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
Two-Week Diet Switch Transforms Your Health
You know how you feel sluggish and “off” after a vacation filled with fast foods and processed snacks? Well, it’s not all in your head (or merely guilt). When you switch to an unhealthy Western-style diet, there are physical consequences—and they kick in faster than you might think… The Western diet is characterized by ultra-processed...
WARNING—Your Water Bottle Is Hiding a Disgusting Secret
Recently, a few people have asked me if it’s true that their water bottle has more germs than a toilet seat. It’s a shocking comparison that’ll make you think twice about everyday objects you use without much thought. So, is this claim true? Well, I must warn you that you might not like the answer…...
Research Reveals 3-for-1 Brain Protection "Checklist"
Age-related brain diseases—including stroke, dementia, and depression—threaten our quality of life. They can take the shine right out of your Golden Years. But you don’t have to take these threats lying down. While there are no guarantees in life, there are steps you can take to turn the odds in your favor—especially when it comes...
Mailbag: Your “Healthy Diet” Might Leave You Running on Empty
“Do supplements really work?” Hopeful Skeptic Hi Hopeful, That’s a fantastic question! It gets straight to the heart of a vital fact about human biology. Our bodies are incredible machines. But they don’t work in a vacuum. They require outside help to function. For example, they can’t manufacture most vitamins and minerals on their own....
Forgotten 80s Superfood Reemerges as Artery Superstar
Do you remember when vitamin E was the talk of the town? This common nutrient had a surge of popularity in the 80s and 90s. But now I can’t remember the last time I had a patient ask me about it. Well, it turns out this forgotten 80s superfood deserves another moment in the spotlight....
Strokes CAN Strike Twice—This Simple Fix Cuts Your Risk 20%
They say lightning never strikes twice in the same place. But that old adage couldn’t be further from the truth when it comes to strokes. If you’ve had a stroke, you might think you’re out of the woods once you recover. But the reality is far different… A comprehensive study published in JAMA revealed the...
Can Your Diet Defend Your Brain From Aging?
Our brains work hard every day, helping us solve problems, create memories, and connect with loved ones. But as we age, they face new challenges that can quietly chip away at our vitality. One of those challenges? The buildup of iron. Though iron is essential for many functions, too much can harm your brain, contributing...
Common Deficiency DOUBLES Risk of Your Body Attacking Itself
Most of us know vitamin D as the “sunshine vitamin.” And many think of it mainly for bone health as we age. But research now suggests that this nutrient may be just as crucial for supporting our immune system throughout life, beginning as early as childhood. In fact, a lack of vitamin D, especially in...
What Is a Healthy Night’s Sleep? Three Critical Criteria
We’ve all heard the advice about how important getting enough sleep is to your health. Heck, I have even given this advice countless times. But here’s what the so-called sleep experts aren’t telling you—that perfectly uninterrupted eight hours of sleep they keep preaching about? It’s a myth. In fact, if you wake up several times...
Can Your “Poop Schedule” Predict Disease?
We all do it. If you’re alive, you poop. Some of us are so regular that we could set a clock based on our bathroom habits. Others, not so much. And yet, talking about bowel movements remains one of those taboo topics. Even your doctor skims over it during your annual checkup! But the truth...