Michael Romero, a professor of biology at Tufts University, notes that all animals, including humans, have nearly the same hormone in their bodies at baseline levels, called cortisol or corticosterone. This is important for survival.
Cortisol, produced by our adrenal glands, helps regulate various processes in the body. These include the functioning of the immune system, metabolism, sleep and much more.
It is estimated that a quarter of our genes are affected by cortisol levels in the body.
As a rule, our cortisol levels are highest in the morning. It decreases in the evenings. Too much cortisol or not enough cortisol can cause problems. But such situations occur rarely.
Cortisol is known to help mobilize energy reserves, strengthen the immune system and reduce inflammation. This is good for dealing with acute stress.
When chronic stress goes on long enough, our immune response is suppressed rather than enhanced, and we can experience problems with metabolism, digestion, reproduction, and other systems. In this case, you need to learn to cope with the stress in life. Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and practicing meditation or mindfulness can help. The body perceives dehydration, sharp fluctuations in blood sugar levels and irregular nutrition as additional stress factors.
News materials cannot be equated with a doctor’s prescription. Consult an expert before making a decision.
Source: Ferra
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