Various factors can cause high cortisol levels. But the biggest culprits on the list are sleep insufficiency, chronic stress, circadian misalignment, high-intensity exercise or overtraining and certain medical conditions like Cushing's disease.
Adrenal gland tumors or disease.
Problems with the adrenal glands can cause them to make too much cortisol. The most common is a tumor in the outer part of the adrenal gland called an adrenal adenoma.
“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.
Foods rich in B vitamins include: beans, bananas, oats, potatoes, avocados. Food group rich in vitamin C: Vitamin C not only strengthens the body's resistance, beautifies the skin against aging but also stimulates the production of cortisol.
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.
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.
Remember magnesium will help lower cortisol, if you do not have adequate levels of magnesium your body cannot relax and remove excess cortisol.
Research suggests these herbs and natural supplements might lower stress, anxiety and/or cortisol levels: Ashwagandha. Rhodiola. Lemon balm.
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.
Yogurt is a great breakfast option because it an easy way to start your morning with protein to keep you full and probiotic bacteria, which have been shown to help support mental function and offset stress-hormone cortisol.
Low-glycemic-index foods can lower cortisol levels in your body. It is recommended to consume foods such as eggs, meat, poultry, fish, and vegetables to lower cortisol levels.
Whether in a candy bar or steamy mug of hot chocolate, this favorite has been shown to lower cortisol levels. Bananas. Not only can bananas provide a great source of energy, but research showsTrusted Source they can also reduce inflammation and oxidative stress levels that are associated with increased cortisol.
Results also showed that lower vitamin D levels are associated with higher levels of cortisol, a stress hormone that is elevated in Cushing's.
How to prevent cortisol spikes at night? Prevent cortisol spikes at night by keeping stress low, getting enough sleep, staying in sync with your circadian rhythm (or body clock), avoiding late-night intense exercise, and eating a healthy diet.
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.
Magnesium-rich foods, such as almonds, dark leafy greens, brown rice, tofu, peas, beans, bananas, and avocados, play a role in energy production and support of the stress-adaptive hormones, as well as cortisol metabolism.
Thanks to their high content of vitamin C (one cup contains 24% of our recommended daily allowance) and antioxidants, blueberries can help regulate and prevent spikes in cortisol levels, by repairing and protecting cells damaged by the stress hormone; thus helping to calm nervous disorders such as anxiety.
Juices that are high in vitamin C can lower the levels of cortisol and other stress hormones in the body. This includes orange, grapefruit, and strawberry juices. Juices can also be high in calories, so don't drink too much.
B VITAMINS
B5 (aka pantothenic acid, aka the “anti-stress vitamin”) helps regulate your production of the stress hormone cortisol when you're under chronic stress.
When you eat yoghurt, the calcium tells your body to make less cortisol. Cortisol is a steroid hormone which is responsible for a number of your body's processes, including your metabolism and immune responses.
Chocolate
Chocolate is not only delicious but also has stress-reducing effects. A study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that eating dark chocolate with 70% cocoa or higher (contains more polyphenols and flavonoids) can lower levels of cortisol.