The Cortisol Effect: Why the "Stress Hormone" may be your Biggest Enemy - Part 1

The human body is a complex system. It responds to different stimuli in a different manner. Cortisol is a hormone (a.k.a the stress hormone) vital in our body. It helps us respond to stress, regulate blood sugar, control inflammation, and maintain blood pressure. However, too much cortisol can adversely affect our health and well-being. In this article, we will explore what cortisol is, how it affects our body, and how to avoid cortisol spikes to stay healthy.

What is Cortisol?

The Simplementesoi team dives deep into this important topic. Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands located on top of the kidneys. Cortisol gets released into the bloodstream in response to various triggers, such as physical, emotional, or psychological stress. Cortisol is part of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, a complex system regulating stress response.

Cortisol has many functions in the body, such as:

• Elevating blood glucose levels to fuel the brain and muscles.
• Suppressing the immune system to fight inflammation and allergic responses.
• Amplifying memory retention and cognitive alertness.
• Harmonizing fluid and electrolyte equilibrium.
• Modulating mood and behavioral patterns.

Cortisol levels follow a diurnal rhythm, meaning they vary all day long. They are usually highest in the morning and lowest at night, which helps us wake up, prepare for the day, wind down, and sleep at night.

Is Cortisol A Stress Hormone?

Yes, it is! Cortisol, also known as the "stress hormone," is released when we face stressful situations. Stress can be either acute or chronic, it is dependent on the duration and intensity of the stimulus. Why fear = Chronic Stress?

Because fear is an emotion that triggers the stress response, and when we experience fear for a long time, it becomes chronic stress. Fear = chronic stress = depression because chronic stress can affect our mood & mental health, leading to depression. Acute stress is short-term and intense, such as being chased by a dog or giving a speech. Chronic stress is long-term and persistent, such as being in debt or having a bad relationship.

We at Simplementesoi want to highlight the fact that when we encounter acute stress, cortisol helps us cope by activating the "fight or flight" response. This is a primitive natural survival mechanism that prepares us to either confront or escape the threat. Cortisol increases our heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, and blood flow to the muscles. It also inhibits non-essential functions like digestion, reproduction, and growth. This way, we can focus on the immediate danger and deal with it effectively.

However, when we experience chronic stress, cortisol can become harmful. Chronic stress can force cortisol levels to remain elevated for prolonged periods, disrupting the normal rhythm and balance of the hormone. Here's the deal: short bursts of stress are okay – they help you get through tough times. But if stress becomes a regular thing, it can cause issues like:

• Weight gain and trouble losing weight.
• Diabetes or trouble managing blood sugar.
• High blood pressure and heart problems.
• Feeling anxious or down.
• Trouble sleeping and feeling tired all the time.
• Forgetfulness or trouble concentrating.
• Getting sick more often.
• Weak bones and muscles.
• Not feeling in the mood or having trouble having kids.

Chronic stress can also affect the brain, altering its structure and function. Cortisol can cause damage to the hippocampus, the part of the brain that responsible for learning & memory. It can also affect the amygdala, resulting in impaired judgment, increased emotional reactivity, and reduced resilience.