To understand how cortisol affects your weight, you should primarily know what is cortisol and how it could lead you to have excess fats. Cortisol is also called a stress hormone and is produced by the adrenal gland cortex. It is an important type of hormone, which is naturally produced by the body. It is directly connected to the functions of immune system and blood sugar regulation and the functions of the liver, but it could also result to weight gain and excess fat when triggered.
Affects Of Cortisol On Diet
Since cortisol is a stress hormone, the body releases large amount of cortisol when it is stressed.
Natural Remedies To Reduce Cortisol Levels
To prevent gain weight, you should adhere to a process of diet control to decrease cortisol levels. First, you should mind what you eat. Avoid fatty foods. Eat more beans, nuts, lean meat such as chicken and fish. Other ways include:
- Avoid eating foods that are high in gluten such as pastas and breads or products of processed flours as this could lead to the inflammation of intestinal tract that triggers the secretion of cortisol.
- Cut down on food that are high in sugar or those that have high glycemic load such as pastries, chocolates, and other sweetened food. Instead, go for carrots, apples and pears.
- Above all, how to decrease cortisol levels is all about ensuring that your life is stress-free. Avoid over-thinking, learn how to relax, and do deep breathing and meditation before you sleep at night.
- Regular exercise will also help in lowering your cortisol level.