Stress has become a common companion in our lives. The constant pressure of work, family, and daily responsibilities can take a heavy toll on our physical and mental well-being. As a result, many people struggle with chronic stress and elevated cortisol levels.
What is cortisol?
Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, which are located on top of the kidneys. It's known as the "stress hormone" because it's released in response to stress, but it also plays a crucial role in several other bodily functions.
What is the function of cortisol?
Cortisol has several functions in the body:
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Stress Response : It helps the body cope with stress by releasing energy and increasing blood pressure.
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Energy Management : Cortisol helps with the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, ensuring the body uses the right energy sources.
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Blood pressure regulation : It helps regulate blood pressure and supports cardiovascular function.
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Anti-inflammatory : It reduces inflammation and helps regulate the immune system.
When is cortisol highest?
Cortisol levels fluctuate throughout the day and night. They typically begin to rise in the second half of sleep, peak in the early morning to help the body wake up, and peak shortly afterward. Levels then gradually decline throughout the day, reaching their lowest point in the late evening, which helps the body fall asleep. Stressful events, however, can lead to temporary spikes in cortisol levels, regardless of the time of day.
What are the symptoms of high cortisol?
High cortisol levels can manifest in various ways. If in doubt, we recommend having this checked with blood tests. The following symptoms may indicate elevated cortisol levels:
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Weight gain, especially around the abdomen: People with high cortisol levels often experience weight gain, especially in the abdominal area, while arms and legs remain slimmer.
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Fatigue and sleep problems: Elevated cortisol levels can lead to sleep problems, such as difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. You may also often feel tired, even after getting enough sleep.
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Increased anxiety and irritability: Cortisol directly affects your mood. People with high cortisol can often experience feelings of anxiety, nervousness, or irritability.
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Poor concentration and memory problems: High cortisol levels can impair your cognitive functions, such as memory and concentration. This is because cortisol can cause long-term damage to the brain areas responsible for memory storage.
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High blood pressure: Long-term elevated cortisol levels can increase blood pressure, which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.
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Weakened immune system: You may notice that you get sick more often or have a harder time recovering from illnesses. This is because cortisol, when chronically elevated, suppresses the immune system.
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Abdominal discomfort and digestive problems: High cortisol can lead to digestive problems, such as bloating, diarrhea, or stomach pain. This is because cortisol slows down digestion during stressful situations.
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Decreased libido: High cortisol levels can affect the production of other hormones, such as sex hormones. This can lead to decreased libido.
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Slow wound healing: High cortisol can slow wound healing due to the hormone's anti-inflammatory effect, making it take longer to recover from injuries or infections.
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Excessive thirst and frequent urination: High cortisol can affect blood sugar levels, which can lead to excessive thirst and frequent urination, similar to symptoms of diabetes.
If you experience several of these symptoms, it may be wise to have your cortisol levels checked by a doctor.
Supplements such as adaptogens and their role in stress regulation
Adaptogens are a class of herbs and nutrients that help the body adapt to stress by regulating the stress response. They support the adrenal glands, which are responsible for producing stress hormones like cortisol, and help maintain balance in the body.
Our Adapto Complex is a multi-component complex containing adaptogens and essential nutrients such as Maca, Ashwagandha, Siberian Ginseng, Panax Ginseng extract, Rhodiola Rosea extract, Vitamin B3 and Vitamin B5, which will be your allies in effectively managing stress and lowering cortisol levels.
Ashwagandha extract (Withania somnifera)
Ashwagandha is an ancient herb from Ayurvedic medicine and is also known as "Indian Ginseng".
Ashwagandha improves the body's resistance to stress and helps the body recover better after stressful events . It also supports better sleep , learning , memory , and recall .
During periods of mental and nervous tension and anxiety, Ashwagandha supports mental and physical well-being. It contributes to emotional balance and general well-being.
Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus)
Siberian Ginseng, also known as Eleuthero, is another adaptogen that supports the body's response to stress.
Besides being a tonic for supporting mental and physical capabilities in cases of weakness , fatigue , exhaustion and rehabilitation, it is also traditionally known for improving blood circulation and supporting the immune system .
Panax Ginseng Extract
Panax ginseng is a powerful adaptogen with a long history in traditional Chinese medicine. It supports memory and promotes cognitive function by contributing to normal blood circulation , which is associated with brain function.
In addition, Panax ginseng extract also helps to combat fatigue and contributes to the natural defenses .
Rhodiola Rosea extract
Rhodiola Rosea helps the body to adapt to both emotional stress and physical exertion and has a beneficial effect on fatigue and headaches caused by stress.
Furthermore, it has a beneficial effect on your night's sleep , weak appetite , decrease in your work capacity and improving your mood .
Finally, this extract benefits the cardiovascular system as it helps protect you against stress and high blood pressure , keeping you resilient under pressure.
The synergy of Adapto Complex
Our Adapto Complex combines the power of these adaptogens and essential nutrients to create a potent blend to support stress. Taken regularly, Adapto Complex can help:
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Reduce the physical and mental symptoms of stress, such as fatigue, anxiety and bad mood.
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Improving your body's ability to adapt to different stressors.
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Strengthening your overall resilience, mental clarity and physical endurance.
Our Adapto Complex contains the above ingredients in the right amounts to support you in your daily routine.
