How to Get Rid of Cortisol in the Body
A demanding job. Relationship problems. Money woes. So many things in our lives can cause us stress. We often forget that stress can be a good thing, as it is a natural result of our body's "fight or flight" response. When we are faced with a challenge, our body's adrenal glands produce a hormone called cortisol in order to put us on alert and into action. But when we are faced with prolonged challenges, our bodies may produce too much cortisol, leading to emotional distress, increased illness and even weight gain. Here are steps you can take to get rid of cortisol in your body.
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Instructions
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How to Get Rid of Cortisol in the Body
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Combat stress. Stress stimulates cortisol production, so controlling your stress attacks cortisol at its source. Sign up for a yoga class or begin practicing meditation for a short period every day after work to regain control over your mind. Physical activity is a great stress reducer, so join a gym if you have the cash or take up jogging in your neighborhood. Setting aside time to do activities you enjoy personally, like reading or cooking, will also help lower your stress and your cortisol levels.
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Sleep. This may seem easier said than done, since insomnia can be an effect of elevated cortisol. Nevertheless, getting enough sleep can dramatically reduce your cortisol, so make the concerted effort to get your sleep habits under control. Set aside eight hours for sleep and go to bed at the same time every night to get into a mental routine. Avoid spending excessive time in your bedroom outside of bedtime, to reinforce the mental connection between your bedroom and sleep time. Physical activity during the day will help you get to sleep, and of course, avoid caffeine!
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Manage your diet. Not only does caffeine keep you awake, it also increases anxiety levels and, therefore, pesky cortisol. It may be painful, but cut the coffee. Sugar causes internal stress as your body struggles to process it, elevating cortisol in a less visible way. You can dramatically reduce your sugar intake by eliminating high fructose corn syrup from your diet. Ditch soda in favor of water, and stay away from fast food altogether.
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Supplement your diet. Help your body fight general stress by taking a multi-vitamin every day. For targeted adrenal gland support, look for ways to increase your intake of Vitamins C, B5 and B6. Some people consider ginseng to be a stress reducer as well. Finally, consider talking to your doctor, who may offer you a prescription cortisol blocker, depending on your personal needs.
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Stick with it! It may take time to find the right combination of stress reduction methods for you, but with commitment, you can get rid of the cortisol in your body.
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Tips & Warnings
Never take a prescription medication that was not prescribed by your doctor for you.
