How cortisol may affect your health
lead to a change in your metabolism.
Cortisol can slow our metabolism
If we remember that we are completely geared for survival and that cortisol tells every cell of the body that food is scarce, another of its roles is to slow down your metabolic rate. A slower metabolism leads you to burn body fat for energy far more slowly than you have in the past, as cortisol is designed to make sure that you survive this perceived period of famine.
Cortisol can play havoc with your digestion
Cortisol activates the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), causing all of the physiological responses previously described. Subsequently, the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) must be suppressed, as the two systems don’t operate simultaneously. The PNS is stimulated when the length of the exhalation extends. Known also as the ‘‘rest, digest and repair’’ arm of the nervous system, when the PNS is activated it allows the body to prioritise digestion and nourishment. On the contrary, imagine what goes on in a cortisolflooded, stressed-out body when food is consumed: digestion and absorption are compromised, and more frequently indigestion and bloating can develop.
So what to do?
Managing stress can involve a variety of strategies. However, common threads include a reduction in caffeine consumption (caffeine drives adrenaline production of our short-term stress hormone), incorporating a breathfocused practice such as yoga, meditation, tai chi or pilates, as diaphragmatic breathing activates the calming, PNS arm of the nervous system. Breathing in this way lowers stress hormones efficiently. Cook a nourishing meal, write in a gratitude journal or go for a walk in nature to help.
Dr Libby is a nutritional biochemist, best-selling author, and speaker. The advice contained in this column is not intended to be a substitute for direct, personalised advice from a health professional. Visit drlibby.com. Support your health through the festive season by trying Bio Blends by Dr Libby, her new range of food-based nutritional supplements at bioblends.co.nz