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.
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