Medication may help, although more research on the benefits is needed.
Your body produces cortisol to respond tostressbut too much can lead to adverse health changes.
Foods That Lower Cortisol
Nutritioncan make a difference in lowering cortisol levels.
Carlos Barquero / Getty Images
That means limiting or avoiding processed foods and eating a nutrient-dense diet with plenty of vegetables and healthy fats.
Exercise and Physical Activity
A workout can be a fast way to reduce cortisol levels.
Low- or high-intensityexercisewill temporarily increase cortisol levels during physical activity.
High cortisol levels are associated with belly fat, called central adiposity.
Managing your cortisol levels can relieve symptoms and improve overall health.
The results suggest that even passive tobacco smoke exposure acts as a stressor in nonsmokers.
Good Sleep Habits
Sleep is an important part of maintaining good health.
The combination of sleep loss and chronic stress is often seen inmetabolic disorderslike obesity and pop in 2 diabetes.
While stress can contribute to loss of quality sleep, the relationship may work both ways.
A lack of sleep also may increase stress and disrupt deeper sleep cycles needed for memory and mood.
Relationship Practices
Your relationship with yourself, others, and even your pets can contribute to reduced stress levels.
Another effective technique is placing a hand on your chest over your heart.
People and Pets
Your social data pipe can affect your stress levels.
It can even help you lower blood pressure, reduce loneliness, and boost your mood.
Supplements
In addition to foods, dietary supplements and herbs are sometimes used to help lower cortisol levels.
That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
Medication
Prescription medications to treat anxiety are sometimes used to lower cortisol levels.
For example,benzodiazepinesare antianxiety medications that have been shown to reduce cortisol levels when used short-term.
Other prescription medications, including antidepressants, may also lower cortisol levels.
Cortisol is an essential hormone that helps regulate daily bodily functions.
However, chronically high cortisol levels can negatively impact your health.
It is produced naturally in the body to respond to stress.
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