Who could claim that, more or less often, he is not overwhelmed by the stress caused by the obligations and demanding rhythms of everyday life? The truth is that stress plays a role in all of our lives, with some of us handling it better and others not so much.

You may have heard that stress produces a hormone, cortisol, which is often perceived as something negative. In fact, however, it is a hormone valuable for the survival of the organism in correct proportions. Cortisol naturally increases, for example, when we wake up or when we exercise. Chronically elevated corizol levels, however, are an undesirable health condition that could potentially lead to morbidity, threatening an increased risk of depression, chronic stress, immune dysfunction, and disease.

The good news, however, is that we can intervene in the cortisol production process, ensuring a healthier body.

Signs that you have high cortisol levels

The body sends signals for every need it presents. So, just as there are specific indications when you are hungry or sleepy, for example, the same is true when you are experiencing intense stress, producing increased levels of cortisol.

The clearest indications are:

  • weight gain, mainly in the middle part of the trunk
  • acne-redness on the face
  • the skin bruises easily
  • slow healing
  • muscular weakness
  • severe fatigue
  • irritability
  • difficulty concentrating
  • high blood pressure
  • headache

The benefits

  • Reduced inflammation

Excess cortisol very often leads to the creation of inflammation, which undermines the function of the immune system. “Cortisol can increase blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and it also affects insulin sensitivity. So lower cortisol levels can help reduce inflammation in the body, leading to less pain,” explained consultant Becca Smith.

  • Lower blood pressure

During times of high stress, heart rate and blood pressure increase to an undesirable degree. “Strong evidence suggests that managing cortisol levels allows muscles to relax, slows heart and breathing rates, normalizes blood oxygenation, lowers blood pressure and blood sugar, and helps manage body fat. Jessica Houston said.

  • Better skin

Stress is known to often lead to annoying skin breakouts. That’s why the skin, the body’s largest organ, is the first to benefit if you can manage your cortisol levels. “Cortisol stimulates oil production, which can lead to acne and other skin problems, so reducing it will greatly improve skin health,” assures Smith. “Lower cortisol levels equal clearer skin, shinier hair and a visibly fresher feeling,” says therapist Lauren Cook-McKay. “This is because stress no longer impairs the body’s internal processes, allowing the internal organs to function more efficiently.”

  • Improved digestion and metabolism

Most of us, when we face intense stress, we simultaneously feel a tightness in the stomach. This is because stress causes a decrease in blood and oxygen flow to the stomach, slowing down digestion. These changes could lead to cramping, inflammation or an imbalance of gut bacteria. “By reducing cortisol, blood sugar levels stabilize, improving digestion and metabolism,” explains Sarah-Nicole Bostan, clinical health psychologist. In addition, “proper cortisol levels regulate the inflammatory response and metabolism, leading to improved gut and immune health,” adds Houston.

  • Improved mood

A more effective management of cortisol levels will not only help physical, but also mental health. “Neurochemical changes in the brain as a result of cortisol reduction not only improve levels of hormones involved in the stress pathway, but also stimulate the production of endorphins that elevate mood,” Houston revealed. If you are wondering how you can boost the production of endorphins in your body, the answer is simple: Through exercise, eating healthy foods, but also sex.

But it’s not just a matter of mood. Chronically elevated cortisol can profoundly affect mental health, exacerbating depressive symptoms. “Reducing cortisol can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression by increasing serotonin production in the brain,” claims Smith. “It will help you respond better to stress in the future, giving your body more tools to handle stressful situations without resorting to unhealthy coping mechanisms.”

  • Better concentration and more energy

“Chronic stress and high cortisol levels can lead to a decrease in serotonin, disrupting normal brain function,” says Smith. “This, in turn, can lead to poor concentration, low energy levels and loss of interest in activities. “Decreasing chronic cortisol can help rebalance hormone levels in the body, resulting in better concentration and increased energy levels.”