Cortisol is a stress hormone that is released by the adrenal gland during the body's fight or flight response to emergencies. It plays numerous functions in the body, including glucose utilization, blood pressure regulation and anti-inflammatory. Evidence suggests that certain supplements can help lower cortisol levels. Consult your health care provider before taking any supplements.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C might alleviate stress and lower cortisol levels, according to a study conducted by Dr. Samuel Campbell and colleagues from the University of Alabama in Huntsville. Rats were placed under stressful conditions and received either vitamin C or a placebo. Scientists discovered that rats given vitamin C supplementation had lower levels of stress hormones such as cortisol in their blood compared to rats receiving a placebo. They presented their findings at the August 1999 national meeting of the American Chemical Society.
BCAAs
Branched chain amino acids, also known as BCAAs, contain the amino acids leucine, valine and isoleucine. Researchers investigated the impact of BCAA supplementation on muscle recovery in weight training subjects. The report, which was published in the April 2010 issue of the "Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research," revealed that participants consuming BCAAs for four weeks while performing resistance training experienced decreases in cortisol compared to those receiving a placebo.
Relora Extract
Derived from a blend of plant extracts, Relora might help treat stress by reducing cortisol and other stress hormones, according to a study conducted by Dr. James Lavelle and colleagues from the Living Longer clinic in Cincinnati. They found that Relora supplementation helped reduced food cravings and cortisol levels in high stress individuals, according to the Nutra-Ingredients website.
Rhodiola Rosea
Rhodiola rosea is an herb that might improve cortisol levels, according to a review performed by researchers from the Swedish Herbal Institute Research and Development in Sweden. They concluded that compounds found in Rhodiola rosea such as glycosides, flavonoids and gallic acid are effective in lowering cortisol levels, according to findings reported in the June 2010 issue of the journal "Phytomedicine."
References
- Science Daily: Scientists Say Vitamin C May Alleviate The Body's Response To Stress
- The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research: Amino Acid Supplements and Recovery from High-Intensity Resistance Training
- Nutra Ingredients: Added benefits of Relora
- PubMed.gov: Rosenroot (Rhodiola rosea): traditional use, chemical composition, pharmacology and clinical efficacy
