For the proper functioning of all the organs of the body, the balance of hormones must be maintained. Hormones are known as chemical messengers. Through our bloodstream, hormones help in controlling the functions of the body, however, if there is any imbalance in it, it can have side effects on the normal activities of the body. Cortisol is one such essential hormone, both deficiency and excess which can be harmful to our health.
Cortisol is known to be essential to the body's stress response. If you have an increased level of cortisol, then there may be a risk of increasing problems like stress and depression due to this. It is also known as stress hormone.
But the functions of this hormone are not only limited to controlling stress, it can also have many other side effects. Let's know about this.
This hormone is necessary for many functions.
Our adrenal glands produce the hormone cortisol. Most cells in the body have cortisol receptors. They use it for various functions. It also plays a role in controlling blood sugar, reducing inflammation, maintaining metabolism, and maintaining memory.
Cortisol is also important for your health, but too much of it can harm your body.
What if the level of cortisol increases?
The hypothalamus, a part of the brain, helps in controlling the levels of this hormone by sending messages to various glands in our body. However, certain conditions can trigger the glands to overproduce cortisol. Stress is key in this.
Stress triggers a combination of signals from both hormones and nerves within the body. Let us know that if there is an excess of this hormone in the body, then what problems can occur due to it?
Know the signs of high cortisol
In the case of higher than normal levels of cortisol, not only mental health but physical health can also be affected in many ways.
Weight gain, facial swelling problem.
Acne and thinning of the skin.
Wounds don't heal quickly.
muscle weakness.
Persisting severe fatigue-weakness.
Often feeling irritable or angry.
High blood pressure and headache problems.
In women, it can also affect the menstrual cycle.
Difficulty falling asleep or experiencing sleep disturbances.
Feeling anxious or nervous.
How to balance cortisol?
If your cortisol level is very high, then it is necessary to consult a doctor and get treatment. Along with treatment, its level can also be controlled through some simple measures.
Make sure your diet includes multivitamins, especially B vitamins (B1, B5, B6, B12).
Vitamin C can help reduce cortisol.
Cortisol levels were controlled in men and women who consumed products containing 4,000 milligrams of fish oil per day for six weeks.
Alcohol increases cortisol and can have serious side effects, so stay away from it.
Excessive consumption of caffeine is also harmful.
Regular exercise and meditation can help control it.
(PC: Freepik)
