Stress has now become a life partner. Although doctors and experts advise us to stay away from it, the hectic life we ​​are subjected to every day does not help us to let it go; rather. This is how, over time, we learn to live with this condition. When it becomes chronic, the body produces excessive amounts of cortisol – and that’s not really a good thing. But there is a simple way to understand if this is the case. Cortisol, the stress hormone
Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, which has been renamed the ‘stress hormone’ for some time. The name is not left to chance, but its choice is due to the fact that it is produced in abundant quantities during stressful periods, both physical and mental. The aim of all this is to guarantee an optimal energy supply despite everything. Because we don’t get rid of cortisol
One wonders why cortisol remains in excess even when stress seems to have decreased. The reason is very simple and, generally, related to our sedentary lifestyle. Movement and physical activity, in fact, allow to decrease their values. But if our life is particularly tiring on a mental (or physical) level and we don’t move enough, the body cannot dispose of it as it should. Symptoms of excess cortisol
Each person develops different symptoms but, indicatively, there are 7 signs that suggest an excess of cortisol. If you find that you have at least three or four of these, you may need to take steps and lifestyle changes in order to reduce stress. 1. Chronic fatigue and cortisol
It is the most characteristic symptom. You get enough rest on weekends, you have optimal sleep patterns, but you feel tired all day. Yet it does not seem to lead such a tiring life. In this case it could be an excess of stress – and therefore an overproduction of cortisol. It’s time to run for cover: take life lightly and dedicate at least 20 minutes a day to moderate physical activity. 2.Sleep disturbances and cortisol
In the evening hours, around 19.00, cortisol decreases to reach minimum levels during the night. If this does not happen, because the body produces cortisol in abnormal quantities, it is difficult to sleep well. Frequent awakenings, early in the morning or insomnia are possible. 3. Immune deficienciesand cortisol
Another problem caused by stress: a reduction in immune defenses. In this case, perhaps we are seeing an increase in viral infections such as flu and colds. The fault could lie with the thymus which, in non-optimal situations, does not produce enough lymphocytes that protect the body from external pathogens. 4. Hypersensitivity to pain and cortisol
We seem to feel pain a hundred times more than normal
A malfunction of the adrenal glands could increase the perception of pain. Typical stress disorders such as widespread muscle aches, back pain, neck pain, and shoulder tension can also develop. Or gastrointestinal pains. 5. Premature aging and cortisol
Perhaps this is the symptom that one loves the least, even though others are not exactly pleasant. During stressful times, people often have a more emaciated appearance. The reason is not only weight loss, but also the reduction of collagen. Thus, wrinkles and slight skin depression can appear more easily. 6. Anxiety and cortisol
It is a rather obvious symptom, given that the cause is stress. If you feel agitated with unmotivated fears, panic about situations considered normal, and the need to intervene immediately. Also in this case the emergency intervention and physical activity, drink far from meals and totally eliminate xanthines such as caffeine, theine and theobromine. 7.Loss of desire and cortisol
Another very unpleasant sign. If you suddenly notice a decrease in your decreased sexual desire, it’s time to change your lifestyle. It is good to carefully regulate the sleep-wake rhythm, increase the magnesium intake and take natural remedies such as ashwagandha (a product very similar to ginseng), Maca or spirulina. The latter is an excellent tonic, while Maca and Ashwagandha are exceptional stress relievers that increase sexual desire. A tip: take care of your diet
It is essential in times of stress to take great care of nutrition. It is necessary to prefer healthy and, above all fresh, unprocessed or industrial foods. It is also important to reduce the intake of sugars and carbohydrates – especially refined ones – and to increase the fermented foods that modulate anxiety and stress. Among these are Kefir, Krauti, Kombucha and yogurt.
Fatigue and lack of energy: natural remedies
