Stress is a feeling most everyone experiences from time to time. In order to cope with these moments when they occur, the body responds by releasing a hormone called cortisol.
If you suffer from chronic stress, however, your cortisol levels can become too high. Should they remain elevated for an extended period of time, they can have a variety of negative effects on the body, including weight gain, sleep problems, and increased risk of diabetes and heart disease. Fortunately, there are a variety of different ways cortisol levels can be lowered naturally, including these 12.
Want diet & nutrition content delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for our exclusive diet & nutrition newsletter!
1. Eat a Healthy, Balanced Diet
In addition to stress, poor diet is another major factor for elevated cortisol levels. In fact, Healthline.com says, “Sugar intake is one of the classic triggers for cortisol release,” and that “Regular, high sugar intakes may keep your levels elevated.”
Therefore, it’s important to eat a healthy, balanced diet in order to keep your cortisol levels under control. There are a variety of different foods that are especially helpful, including fruit, dark chocolate, and extra virgin olive oil. The source also indicates that drinking tea, specifically black and green tea, “decreased cortisol in response to a stressful task.”
