What is Cortisol? Causes, Symptoms & Combating High Cortisol Levels

Cortisol is a major hormone produced by our bodies with a significant impact on our mental and physical wellbeing, and one of the most common yet little-known causes of poor sleep, anxiety, and stress. Our expert nutritionists explain what cortisol is, how it is created, how it affects us, and how you can lower cortisol levels. 

What is cortisol?

Cortisol is a stress hormone and a steroid hormone that is released by the adrenal glands. It is a major stress hormone and works with adrenaline in stressful situations. Your cortisol levels are regulated by glands in the body called the hypothalamus glands, the pituitary, and the adrenal glands.

What is the function of cortisol?

Although cortisol is normally associated with stress, it does play a wider role in the body which includes functions such as regulation of blood sugar levels, metabolism, memory, inflammation, water balance and blood pressure. In pregnancy, cortisol is necessary for the development of the foetus. Discover our acclaimed Pregnancy Multinutrient.

Problems caused by high cortisol

High cortisol levels can cause a number of health issues, including weight gain, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, impaired digestion, abdominal obesity, and weight gain.

Some hormones in our body are created in the same way as cortisol, however it is a pre-historic survival mechanism for our body to prioritise the production of cortisol above all other hormones. Our body's prioritisation of cortisol over other hormones can potentially create havoc, in particular with our sleep and mental wellbeing. 

High cortisol symptoms

Symptoms of high cortisol can present in many different ways. Some common symptoms of high cortisol include:

• A flushed/red face.
• High blood pressure.
• Mood swings, which may show show as anxiety or irritability.
• Muscle weakness and fatigue.
• Decreased libido and erectile dysfunction in men.
• Irregular menstrual periods in women.

How does cortisol affect sleep?

One of the most common but little-known causes of bad sleep is cortisol. Cortisol disrupts the sleep cycle, with a strong influence on your ability to get to sleep, your quality of sleep and the duration of your sleep. This is because the body uses the same pathways for sleep as it does for stress.

Excess cortisol disrupts the creation of sleep hormones, in particular melatonin and the sleep cycle. Melatonin is our most important sleep hormone, so if our body is unable to produce it due to high levels of cortisol, it is harder to get to sleep and stay asleep. 

Our bodies follow a pattern of sleeping hours and waking hours, and the synthesis of cortisol follows the same pattern, where cortisol should be at its lowest at midnight, and at its highest around one hour after waking.

 

The body moves through several phases of sleep each night and a small level of cortisol is produced during some of these phases. If cortisol production is too high before or during sleep, sleep cycles will be disrupted and can lead to broken sleep, insomnia and a shorter duration of sleep. Studies show Ashwagandha KSM-66 lowers cortisol which is why it is commonly taken before bedtime, on its own or alongside other sleep remedies. 

You may enjoy our insights 'The Sleep Problem: More than 1 in 3 people suffer poor sleep'.

How to lower cortisol levels

How to lower cortisol levels is one of the most frequently asked questions of our nutritionists because cortisol has such a big impact on sleep. The good news is you can lower cortisol to improve your sleep through diet, lifestyle and supplements to address anxiety and enjoy a better night's sleep.  

Diet and cortisol

A plant-based diet is an excellent place to start for lowering cortisol because animal proteins can increase the level of cortisol in the body. Avoiding refined sugars is another great option. Refined sugar triggers spikes and dips in blood glucose levels, which triggers the release of cortisol. Low blood sugar levels create additional stress on the body. 

Understand your diet. Create your free Diet Profile

A diet high in salt should also be avoided as they can increase cortisol levels. One study found that a meal high in salt increases cortisol metabolites in urine significantly. The best diet for regulating cortisol is a plant-based diet rich in fruit and vegetables. 

Foods that lower cortisol 

Certain foods can help to regulate the release of cortisol. These include:

• Green tea, which contains an amino acid called L-theanine, which has been shown to reduce cortisol levels.
• Nuts such as almonds and walnuts are high in Magnesium, which is vital for our psychological wellbeing.
• Oats are rich in fibre, which can help to regulate blood sugar levels and reduce cortisol levels.
• Kimchi helps build an excellent gut microbiome as it's full of probiotics. A recent study showed that probiotics helped to reduce stress and cortisol levels.
• Red peppers are a great source of Vitamin C, which helps to keep cortisol levels balanced by regulating your adrenal glands.

Best vitamins & supplements for reducing cortisol

Ashwagandha KSM-66^®

Used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine, Ashwagandha is a herb that helps to induce a state of calm. Ashwagandha works with the adrenal glands, pituitary and hypothalamus glands to help lower cortisol and regulate the stress response, having a beneficial effect on sleep. Research has shown Ashwagandha helps people to fall asleep faster and spend more time asleep, as well as experiencing better sleep quality.

Learn more in our article 8 surprising benefits of Ashwagandha. 

 

Magnesium

Magnesium is a 'Mineral Superhero' and essential for the production of a neurotransmitter called GABA. GABA lowers cortisol levels in the body and induces a relaxed state of mind, promoting the onset of sleep. Magnesium is also needed for the conversion of serotonin (your 'happy hormone’) into melatonin (your ‘sleep hormone’). Discover our best-selling Magnesium and learn more in our article 'How do I know if I'm deficient in Magnesium'.

Griffonia Seed Extract

Griffonia Seed Extract, is a pre-curser to both the hormones serotonin and melatonin. Serotonin is converted into melatonin, and melatonin is the sleep hormone which helps to regulate sleep cycles and is essential for dropping off to sleep quickly. If you're taking medication for depression it is not advised to take supplements containing Griffonia Seed Extract.

L-Theanine

Theanine increases the level of GABA in the brain which promotes relaxation and the start of sleep. Theanine also promotes alpha brain waves which further help with relaxation. In addition, theanine may improve sleep quality. 

L-Glycine

Glycine is an amino acid and can be useful for aiding the transition into sleep. Although the mechanisms are unclear, research shows that glycine induces REM sleep.

Chamomile

Chamomile is a flower with an active compound called apigenin. Apigenin binds to receptors in the brain and studies show it promotes sleep and a reduction in stress.

Other ways to naturally lower cortisol

Exercise 

Exercise can stimulate the release of endorphins, natural mood-boosting chemicals that can help to reduce stress and lower cortisol levels.

Reduce caffeine intake

Caffeine found in coffee, energy drinks, and soda, is a stimulant that increases the production of cortisol. 

Meditate

Meditation changes the pathway in the brain that can stimulate the adrenal glands to release cortisol. When practised, mindfulness and meditation has been shown to lower the levels of cortisol in the blood.

Be outside with nature

Trees release a substance called phytoncides into the air. This chemical is released to protect the trees from rotting, however it also has a great benefit for humans - when inhaled, it reduces the level of cortisol levels in our blood.

How to check cortisol levels

To check your cortisol levels, you can undergo a blood, urine, or saliva test, which are commonly used to measure cortisol in the body. A blood test is typically done in the morning when cortisol levels are at their highest, while saliva tests can be taken at home for more flexibility. Urine tests are often used for monitoring cortisol over a 24-hour period. Consulting a healthcare professional is essential to determine the best method based on your symptoms and needs.

Summary

Cortisol is a vital hormone helping to regulate stress, metabolism, and sleep. Maintaining healthy levels however, is vital for overall health and wellbeing.  

Discover our range of vegan vitamins and supplements. 

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