Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal cortex and regulated by the brain's hypothalamus and pituitary gland. It affects almost every organ and tissue in the body and helps your body respond to stress or enact the "fight or flight" response. According to National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Service, cortisol maintains blood pressure and cardiovascular function, slows inflammatory response, maintains glucose levels in blood and regulates metabolism.
Normal Cortisol Levels
Under normal conditions, the hypothalamus and pituitary keep the hormones responsible for the release of cortisol low, according to NEMDIS. This keeps your cortisol levels balanced throughout the day. However, if a stressful event occurs, either physical or emotional, more cortisol is released to allow you to better handle the event. According to The Cortisol Connection, cortisol enables faster reaction times, improved focus, greater agility and strength. After the crisis is over, cortisol stops being released and your body returns to normal.
Stress & Cortisol
When under physical or emotional stress, your body responds by secreting cortisol. The Cortisol Connection states that cortisol allows for an increased flow of glucose, protein and fat from your tissues into your bloodstream, which increases energy and physical readiness to handle the stressful situation or threat. Cortisol does not know the difference between physical and emotional stress, so when under emotional stress, the excess energy released is often stored as fat.
Chronically High Cortisol Levels
Individuals with chronic stress or depression will have high-cortisol levels. The cortisol forces your body to hold on to as much energy as possible for the upcoming crisis. Chronically high levels of cortisol contributes to obesity-like symptoms, such as weight gain in the abdominal area, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and high blood sugar.
Lifestyle Changes
Long-term stress and high-cortisol levels can lead to an increased risk of chronic diseases such as depression, heart disease and diabetes. Stress can be controlled by practicing a healthy lifestyle. Cortisol Connection states that general health and stress resistance can be enhanced through regular exercise; a diet rich in a variety of whole grains, vegetables and fruits; and the avoiding of excessive alcohol, caffeine and tobacco.
Exercise
Exercise can help to reduce stress and shed pounds by burning excess fat and lowering your cortisol levels. Stress reduction benefits can be achieved through both high and low-intensity exercise. Yoga, for example, is a low-intensity exercise that has proven successful at stress reduction.
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