Cortisol is normally produced by the adrenal glands, located just above the kidneys. It belongs to a class of hormones called glucocorticoids, which affect almost every organ and tissue in the body. Scientists think that cortisol has possibly hundreds of effects in the body. Cortisol's most important job is to help the body respond to stress. Among its other vital tasks, cortisol:
In treatment an individual's cortisol levels can be measured by the cortrosyn stimulation test. If the adrenal gland cannot respond appropriately to this natural stimulation that mimics the adrenal gland, then cortisol deficiency is usually the culprit. There are medicinal therapies available such as Cortef to rebuild adrenal glands.
There are also natural food alternatives that can help build up adrenal function. Many of the natural food sources are found throughout the archives of this blog. When we go for long periods without food, our adrenal glands work hard to release more cortisol and adrenaline, to try to maintain the body’s normal functioning. When our blood sugar dips for extended periods, this creates a stress reaction, taxing the adrenals. It’s important to know that our body always needs energy, even when we are sleeping. Cortisol works to moderate blood sugar in between meals and at night, so regulating our cortisol levels by eating timely, healthy meals and snacks is key.
Check out Dr. Lam's Adrenal Diet.
- helps maintain blood pressure and cardiovascular function;
- helps slow the immune systems inflammatory response;
- helps balance the effects of insulin in breaking down sugar for energy; and
- helps regulate the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.
In treatment an individual's cortisol levels can be measured by the cortrosyn stimulation test. If the adrenal gland cannot respond appropriately to this natural stimulation that mimics the adrenal gland, then cortisol deficiency is usually the culprit. There are medicinal therapies available such as Cortef to rebuild adrenal glands.
There are also natural food alternatives that can help build up adrenal function. Many of the natural food sources are found throughout the archives of this blog. When we go for long periods without food, our adrenal glands work hard to release more cortisol and adrenaline, to try to maintain the body’s normal functioning. When our blood sugar dips for extended periods, this creates a stress reaction, taxing the adrenals. It’s important to know that our body always needs energy, even when we are sleeping. Cortisol works to moderate blood sugar in between meals and at night, so regulating our cortisol levels by eating timely, healthy meals and snacks is key.
Check out Dr. Lam's Adrenal Diet.
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