Achieving Weight Loss via Healthy Cortisol Levels

Hormones That Can Prevent Weight Loss Cortisol (stress hormone) Thyroid hormones Estrogen Testosterone DHEA Nutrients too (even though they aren't hormones) 

Achieving Weight Loss  Even small increases/decreases in these can prevent weight loss   Today we will focus in on cortisol - the stress hormone - and what you can do it about it to achieve weight loss 

All About Cortisol When cortisol is too high or low it can prevent weight loss or even cause weight gain High stress levels can lead to high cortisol levels long term Can increase appetite, increase abdominal fat and slow metabolism 

Important Note This is for people that your blood work doesn't reveal an adrenal tumor, Cushing’s disease, Addison’s disease or some other major reason for your cortisol levels to be abnormal beside stress

What Your Blood Cortisol Levels Mean Blood cortisol levels in the normal range doesn’t automatically mean everything is okay Best to have them in the optimal range

"Mine are optimal and I'm still can't lose weight!" Possible that your cortisol levels are not going up and down as they should during the day and night Even though they were within the optimal range when tested Best to do a 24 hour saliva cortisol test

24 Hour Saliva Cortisol Test Can be done in the comfort of your home No painful blood draws necessary  See The Other Tests Bonus Report to read about that test in the hormone saliva test section

How Do I Get Tested? Ask your doctor to write an order for you to get tested at your local lab  Or order a test online (from zrtlab.com or other websites)

"My Cortisol Is Off...What Now?" If your cortisol levels are abnormal there is a lot that can be done. Of course, you could try the following suggestions even if you don't know what your cortisol levels are. But it is best to check first so you can check again later to see if/how much  they have improved. You may have already read suggestions in the Improving Abnormal Results Bonus Report.  Before going into those, let's understand the problem.

What's Controlling Your Cortisol Levels? (And Controlling YOU!) Your adrenal glands are directly responsible for the delivery of  cortisol into your body. Located above the kidneys.

What's Controlling Your Cortisol Levels? (And Controlling YOU!) There is a master regulator of your adrenals located in a part of your brain known as the hypothalamus.

About The Hypothalamus The hypothalamus is often referred to as "the brain of the brain"  It's responsible for: Autonomic function Endocrine homeostatic function (temp., cardiovascular, etc) Endocrine hormone levels Sensory processing Metabolic processing

It's More Important What You DON'T DO When It Comes To Hypothalamus Health What's going to utterly destroy your hypothalamus function and throw your body into a state of chronic stress are: Fluoride and fluoride byproducts (shown to cause significant adverse effects of the hypothalamus) Aspartame (shown to cause glandular lesions) MSG                     

How To Nourish And Protect Your Hypothalamus Here are a couple of things to nourish and protect your hypothalamus: Curcumin Gingko Biloba Maca (from a non-contaminated source) Bioavailable mineral-rich foods Again, AVOIDING the hypothalamus damagers Now on to other ways to optimize your cortisol levels!

Supplements

Cordyceps A Chinese mushroom used to support the adrenals Rich in antioxidants  Improves  sexual health and the function of the liver, heart, and immune system    Cortisol rises as testosterone drops.  Studies show that low levels of testosterone are normalized with cordyceps. 

Reishi Tonifies and nourishes the adrenals Used especially for adrenal fatigue The triterpenes in Reishi are precursors to steroid hormones A powerful adaptogen and alkalizer

Licorice May help to block the breakdown of cortisol in the liver to increase levels in the blood This allows the adrenal gland to rest

Chamomile Shown clinically to reduce anxiety and anxiety-related symptoms (including a clinical trial for GAD)  Excellent anti-inflammatory and provides systemic relief from stress

Blue-Green Algae One of the highest sources of PEA (phenylethlamine) - an adrenal and brain chemical   PEA controls and regulates appetite  60%+ protein High in chlorophyll and essential fatty acids

Phosphatidylserine A healthy fat important for cell membranes Found in high levels in the brain Studies show that it helps reduce the cortisol response to stress Possibly by regulating communication between the pituitary and adrenal glands

Pregnenolone Precursor to many adrenal and sex hormones May help boost natural adrenal function

Astaxanthin Proven to be one of the most powerful antioxidants in the world Has the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and protect the nervous system against oxidative stress Shown to increase strength and recovery aiding in weight loss

Rhodiola Rosea Found in studies to reduce stress-induced weight gain

Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus) Helps the body adapt to stress  Support adrenal glands when they are overworked

Vitamin B complex Especially vitamin B6 and B5 (pantothenic acid) are critical to the pathways involved in adrenal hormone production Many people don't get enough B vitamins

Royal Jelly  One of the highest sources of natural pantothenic acid (vitamin B5)  Provides other B vitamins, plus magnesium, zinc, iron, etc.   Also noted as being effective in treating glandular and hormonal imbalances

Vitamin C  Can attenuate the cortisol elevation and blood pressure increase that are normally observed in response to stress Thought to be a result of its anti-inflammatory properties The highest natural vitamin C sources that test higher than synthetics are camu camu berry and acerola cherries

Diet Changes

Foods Good For Adrenals Foods rich in B vitamins  whole grains bananas legumes eggs lean meats liver (from grass-fed, hormone-free beef) Foods rich in tyrosine  seeds nuts

Exercise

Stress Relief