122. What is Cortisol and why should you care?

What is Cortisol?

​Cortisol is a hormone produced by our adrenal glands, playing a significant role in how our bodies respond to stress.​ It acts like a messenger—carrying signals through our bloodstream to organs, muscles, skin, and tissues, guiding them on what to do and when.

As a steroid hormone, cortisol helps suppress inflammation in our tissues and regulates metabolism across various systems in our body, including our muscles, fat cells, liver, and bones. Additionally, it influences our sleep-wake cycles, making it a key player in sustaining our overall health and well-being. Cortisol impacts nearly every organ and tissue in your body.

Here are some of its vital functions:

Stress: It helps regulate how we deal with stress, whether it's short-term or chronic.

Metabolism: Cortisol plays a role in how we utilize fats, proteins, and carbohydrates for energy.

Inflammation: This hormone can help control inflammation, especially during stress.

Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar: It helps maintain healthy blood pressure and balances blood sugar levels.

Sleep-Wake Cycle: Cortisol affects our sleep patterns and circadian rhythms.

Maintaining balanced cortisol levels is essential for a state of equilibrium. When cortisol levels fluctuate too high or too low, it can lead to health issues.

Cortisol Release during Stress:

Cortisol is often referred to as the stress hormone because it is released during stress:

Acute Stress: This type of stress occurs suddenly in life-threatening situations or near accidents.

Traumatic Stress: Experiencing events that induce fear or helplessness—such as natural disasters, warfare, or abuse—leads to traumatic stress, which can result in PTSD.

Chronic Stress is where Elevated Cortisol becomes a problem: Long-term stress arises from ongoing issues, like job-related frustrations or chronic health conditions.

During periods of stress, the body releases adrenaline. If sustained, Cortisol kicks in and keeps you on high alert. It does this by releasing glucose in the blood, which your cells need for energy. Cortisol also helps regulate how your body uses fats, proteins, and carbohydrates for energy, manages inflammation during stress, and regulates blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

***Normally, Cortisol ebbs and flows during the day, peaking in the morning, triggering wakefulness, and gradually decreasing toward the end of the day, playing a part in our circadian rhythm.

Prolonged high cortisol levels cause health issues, including, decreased libido, menstrual irregularities in women, and contribute to anxiety and depression. Conversely, sudden drops in cortisol, like those that can occur when stopping steroid medications, can also cause significant health problems.

Regulating Cortisol:

Under normal circumstances, our body is capable of managing cortisol levels. The hypothalamus and pituitary gland work together to control cortisol production in the adrenal glands.

Sometimes we need Adaptogens:

​With Chronic Stress, Adaptogens are a great option. They help balance cortisol levels by modulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. This can lead to either an increase or decrease in cortisol levels based on the body’s needs, promoting equilibrium.

At Spiral Herbal Remedies, we offer a variety of Adaptogens, for their Cortisol modulating abilities. Each herb or blend can help address other health issues as well, depending on your needs.

1. Ashwagandha Tincture - Ashwagandha also has a long history of use for increasing cognitive function, as a reproductive tonic, and for lowering blood sugar.

2. Reishi and Lion's Mane - Nerve Blend Tincture - The mushrooms in these blends also contain antiinflammatories, antihistamines, antimicrobials, and anticarcinogens and help modulate the immune system. Lion's mane has a long history of use for nerve regeneration and cognitive function.

3. Reishi and Chaga Tincture - in addition to the above properties, chaga has a long history of use for skin and gut health.

4. Reishi and Turkey Tail tincture - in addition to the above properties, Turkey Tail has a long history of use for Cancer, Autoimmune diseases, and Herpes.

5. Benjamin Button Got His Groove Back Tincture - was formulated with Herbs that have been used traditionally for slowing the aging process, containing powerful antioxidants, neuro regenerative, and herbs that can help increase libido and vitality.

In summary, Adaptogens can:

Reduce Elevated Cortisol: When stress is triggered, cortisol levels typically rise. Adaptogens can help lower excessive cortisol, thereby alleviating the physical and psychological impacts of chronic stress.

Increasing Low Cortisol: Conversely, for individuals experiencing chronic fatigue associated with low cortisol levels, adaptogens can stimulate the adrenal glands to produce more cortisol, enhancing energy and stress resilience.

Manage Stress: Adaptogens enhance the body's ability to cope with stressors, promoting endurance and calmness without the side effects often associated with stimulants like caffeine.

Support Immune Function: By regulating cortisol, which can suppress immune responses when chronically elevated, adaptogens may improve overall immune function, protecting against the detrimental effects of stress.

Enhance Mental Clarity: Some adaptogens have been shown to improve cognitive functions by reducing stress-induced impairments, allowing for better focus and performance under pressure.

Metaphysically, Adaptogens promote a sense of Balance, Resilience, and Inner Harmony.

*** Incorporating adaptogens into your wellness routine, alongside good nutrition and self-care practices, can lead to improved resilience, energy, and overall well-being in the face of life's challenges.

Use the discount code STRESS!!! for 10% off your next purchase in our shop now through December 6th.