high cortisol

Question

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.

Dr. Ayush Varma · Answer

Your experience with overwhelming stress and elevated cortisol levels is indeed significant and can deeply affect your overall wellness. Cortisol, known as the stress hormone, is produced by the adrenal glands in response to stress. It plays a key role in the body's fight or flight response, increasing blood sugar levels and suppressing non-essential functions. However, chronic stress leads to sustained high cortisol, which can disrupt your sleep, contribute to weight gain—especially around the abdomen—impair cognitive function, and lead to mood disturbances such as irritability and anxiety. As you suspected, high cortisol can significantly interfere with your sleep architecture, leading to frequent awakenings and difficulty falling asleep.

To manage your stress and cortisol levels through Ayurveda, we first need to consider your dosha. Likely, your Vata or Pitta dosha may be aggravated, causing the feelings of anxiety and restlessness. To restore balance, you can incorporate specific herbs like Ashwagandha, which has been shown to effectively reduce cortisol levels and promote relaxation; taking about 500 mg twice daily can be beneficial. Brahmi is another great choice for its calming properties; you may consider consuming it in powder form, mixing one teaspoon with warm milk or water at night.

In terms of dietary choices, focus on incorporating calming foods that support your nervous system. Warm, cooked, and grounding foods like oats, sweet potatoes, and cooked green leafy vegetables are excellent options. Incorporating healthy fats from avocados, nuts, and seeds can also support hormone balance. Avoid stimulants like caffeine and excessive sugar, as they can exacerbate cortisol levels and anxiety.

Alongside dietary changes, consider integrating daily practices such as yoga, meditation, or gentle stretching before bed to calm your mind and body. A nighttime routine including a warm herbal tea with chamomile or lemon balm can help ease you into sleep. For monitoring your progress, keep a journal to track your symptoms, dietary habits, and stress levels, enabling you to assess changes over time.

Chronic high cortisol levels can lead to concerns like hypertension, weakened immune response, and even osteoporosis. Therefore, it's essential to proactively incorporate these Ayurvedic practices into your routine while continuing to engage with your health care provider for comprehensive support. By nurturing your mind-body balance, you can cultivate a more harmonious state and effectively reduce your cortisol levels for sustained health and well-being.

high cortisol - #18776

Doctors’ responses

If you need a detailed answer, ask the Ayurvedic doctor your question

About our doctors

Related questions