5 Cortisol Calmers SLASH Stress NATURALLY
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted November 29, 2023
Wait… the holidays are supposed to be relaxing, right?
So, why is it they often feel anything BUT?
From now until New Years can feel like a footrace you’re about to lose.
Now that we’ve made it through Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday the pressure is REALLY on.
And all that stress doesn’t just FEEL bad. It’s ALSO harmful to your health.
Find out what soaring stress levels do to you. And better yet, what you can do to avoid it.
Between shopping, hosting gatherings, attending parties, and traveling, it’s no wonder stress levels often redline during the holidays.
Your adrenal glands release elevated levels of the “stress hormone” cortisol in response.
Higher cortisol levels can be useful in the short run. They use up stored energy and make us more alert.
But having high cortisol for longer periods is damaging for the body AND mind.
Long term elevated cortisol can trigger…
- weight gain,
- increased appetite,
- high blood pressure,
- a weakened immune system,
- irritability,
- tiredness, and
- trouble sleeping.
And elevated stress hormone levels are why a lot of people get sick during and after the holidays.
But don’t panic. I have a solution. In fact, I have FIVE of them.
Certain common supplements can help NATURALLY reduce cortisol levels protecting you against damaging stress.
- Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that helps people cope with stress better. The herb is linked to lower serum cortisol levels. In eight-week study researchers found that taking 250 or 600 milligrams of ashwagandha root extract daily greatly lowered cortisol levels and improved sleep quality. Another small study from 2021 had similar results. In that trial volunteers taking 300 milligrams of ashwagandha daily for 90 days had significantly lower stress levels and improved memory, focus, and mental health.
- Omega-3 fatty acids lower cortisol levels as well. In a small study, taking a daily 2.5-gram dose of omega-3s for four months dropped cortisol levels by an impressive 19 percent. Most folks supplementing to lower stress and cortisol levels take 2–3 grams (2,000–3,000 milligrams) daily.
- Rhodiola is another adaptogenic herb. The plant has a long history of being used to fight stress and it can lower cortisol levels. In one study taking 200 milligrams of Rhodiola rosea twice a day for four weeks significantly lowered stress symptoms.
- Vitamin C supports the immune system and fights stress. In a study, participants taking vitamin C supplements (high-dose, sustained-release) experienced less worry and lower stress-induced blood pressure levels. In another, volunteers taking a C supplement before a stressful event lowered cortisol and improved their response to stress.
- Magnesium helps lower cortisol levels and improves our stress response. Low magnesium levels make the body more sensitive to stress. And research shows taking magnesium can make you feel more relaxed.
Don’t let stress ruin your holiday mood. Give one of these natural cortisol reducers a try.
P.S. 20-minute “Vitamin O” secret ENDS your stress.
Source:
Yaribeygi H, et al., “The impact of stress on body function: A review.” EXCLI J. 2017 Jul 21;16:1057-1072. doi: 10.17179 / excli2017-480. PMID: 28900385; PMCID: PMC5579396.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
11 Hacks to Beat the Winter Blues
As the days grow shorter and the nights longer, many of us find ourselves battling more than just the cold weather. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a form of depression that strikes during fall and winter, affects millions each year. While the exact causes aren’t fully understood, experts say that seasonal changes disrupt our body’s circadian...
Mailbag: Halt Hair Loss Naturally
“I take a lot of vitamins, but my hair is falling out by the handfuls. I am 85 years old, but don’t have any major health problems that I know of.” – Hair Today Gone Tomorrow Hi Hair Today, I understand your concern about hair loss. Few things make us feel older than our years, quite...
5 Fall Foods to Supercharge Your Immune System
It starts with a tickle in the back of your throat… Or a little sniffle or sneeze—and before you know it, you’re knocked down for the count. Cold and flu season has arrived. If you’ve managed to escape these sneaky little viruses so far, let’s try to keep it that way. Because, let’s be honest,...
Common Chemicals Could Be Sabotaging Your Sleep
Do you have trouble sleeping? Many of us blame common causes like afternoon coffee or evening screen time. But what if the real culprit is something you’d never expect—lurking right in your home? New research points to troubling evidence about how everyday chemicals could sabotage your shut-eye… Scientists have uncovered an alarming link between common...
The Forgotten Berry Your Bones Are Craving
Strawberries and blueberries rank first and second as America’s favorite berries. And, of course, cranberries shoot to the top of the list around this time of year. But there’s another underrated berry we should be giving a second look. Especially if you’re a senior concerned about your bone health. Because new research reveals this unassuming...
Gut Hack Helps You Avoid the Flu
Flu season hasn’t ramped up… yet. According to the CDC’s FluView, we’re still hovering at around one percent of the population testing positive for influenza. That’s fantastic news… but it doesn’t mean it’s time to rest. In fact, NOW is the time to prepare, because this is the calm before this season’s storm. As the...
Ditch “Calendar Age” to Live Longer and BETTER
“Age is just a number.” If we’ve heard that phrase once, we’ve heard it a thousand times. So, it’s easy to dismiss the thought. But the truth is, how old you feel is more critical than the number of candles on your birthday cake. Let me explain… Imagine the following scenario… Two 65-year-olds walk into...
5 Reasons to Eat MORE Pumpkin This Fall
When you think of fall, what comes to mind? Colorful leaves? Cozy sweaters? How about pumpkins? Sure, you probably carved one for Halloween, and you may bake a couple cans of it into a pie for Thanksgiving. But what if I told you that this humble squash could ALSO be your secret weapon for staying...
Mailbag: Break Free from Cholesterol Lowering Statins
“What’s my alternative to a statin drug for cholesterol control? I’ve been suggested to take Red Yeast Rice a natural cholesterol control. Best way to keep my arteries clear of plaque?” – Skipping Statins Hi Skipping, I don’t need to tell you how vital cardiovascular health is. However, the medical establishment insists that the only path...
Weird Nightmare Trigger Has an Easy Fix
To all our veterans – we pause today to express our profound gratitude for your service and sacrifice. Your unwavering commitment to defending our nation’s values represents the very best of America. Nightmares happen during REM sleep, which usually occurs halfway through the night. They’re typically brief, but they can make it difficult to fall...