Cortisol And Weight Loss: What You Should Know!
Struggling with weight loss despite your efforts? You’ve tried various diets, exercise, but those extra pounds just won’t budge. Many people face this challenge, with statistics showing alarming numbers:
- 73.6% (187M) of American adults are overweight.
- 42% are obese (107M), with severe obesity in 9.0% and 31.1% highly overweight.
- Approximately 112M American dieters exist.
If you find yourself in a cycle of losing weight only to gain it back, you are not alone. Weight loss isn’t merely about calories – it involves hormonal and neurotransmitter signaling, as explained by Shawn Talbott, Ph.D., author of The Cortisol Connection.
Understanding Cortisol: The Key Hormone
Cortisol, known as the “master hormone,” plays a significant role in how your body manages weight. When stress levels rise, cortisol levels surge, impacting various bodily functions. High cortisol levels can lead to muscle breakdown, increased belly fat, and more.
It might surprise you that even a small increase in cortisol levels can affect your health and weight significantly, resulting in cravings, high blood sugar, poor digestion, and more.
Managing Cortisol for Weight Loss
To achieve lasting weight loss, managing stress and understanding how food and exercise influence cortisol levels are vital. Here are some tips:
- Identify and address sources of stress.
- Adopt stress-reducing practices like meditation, deep breathing, and moderate exercise.
- Embrace intermittent fasting for metabolic flexibility.
- Choose whole foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids to reduce inflammation and cortisol.
- Be mindful of caffeine and alcohol consumption, as they can impact cortisol levels.
- Stay hydrated and engage in regular exercise.
A Holistic Approach to Wellness
By managing cortisol levels, you not only improve weight but also enhance mood, immunity, digestion, and overall health. Monitoring cortisol levels through new home testing methods can provide a real-time picture of your body’s cortisol rhythm, aiding in weight and health management.
For more information on monitoring cortisol levels, visit paradigm.com.
<img class=”aligncenter size-full wp-image-33806″ src=”https://www.aboutnutra.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/rsz_bookcover-cortisol-themasterhormone.jpg” alt=”” width=”400″ height=”610″ >
The Source
Wibe Wagemans dedicated significant time researching cortisol and hormones, collaborating with experts across disciplines. He has in-depth knowledge of cortisol’s role and its effects on health. Wagemans, a respected CEO and entrepreneur, founded Paradigm, Inc., offering rapid cortisol tests through saliva samples.
Ioana A. Bina, M.D., Ph.D, an accomplished gastroenterologist and endocrinologist, is associated with Pardigm, Inc. She brings extensive expertise in functional medicine and hormone studies to the team.
Wagemans and Bina co-authored the book Cortisol: The Master Hormone. For more details, visit Paradigm.com.
