5 Ways to Lower Cortisol Naturally

 You have probably seen commercials or heard your friends or family talking about cortisol and the stress hormones. What is cortisol and how can you lower cortisol naturally to improve your weight loss efforts? Here are some useful tips.

Cortisol is your body’s main stress hormone and is key to a number of bodily functions. When you experience chronic stress, the adrenal glands continually produce and release cortisol which aids in:

• Regulating your sleep and wake cycles
• Managing how your body uses proteins, carbohydrates, and fats
• Reducing systemic inflammation
• Controlling your blood pressure

Three different glands control the amount of cortisol released into the body – the adrenal gland, the hypothalamus, and the pituitary gland. These work together to determine how much cortisol needs to be produced. In addition to stress, cortisol levels can also become elevated with a tumor on the adrenal gland or due to certain medications.

Symptoms of High Cortisol

When cortisol levels are imbalanced for a long period of time, the immune system, cardiovascular system, reproductive system, and digestive system become compromised. Furthermore, systemic inflammation, belly fat, and weight can increase exponentially.

• Belly Fat – Cortisol affects where you store weight and can contribute to weight gain. With elevated levels, a person is more tempted to overeat and crave foods that are high in calories, sugar, and fat.
• Cardiovascular Disease – When the body is constantly on alert and the flight or fight response is activated, heart rate increases and blood pressure spikes. This chronic stress cycle can eventually take its toll on the heart and increase the risk of heart disease.
• Decreased Sex Drive – Elevated cortisol levels in men cause testosterone levels to decline and prevent the testicles from properly reacting to testosterone. In women, high levels cause hormonal imbalances, resulting in an irregular menstrual cycle and low libido.
• Digestive Disorders – You may experience a number of digestive issues including irritable bowel syndrome, ulcers, abdominal bloating, pain, and gas.
• Insomnia – Cortisol is naturally high in the morning and declines throughout the day. With chronic stress, the levels may remain high throughout the evening and night as well resulting in insomnia.
• Reduced Immunity – When cortisol levels are high, you body loses its ability to regulate the immune system. it leads to systemic inflammation and the body’s ability to fight off illness and disease declines.

How to Lower Your Stress Hormones Naturally?

There are several ways you can help rebalance your cortisol levels.

• Nutritious Diet – Nutrition is critical to your health and can affect how much cortisol is produced by the body. Eating a diet filled with nutritious vegetables and fruits, whole grains, and low glycemic eggs can help nourish your body. Add foods like fish, beans, fruits, sunflower seeds, and whole grain that rich in folic acid and vitamin B5 to help balance cortisol levels. Avoid processed foods, sugar, and white flour. It may help to seek help from a certified nutritionist who can help you with customized meal plans tailored to your needs.
• Regular Exercise – Regular exercise helps lower cortisol levels and helps you lose weight. When you exercise, your body produces feel good hormones, called endorphins. As these hormones are released, they combat the effects of stress and anxiety on the body, including the adrenal glands. Regular exercise also increases metabolism and help with weight loss.
• Reduce Caffeine – Many individuals think they need coffee and other caffeinated beverages throughout the day to keep them going; however, studies have shown that caffeine stimulates the production of cortisol and increases blood pressure. It will help to replace your caffeinated beverages with water or a healthy cup of juice.
• Stress Relief – Stress relief techniques like meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga can help reduce stress. As you lower stress levels, you are able to better relax and get good sleep.
• Stay Hydrated – We recommend drinking one half of an ounce of fluids (preferably water) for every pound you weigh to avoid dehydration and improve your weight loss efforts.

 

Our team of integrative specialists can help you lower cortisol naturally, improve your overall health, and also guide you to healthy and sustainable weight loss. Learning how to lower your stress levels along with making simple lifestyle modifications can help restore your health.

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7 Symptoms Of Thyroid Issues

 Your thyroid gland produces hormones that aid in cellular and tissue functions throughout your body. A malfunctioning thyroid gland can result in a number of signs of thyroid issues. If your thyroid does not produce an adequate amount of thyroid hormones, you will be diagnosed with hypothyroidism. Conversely, if too much thyroid hormones are created, you will be diagnosed with hyperthyroidism.

Signs of Thyroid Issues

The American Thyroid Association reports that up to 20 million Americans have a thyroid condition. Unfortunately, an estimated 60 percent of those who have thyroid disease are unaware of their condition. Women are over eight times more likely to have thyroid problems than men. Below are some signs your thyroid may not be functioning properly.

Bowel Changes

The thyroid gland produces hormones that help regulate your digestion. When the thyroid gland is not producing enough thyroid hormones, your digestive system can become sluggish, leading to abdominal cramping, gas, nausea, and constipation. If the thyroid gland is producing too much thyroid hormone, gut motility can increase, resulting in gas, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramping.

Brain Fog

Are there days when confusion seems to reign supreme? Does it feel like you are walking around in a fog? If so, your thyroid may not be functioning properly. Hyperthyroidism can interfere with your ability to focus. Hypothyroidism, on the other hand, can cause forgetfulness and brain fog.

Goiter

A goiter is a painless, abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland or the surrounding tissues. This swelling can be caused by hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, cancer, or a cause that is unrelated to the thyroid. Typically, a goiter causes no problems; however, if the goiter becomes large, you may experience a dry cough, experience breathing difficulties, or it can become difficult for you to swallow.

Infertility

Hypothyroidism can affect your ovulation cycle, resulting in infertility. When you have low thyroid hormones, your body may not release an egg. Those with hyperthyroidism can have an irregular period, which is lighter than normal. Hyperthyroid women may have trouble conceiving, experience miscarriages, or their baby can experience health issues while in the womb.

Sleep Problems

Thyroid conditions can interfere with your sleep. When you suffer from hyperthyroidism, different body functions increase, which can cause you to feel jittery or wired. You may experience a racing pulse and anxious thoughts which can prevent you from getting to sleep. With hypothyroidism, your thyroid gland does not make an ample amount of thyroid hormone, which can cause you to feel exhausted or fatigued, even after getting a full night’s sleep.

Temperature Issues

If you have a thyroid issue, your body may have difficulty regulating your core temperature. When your thyroid overproduces thyroid hormones, your core temperature can rise, which can cause you to feel hot all of the time. Conversely, when the thyroid gland underproduces thyroid hormones, your core body temperature decreases, which can make you feel cold most of the time.

Unexplained Weight Gain or Weight Loss

If you experience an unexpected change in your weight, it can be a sign of a problem with your thyroid gland. When your thyroid is not functioning properly and is producing too much thyroid hormone, your metabolism will be ramped up so high that it will be impossible to maintain your body weight. Instead, you will lose weight unexpectedly. If your thyroid is not producing enough thyroid hormone, your metabolism will decrease, your body will begin storing fat, and you will begin gaining weight. Hypothyroidism can make it extremely difficult to lose weight, even with diet and exercise. For help with sustainable weight loss, click here.

 

Thyroid issues can be treated once a proper diagnosis has been made. This small gland creates hormones that influence every organ and system within the body. There are two thyroid hormones – T3 and T4. Both of these thyroid hormones travel from the thyroid gland to various parts of the body (the heart, brain, liver, skin, bones, etc.) via the bloodstream. When the thyroid hormones get to the various parts of the body, your genes that regulate specific bodily functions are activated. A malfunctioning thyroid gland can affect numerous systems throughout the body, causing a plethora of symptoms. In the beginning, the symptoms can be so mild that you do not even realize that you have a thyroid problem. Over time, these symptoms can worsen. Unfortunately, the symptoms of a malfunctioning thyroid gland can mimic a number of other health issues.

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it may be time to have your thyroid checked by an integrative thyroid specialist. In order to diagnose your thyroid condition, a variety of blood tests, along with a physical exam may be required. Thyroid blood tests measure the amount of thyroid hormone in your bloodstream.

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Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) to counter hormonal imbalance

Both men and women are affected by hormonal imbalances. Hormone balancing is the process of restoring the hormonal balance in both women and men after they have reached menopause and andropause, respectively. Hormone Replacement Therapy helps restore your energy and vigor for life.

Hormone Replacement Therapy for menopause

The purpose of this Hormone Therapy in Virginia is to reduce the symptoms caused by reduction in levels of female hormones in the body. This form of treatment is needed by females nearing menopause or those who may have had their ovaries removed through surgery.

Androgen Replacement Therapy

Androgen Replacement Therapy or ART is used to supplement testosterone levels in men. The issue may be attributed to hypogonadism where testes do not produce sufficient levels of this hormone. Another reason for this is aging. 

Administration of Hormone Replacement Therapy

There are various types of Hormone Therapy in Virginia. Some of these are – 

●       Pellets – 

Pellets are inserted below the skin area and release a constant dosage of hormones. This is done for a period of four months. These hormones are often sourced from plants and create smaller fluctuations in hormone levels. This causes a roller coaster effect on the body. 

●       Pills

This is commonly used to administer estrogen into the body. These also contain traces of progestin. The therapy is either continuous or cyclic in nature. 

●       Patches and cream

This can be used to deliver estrogen or testosterone into the body. The patch delivers the hormone to the bloodstream and is often applied on buttocks or abdomen area.