Cortisol is a stress hormone produced in the adrenal glands in response to emotional or physical stress. Exercise, eating, a bad day and even waking up increase cortisol production. While cortisol is necessary to help the body deal with stress, too much of it can have an adverse effect on health, leading to conditions such as obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and elevated blood sugar. When dealing with chronic stress or anxiety, supplementing with lysine might help control cortisol levels.
Step 1
Add more lysine-rich foods to your diet. A study in the April 20, 2004, issue of the "Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences" shows that eating lysine-rich foods helps lower blood levels of cortisol. Good sources of lysine-rich foods include red meat, fish, pork, poultry and eggs.
Step 2
Add vegetarian sources of lysine to your diet if you do not eat meat or animal products. Lysine is also available in breads, dairy foods, brewer's yeast, nuts and beans.
Step 3
Purchase a dietary supplement from a reputable pharmacy or health food store if you feel you aren't getting enough lysine in your diet. The University of Maryland Medical Center says the recommended dosage for adults is 12 mg per day. Lysine might also be called L-lysine, and the supplement is available as a tablet, capsule, liquid or cream.
Step 4
Manage your stress levels by finding ways to relax, whether it be journaling, yoga, fishing or prayer. Keeping your stress levels low will also help keep your cortisol production down.
Tips and Warnings
- Speak to your physician before increasing your intake of any amino acid, especially if you are currently on medication and being treated for any condition.
- Too much lysine might boost the odds of getting gallstones, says UMMC.
Things You'll Need
- Lysine-rich foods
- Lysine supplement
