet
- "Nutrition Journal"; An Adaptogenic Role for Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Stress; A Randomised Placebo Controlled Double Blind Intervention Study; Joanne Bradbury et al. ; Nov. 28, 2004
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Study Shows Chamomile Capsules Ease Anxiety Symptoms
