Cortisol and Your Body

Ah, the elusive flat belly

it's like trying to find a unicorn. But have you ever thought that maybe it's not your lack of core strength that's the problem? Enter cortisol, the pesky little hormone that could be sabotaging your goals. This hormone is released during times of stress (aka every day) and can totally mess with our weight regulation, blood pressure, and more. Let's chat about how to deal with it, shall we?

So, what's the deal with cortisol?

This sneaky hormone is secreted by the adrenal glands above our kidneys when we're in fight or flight mode. While that's great for escaping danger (like running away from a bear - oh joy), high levels of cortisol over a long period of time can wreak havoc on our health. We're talking heart issues, fatigue, terrible sleep, and yes, weight gain.

Now, for the juicy stuff:

how does cortisol specifically affect our weight? First, when cortisol levels rise, our blood is flooded with glucose and insulin (thanks, brain). When these levels inevitably crash, our bodies go into cravings mode, telling us to inhale all the fatty and sugary foods in sight. Plus, cortisol slows down our metabolism, which means even if you're sticking to your usual healthy diet, you might still see the scale creeping up.

So, what can we do to manage cortisol and stop it from sleuthing its way into our lives?

For starters, exercise is a great way to reduce cortisol and amp up those happy endorphins. Mindful eating is also key - try not to stress-eat that pint of ice cream (even though it's tempting). And don't forget to do things that truly bring you joy, like hiking, painting, or dancing like a maniac. Even taking just ten minutes a day for yourself can make a big difference in your stress levels. Trust us, managing stress is worth it - it's not just about looking good in a swimsuit (although that never hurts).