high cortisol - #18776

Lately, I’ve been feeling overwhelmed and stressed all the time, and it’s starting to take a toll on my health. I’ve been experiencing issues like difficulty sleeping, feeling anxious all day, and even having trouble concentrating. My doctor ran some tests, and it turns out my cortisol levels are higher than normal. My doctor said that high cortisol levels might be contributing to my symptoms, but I don’t fully understand how this hormone works and what’s causing the imbalance. From what I’ve read, high cortisol is often linked to stress, but I want to understand how it affects my body. Why does the body produce so much cortisol when I’m stressed, and how does it affect my health in the long run? I’ve heard that chronic high cortisol levels can lead to weight gain, especially around the stomach area. Could this be the reason I’ve been gaining weight despite eating well and exercising? Another thing I’m concerned about is how high cortisol can affect my sleep. I’ve been waking up several times throughout the night and sometimes struggle to fall asleep, even though I’m exhausted. Could high cortisol be disrupting my sleep patterns, and how can I manage this? I’ve tried relaxation techniques like deep breathing, but they don’t seem to be enough to calm me down at night. I’ve also read that high cortisol can affect mood and mental health. I feel irritable and anxious a lot of the time, and I wonder if these feelings are connected to my cortisol levels. How does high cortisol impact the brain, and what can I do to manage my stress and reduce cortisol naturally? Since I prefer a more natural approach, I’ve been looking into Ayurveda for ways to lower high cortisol. I know that Ayurveda focuses on balancing the doshas, and I wonder if an imbalance in one of the doshas could be causing my high cortisol. Are there specific herbs or practices in Ayurveda that can help reduce high cortisol and restore balance? I’ve heard that Ashwagandha and Brahmi are good for stress—could these help lower my cortisol levels? Additionally, I’m curious about the role of diet in managing high cortisol. Are there specific foods that can help regulate cortisol levels, or are there foods I should avoid to keep my stress in check? I know that caffeine and sugar can increase cortisol, but I want to make sure I’m eating the right things to keep my body calm and balanced. Lastly, I’m wondering if high cortisol can have long-term effects on my health. Should I be concerned about things like high blood pressure, osteoporosis, or a weakened immune system, as I’ve heard these can be linked to high cortisol? How can I monitor my progress and track whether my cortisol levels are coming down over time? I want to be proactive about managing my stress and lowering my high cortisol. If Ayurveda offers holistic solutions, I’d love to incorporate them into my routine and find a more balanced way of living.