When excess insulin and cortisol are released together, they create lipoprotein lipase (LPL) which is a fat storing enzyme. The more of this enzyme you have, the more belly fat is stored. Those extreme levels of cortisol also cause damage to cells, lowering their insulin sensitivity.
Since abdominal fat also tends to increase cortisol levels, this can lead to a vicious and unhealthy cycle, especially in women. There is little doubt that increased stress and/or cortisol can cause increased abdominal fat and weight gain.
Stress belly is not a medical condition, it is a sign of how stress and stress hormones are affecting your weight and especially belly fat. The high levels of cortisol, the primary stress hormone is associated with abdominal fat.
Common signs and symptoms of higher-than-normal cortisol levels include: Weight gain, especially in your face and abdomen. Fatty deposits between your shoulder blades. Wide, purple stretch marks on your abdomen (belly).
Cortisol has been associated with digestive issues, and that includes a variety of intestinal problems like irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, colitis, bloating, gas, and abdominal pain, as well as ulcers in the stomach and intestines.
Adding in cardio, such as a brisk walk will help lower your cortisol levels and control your stress. Once you have your stress under control, you can add interval training and sprints two or three times a week to reduce your belly fat.
How to reduce cortisol belly fat? You can reduce cortisol belly fat by reducing your cortisol levels. Do this by reducing your stress, getting enough sleep, and living in sync with your circadian rhythm. Caffeine and high-intensity exercise can also contribute to high cortisol levels.
Research suggests these herbs and natural supplements might lower stress, anxiety and/or cortisol levels: Ashwagandha. Rhodiola. Lemon balm.
As the body's primary stress hormone, cortisol surges when we perceive danger, and causes all the symptoms we associate with “fight or flight”—increased blood pressure and heart rate, muscle tension, and the digestive system slamming to a halt, resulting in nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Functional reasons for a distended abdomen tend to involve digestive problems that cause gas and/or digestive contents to accumulate. Causes might include: Gas from functional indigestion, food intolerances or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Constipation causing a build-up of feces and back-up of digestive contents.
A combination of diet and exercise may help symptoms. A person can perform exercises that burn fat, such as running, walking, and other aerobic activity. Reducing the calories a person consumes can also help.
Cortisol Can Lead to Weight Gain
Cortisol stimulates your fat and carbohydrate metabolism, creating a surge of energy in your body. While this process is essential for survival situations, it also increases your appetite. Additionally, elevated cortisol levels can cause cravings for sweet, fatty and salty foods.
People with stress- or anxiety-related stomach pain most often complain of a knotted feeling, cramping, churning, bloating, indigestion, nausea, or diarrhea.
Adrenal belly fat appears as a “ponch” right below the natural waist. It's often referred to as a “spare tire” or a “muffin top.” Even if you feel like you're doing everything right: you're exercising, you're making healthy food choices, etc.
Fish oil is the most popular supplemental source of omega-3 essential fatty acids. Fish oil supplements have positive effects on brain functions of all kinds — mood, memory, cognition, and general mental well-being. One of the ways it works is by blunting the stress response and effectively reducing cortisol levels.
Remember magnesium will help lower cortisol, if you do not have adequate levels of magnesium your body cannot relax and remove excess cortisol.
Medicines to control cortisol production at the adrenal gland include ketoconazole, osilodrostat (Isturisa), mitotane (Lysodren), levoketoconazole (Recorlev), and metyrapone (Metopirone). Mifepristone (Korlym, Mifeprex) is approved for people with Cushing syndrome who have type 2 diabetes or high blood sugar.
If a person believes they have high or low cortisol levels, they may wish to take a cortisol test. Usually, these tests take place at a medical practice. However, several at-home cortisol tests are available to purchase. A person can take these tests at home by providing a urine, blood, or saliva sample.
Cortisol can be measured in the blood, urine, saliva or a combination. Your healthcare provider will tell you which test they recommend for you. Blood test: In an office, clinic or lab, a healthcare provider inserts a thin needle into a vein in your arm. The needle collects a small sample of blood into a tube.
Cushing syndrome happens when the levels of cortisol in the body are too high. This can be caused by the pituitary gland making too much adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). That causes the adrenal glands to make too many corticosteroids. It can also be caused by taking steroid medicines for a long time.
Water reduces stress.
Studies have shown that dehydration leads to higher cortisol levels—the stress hormone—making it harder to deal with everyday issues. By staying hydrated you will be better equipped to deal everyday problems.
Research has shown that ashwagandha is an effective cortisol reducer. It lowers cortisol levels by nearly 30%. Rhodiola Rosea is another adaptogenic herb that boosts energy and stamina. It lowers cortisol and promotes stress resistance.
“Eating foods such as processed meats, high sugar foods, caffeine and alcohol, which provide little nutritional value, have been associated with more psychiatric symptoms and can increase cortisol levels—our primary hormone responsible for stress,” she said.