Cortisol is a hormone produced in the adrenal cortex located in the adrenal gland. It’s involved in the following physiological functions: proper glucose metabolism, regulation of blood pressure, insulin release for blood sugar maintenance, immune function, and inflammatory response.
A vital hormone, cotisol is often called the "stress hormone" as it is produced in response to stress and increases blood pressure and blood sugar levels, and has an immunosuppressive action. This action has great value in certain situations including the treatment of anaphylaxis and inflammation.
A synthetic form of cortisol, hydrocortisone, is used in the treatment of allergies and inflammation. Cortisol was first introduced as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, it was referred to as Compound E.
Cortisol is metabolized by the 11-beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase system (11-beta HSD), which consists of two enzymes. An alteration in the 11-beta HSD1 enzyme is hypothesized to play a role in the development obesity, hypertension, and insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome.
Cortisol is secreted in higher levels during the body’s ‘fight or flight’ response to stress, and is responsible for several stress-related changes in the body. Where cortisol goes wrong is when someone is in a constant state of stress. Chronic stress leads to higher levels of cortisol which can lead to greater fat storage and a shutdown of fat burning. The result can be obesity, blood sugar irregularities, high blood pressure, impaired cognitive performance, suppressed thyroid function, decreased immunity, increased abdominal fat, decreased bone density, and decreased muscle tissue.
Studies reveal that people’s responses to stress differ and not everyone secretes the same levels of cortisol in response to stress. Those individuals who secreted higher levels of cortisol in response to stress also tended to eat more food, and food that was higher in carbohydrates than people who secrete less cortisol.
The drug and supplement industries are aggressively marketing anti-cortisol and cortisol controlling ‘drugs’ in response to the obesity epidemic. Most if not all of these over-the-counter solutions are ineffective. The best way to regulate your cortisol levels is with stress reduction and lifestyle change.
Links:
Cortisol Definition
The Human Brain - Stress
Cortisol & Weight Gain
Cortisol - The "Uncontrollable" Hormone
