Cortisol is an essential hormone that our body needs to survive. When under stress, our body releases it to cope with the pressure we are subjected to that requires us to act fast—an impending deadline, a race we have to finish, being caught in a calamity or...
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Category Archives: Stress
The Cortisol-Stress Connection
Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced in the cortex of the adrenal glands. Cortisol assists you in regulating blood pressure, cardiovascular functions, and your body’s use of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. Cortisol is also involved in glucose metabolism, insulin release for blood sugar maintenance, and inflammatory response....
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Symptoms of Chronic Stress
Chronic stress can be caused by illness, anxiety over financial matters, social crises, or emotional instability. Almost anything that causes physical or emotional pain can produce a stress response. If the source of stress is not resolved, chronic stress can result. Chronic stress can cause weight gain,...
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Cortisol, Stress & Your Weight
The cortisol hormone serves many important functions in the body such as regulating blood sugar and blood pressure and providing energy for exercise and activity. Cortisol also plays a key role in the immunity and healing processes. [Greenspan F.S., Stewler G.J. (eds): Basic and Clinical Endocrinology. Appelton...
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Cortisol, Stress & Abdominal Fat
Cortisol causes bone cells to stop growing or to release calcium into the bloodstream. Excessive cortisol levels can lead to osteoporosis. Cortisol causes some fat cells to release their fats known as triglycerides, and causes other fat cells to absorb excess triglycerides. Fat Mobilization One effect of...
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The Connection Between Cortisol, Stress & Insulin
Overview Insulin acts on individual cells to allow cells to absorb glucose. Insulin resistance occurs when insulin is present at normal or high levels in the bloodstream, but does not allow cells to accept glucose. The result is high glucose as well as high insulin levels in...
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Activities to Help You Manage and Cope with Stress
“Persistent, unremitting stress leads to a variety of serious health problems. Anyone who suffers from chronic stress needs to take steps to alleviate it, either by learning simple techniques to relax and calm down, or with the help of qualified therapists.” ~ George Chrousos, M.D., and Philip...
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