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
The Tiny Green Secret to a SHARPER Brain
We all want to keep our brains functioning at their absolute best for as long as possible. In fact, I bet you’re already doing some of the usual brain-supporting things like taking supplements, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and trying to keep stress levels in check. However, you can add one more thing to your...
Is Your Bathroom Hiding a Dirty Secret?
Let’s talk about your bathroom. You probably spend a good chunk of your day there, from your morning routine to your evening wind-down. But how clean do you really keep it? Maybe you’re a neat freak, scrubbing every surface until it sparkles. Or perhaps you’re more of a “clean enough” type, giving things a quick...
Key Facts to Consider BEFORE Trying Marijuana
Lately, I’ve had a lot of people ask me if marijuana is safe, and my answer always is, “It depends…” You may have lived through the wild days of the 60s and 70s and even experimented with a little weed back then. But the marijuana of today is NOT the same mellow grass you remember....
MAILBAG: Decoding Chest Pain and Breathlessness During Activity
“I’ve been having chest pain and shortness of breath when I’m active. Could this be a sign of a heart problem? What tests should I undergo to determine if there’s an issue?” -Paul Hi Paul, Regardless of past heart history, I always advise folks to seek medical help immediately if they experience concerning symptoms, including...
The Surprising Key to SURVIVING a Stroke
Imagine you’re going about your day when, suddenly, your world turns upside down. Your vision blurs, your speech slurs, and you feel a weakness in your arm. You’re having a stroke. It’s a terrifying experience that far too many of us have faced. And if you’re lucky enough to survive, the fear of another stroke...
The Deadly Truth About Sleep Apnea REVEALED
Where do you put sleep on your priorities list? It should rank pretty high for everyone, but if you have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), it’s time to make it one of your TOP priorities. After all, the alarming results of the latest OSA research make it clear that quality sleep is truly a matter of...
Mistakes that Make Seasonal Allergies WORSE
If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you know how miserable they can make you feel. Common irritants, such as mold spores, dust mites, pet dander, air pollution, and strong odors, can make your symptoms go from bad to worse. You can avoid some of these triggers, and you have no control over others. Either way,...
The Hidden Dangers of Fried Foods
It’s no wonder French fries are so popular. They’re crispy, salty, and oh-so-satisfying. As a matter of fact, as I wrote the words “crispy” and “salty” just now, my mouth watered. I’m only human, after all. But brace yourself—because what I’m about to share will make you think twice before diving into your next serving...
Losing Your Locks? The SURPRISING Solution
There’s no way to sugarcoat it. Losing your hair sucks. The hit to your self-esteem is no joke. You might even find yourself avoiding mirrors and hoarding hats. The treatment options are limited, often come with a laundry list of side effects, and deliver results that are about as predictable as a coin flip. It’s...
REAL Drug-Free Back Pain Relief
Recently, I’ve had several exasperated people ask me, “Is back pain something I just have to live with?” I battled chronic back pain for years, so I completely understand why some folks feel so hopeless about finding relief. In fact, I used to think I was doomed to a life of pain and limitations, too....