For the last three months, TiTok was actively diagnosing me with high cortisol levels and made me anxiously search for more videos and articles and sleepless nights. Ironically, anxiety and inability to sleep well amongst a lot of other things are the symptoms of high cortisol levels. So, I decided to do the responsible thing and went to my doctor for a blood test. I explained my concerns and asked if lowering my cortisol levels would fix my life. Here is what I’ve found.
If you’re looking for more ways to improve your life, check out “How to Eat Healthy on a budget & Medically Endorsed” and “Healthy Habits for Better Sleep”
The science behind cortisol
Cortisol is often called the “stress hormone.” It is produced by your adrenal glands. It plays a crucial role in various body functions, including metabolism, immune response, and the body’s stress response. When you’re faced with a stressful situation, your cortisol levels spike, preparing your body to either fight or flee. This is incredibly handy when escaping from a saber-toothed tiger or finishing the project too close to the deadline but less useful when you’re stressing over your TikTok feed.
Symptoms of high cortisol levels
Before diving into ways of lowering cortisol levels, it’s important to recognize the symptoms of elevated cortisol. Common symptoms include anxiety, fatigue, insomnia, weight gain, high blood pressure, and a weak immune system. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it’s understandable to think that high cortisol levels might be the reason for all your struggles.
Can lowering cortisol levels fix your life?
Now to the million-dollar question: can lowering cortisol levels fix your life? The answer is both yes and no. Let’s see why.
Yes, because…
Lowering cortisol levels can indeed reduce many of the symptoms associated with high cortisol, therefore improving your quality of life. Here’s how:
- Reduced anxiety and better sleep: High cortisol levels can keep you in a constant state of vigilance, making it difficult to relax and sleep. Lowering cortisol can help you feel calmer and sleep better.
- Improved weight management: Cortisol can increase appetite and lead to cravings for high-calorie foods. By managing cortisol levels, you might find it easier to maintain a healthy weight.
- Enhanced immune function: Chronic stress and high cortisol levels can suppress the immune system, making you more susceptible to illnesses. Lowering cortisol can help keep your immune system in check.
No, because…
While lowering cortisol levels can certainly help, it’s not a magic bullet for all of life’s problems. Here’s why:
- Underlying issues: High cortisol levels are often a symptom of underlying stressors or health issues. Simply lowering cortisol without addressing these root causes won’t provide a long-term solution.
- Over-simplification: Life is complex, and attributing all of your problems to a single hormone is an oversimplification. Emotional, psychological, and social factors also play significant roles in your overall well-being.
Strategies for lowering cortisol levels
If you want to lower your cortisol levels, here are some effective strategies:
- Exercise regularly: Physical activity can help reduce cortisol levels and improve your mood. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.
- Practice mindfulness and meditation: Mindfulness techniques and meditation can significantly reduce stress and lower cortisol levels.
- Maintain a healthy diet: Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, and those high in antioxidants, like fruits and vegetables, can help manage cortisol levels.
- Get adequate sleep: Prioritize getting 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Good sleep hygiene can keep your cortisol levels in balance.
- Laugh more: Laughter is a natural stress-buster. Engage in activities that make you laugh and bring joy. The same TikTok can bring you joy if you scroll away from all those misleading videos.
- Avoid excessive caffeine and sugar: While that extra cup of coffee or sugary snack might give you a temporary dopamine boost, it can also elevate cortisol levels. Moderation is key.
- Build strong social connections: Positive social interactions can reduce stress and lower cortisol. Spend time with people who make you happier and healthier. If you don’t have anyone like it, become the person who brings the changes to your friend group.
How to monitor your cortisol levels
Monitoring your cortisol levels can provide insights into your stress management strategies. Here are some methods to consider:
- Saliva tests: These are easy to use and can be done at home. They measure cortisol levels at different times of the day to provide a profile of your cortisol rhythm.
- Blood tests: Conducted by a healthcare provider, blood tests can offer a precise measurement of your cortisol levels.
- Urine tests: These tests measure cortisol levels over 24 hours, providing a comprehensive view of cortisol production.
Remember, consulting with a healthcare professional is crucial to understanding your results and determining the best course of action.
The role of professional help
While self-care matters a lot, professional guidance can make a significant difference. Here’s when to seek help:
- Persistent symptoms: If you continue to experience symptoms of high cortisol despite lifestyle changes, it’s essential to consult your doctor.
- Chronic stress: A mental health professional can help you develop effective strategies to manage chronic stress and its impact on your cortisol levels.
- Medical conditions: Conditions such as Cushing’s syndrome require medical treatment. A doctor can diagnose and manage such conditions appropriately.
Conclusion
To sum up, no, lowering cortisol levels is not a magic trick that can fix everything in your life. Yes, there are situations where people indeed have high cortisol levels and need to consult their doctor to better their lives. But just because the TikTok algorithm decides to push a certain topic to your page doesn’t mean you have a disease.
The key is balance. Lowering cortisol levels can significantly improve aspects of your health and well-being, but it’s essential to look at the bigger picture and address all areas of your life for a truly holistic approach to wellness.
By combining lifestyle changes, mindfulness practices, and proper medical advice, you can manage your cortisol levels and lead a healthier, happier life. So, the next time TikTok tries to diagnose you, take it with a pinch of salt and maybe a side of laughter.
