Cortisol is nothing new; we have known about it since its discovery in the mid-20th century. However, in the last year or so, this naturally occurring hormone has entered the limelight of social media. Indeed, you can find videos on TikTok discussing “cortisol face” with millions of views. Unfortunately, trends are rarely as simple as they appear and may have people jumping into action before learning what cortisol supplements even are and how they react in the body.
While cortisol supplements can be the right choice in some situations, it’s essential to understand the myriad factors that come into play.
What is cortisol, and how is it related to stress?
Cortisol is often called the “stress hormone” and is released by the adrenal glands — part of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, a bodily system that regulates the stress response — when our bodies experience stress. It helps our bodies respond to threatening experiences while managing several facets of our biology.
Cortisol regulates blood sugar, suppresses inflammation, regulates metabolism, is involved in our circadian rhythms and influences the fight-or-flight reaction. It’s essential for survival. Because cortisol is a glucocorticoid hormone, and most of our body tissue has glucocorticoid receptors, cortisol can have a broad and ubiquitous effect throughout the body.
Dietary aspects can also influence our cortisol levels, according to Diogo Barardo, Ph.D., director of R&D at biotechnology company Novos Core. For instance, higher levels of sugar and saturated fats in a diet can negatively increase cortisol levels. Conversely, a diet high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains may lower cortisol levels.
Beyond diet, though, several other factors can influence your cortisol levels. These factors include some medications, alcohol, caffeine, adrenal gland tumors, athletic activity, pregnancy and a variety of health conditions.
