Understanding Cortisol: How It Works and Its Impact on Our Body

In today's video, we'll dive into everything you need to know about cortisol: what it is, how it works, and its effects on our body. Cortisol, often dubbed the "stress hormone," is making waves on social media right now. But do you really understand its crucial role and why we need it in balance? Produced by our adrenal glands, cortisol is a steroid hormone essential for our survival. It plays a significant role in various bodily functions, including regulating inflammation, managing blood sugar levels, and assisting with fluid balance in collaboration with our kidneys.
Cortisol is not just about stress; it’s intricately linked with our overall hormonal health. For instance, our adrenal glands, which produce cortisol, also communicate closely with our thyroid gland. Any imbalance in cortisol levels can potentially affect thyroid function. Moreover, cortisol impacts our sex hormones, influencing conditions like menstrual irregularities. Understanding these connections helps us appreciate why maintaining proper cortisol levels is crucial for overall health and well-being.
One of the visible signs of cortisol imbalance is what is commonly referred to as "moon face," characterized by a round, puffy appearance in the face. This can result from prolonged high levels of cortisol, leading to increased fat deposits and fluid retention in the facial area. Other symptoms of cortisol imbalance include trouble sleeping, fatigue, feeling "wired but tired," systemic inflammation, and digestive issues like bloating. Recognizing these signs is essential, especially when social media often simplifies these complex issues into bite-sized advice that might not apply to everyone.
Whether you're dealing with short-term high stress or prolonged low to medium stress, it’s vital to understand your body's history and responses. Misinterpreting symptoms and choosing the wrong supplements can do more harm than good.
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