subject: The Importance Of Cortisol Metabolism [print this page] Why should you care about cortisol metabolism? It aids in weight loss. It plays a key role in distributing body fat. It is a factor in fighting off disease. It is the reason why you should pay attention to your stress. Prolonged stress will cause significant health problems.
Cortisol is a steroidal hormone that is released due to both physical and emotional stress. It is also a modified form of cholesterol. Your cortisol level is the greatest in the morning and the lowest levels during sleep. The adrenal gland makes cortisol. It is labeled the fight-or-flight response hormone. Cortisol levels need to be just right in your body. You can't have too much and you can't have too little, otherwise it will cause health problems. Once cortisol has done its job it is turned into cortisone.
Cortisol Benefits
Stores sugar in the liver in the form of glycogen
Helps with fat metabolism
Helps with protein metabolism
Helps with carbohydrate or glucose metabolism.
Helps with homeostasis
Gives you a quick burst of energy
Greater memory functions
Suppresses the immune system so inflammation in the body is kept to a minimum.
The positive functions of cortisol are only meant for the short term. Cortisol works in relation to stress and to help you deal with stress for the short term.
Side Effects Of Too Much Cortisol
Increases abdominal fat
Causes impaired mental function
Increases blood pressure
Causes Diseases
Increases Infertility
Promotes Disorders
Delayed growth and development in children
Digestive problems
May cause Depression
Anxiety disorders
Anorexia
Type 2 diabetes
Heart disease
Decreases bone formation
Increases bone formation
The brain and the immune system talk to each other. When the brain notices that the stressful situation has passed it communicates to the immune system and the cortisol is shut down. As long as the stressful condition exists the brain will keep pumping out cortisol, and the immune system will use it to deal with the stress. Which allows for bacteria and virus to run around in the immune system without it being combated. If you already have physical ailments such as; asthma, stomach ulcers and arthritis stress will cause those conditions to become worse.
Since cortisol's main job is to respond to stress. It is especially beneficial when you are in a life-threatening situation. People who had a stressful childhood one of abuse or neglect may be extra sensitive to stress as adults. Some have a super active nervous system ready to handle a threat when there is none.
It is imperative to constructively handle stress. The problem is many people are in a constant state of stress, stress from the workplace, stress at home, economic stress, and many other causes of stress. Finding time to relax is critical so your stress doesn't turn into chronic stress causing your system to constantly produce cortisol.
Some Ways To Handle Stress
Laugh
Live a healthy lifestyle
Eat healthy
Exercise: Yoga and Tai Chi are two exercise disciplines that are particularly helpful with stress reduction. They both have incorporated meditation into the routine.
Meditation
Get emotional support from family and friends: Talk to someone about your problems.
Be Optimistic
Conclusion: Cortisol metabolism is about keeping your body in perfect cortisol equilibrium. It influences your weight but deals with a lot more than weight. Your immune system plays a direct role with cortisol metabolism.
