A list of healthy foods that lower cortisol levels naturally.
Cortisol is the stress hormone which is made by the adrenal glands in the body. This hormone is the bodies in-built alarm system which triggers fight or flight in nature. The problem is that nowadays people often have too much cortisol which leads to some major health problems in the body. High cortisol levels are one of the leading causes of belly fat, thyroid problems, allergies and diabetes. It can also cause your muscles to break down and be converted to sugars, which leads to many other issues.
In this article, we share with you a list of healthy foods that lower cortisol levels naturally, including some wonderful herbs.
1. Brazil Nuts: We recommend eating 1-2 brazil nuts each day to help lower cortisol levels. These contain selenium and iodine to support hormonal health throughout the body.
2. Avocado: When the adrenal glands are pumping out too much cortisol you will need lots of potassium to calm them down. Avocados are one of the richest sources of this mineral. Eat these in healthy leafy green salads each day to lower cortisol quickly.
3. Beet Tops: The leaves on the top of beets are one of the greatest sources of potassium. Eating foods high in potassium reduces cortisol, anxiety, stress and helps you to sleep peacefully at night
4. Apple Cider Vinegar: High cortisol levels also make you crave sugar, whereas ACV helps to reduce these cravings. Take a tablespoon before each meal in a glass of water or in a salad dressing. This helps to keep cortisol levels in check by supporting the health of the adrenal glands.
5. Maca Root This is a superfood vegetable grows in the Andes Mountains. This is rich in magnesium and other nutrients that support the adrenal glands, in regulating cortisol. You can get this in powdered form.
6. Salmon Eating wild-caught fish such as Salmon helps to supply omega 3 fatty acids to the body. These prevent cortisol levels from rising too high in the body by reducing inflammation. They also supply lots of Vitamin D for calming the body and reducing anxiety and stress.
7. Ashwagandha: This is an ancient herb used in India for thousands of years to treat hormone problems. This herb is an adaptogen, meaning that helps the body adapt to stress. It supports the thyroid and adrenal glands and reduces cortisol naturally.
8. Bone Broth: This is a liquid made from boiled animal bones. It supplies bone marrow and nutrients that support the health of the adrenal glands and in regulating cortisol production. This can help to produce healthy glowing skin and enhance physical strength.
9. Sea Kelp: Sea vegetables like kelp, Irish sea moss or nori supply some wonderful minerals to the body. Sea greens are rich in minerals like iodine and selenium which support the health of the glands in the body, and the endocrine system as a whole.
10. Rhodiola: High cortisol levels can cause brain fog and a loss of memory. It also has negative effects on blood pressure, blood sugar and metabolism. Rhodiola is an excellent herb which reduces the secretion of cortisol in the body. It can also act as a natural anti-depressant and improves brain health.
11. Nutritional Yeast: We highly recommend taking this every single day to boost your supply of B Vitamins. These naturally calm the nervous system in the body and make you feel peaceful and focused.
12. Turmeric: This is one of the best anti-inflammatory spices in the world and is wonderful when trying to lose weight. It Is another adaptogen which helps the body to maintain the right level of cortisol. Raw turmeric is best, blended into smoothies.
13. Holy Basil This delicious herb is best used in stir-fries and smoothies. It supports the balance of cortisol and adrenaline, helping you to feel calm all day long. These adaptogenic herbs also help you to sleep and regulate your body weight.
14. Eggs: Pasture-raised eggs are a perfect blend of fat and protein for the body. They are rich in fat-soluble nutrients that support the health of the adrenal gland and many other glands in the body.
15. Passionflower: This is a herb which is often used to calm anxiety and stress. The flower is dried and steeped in hot water to make cortisol lowering tea. It is also an excellent sleep aid and supports the immune system.
16. Asparagus: Green vegetables like asparagus help to feed the friendly bacteria that live in the gut and lower digestive system. These bacteria take the strain off the body and can calm the mental state. This has the secondary effect of lowering cortisol and balancing a healthy body.
17. Camu Camu: Last but not least, camu camu is a powerful Ayurvedic medicine used to lower cortisol and calm nerves. It is rich in antioxidants that strengthen the immune system and even help to control blood sugar levels. As you can see there are some excellent foods that you can eat to lower cortisol and stress levels in the body. We also recommend you get at least 7 hours of sleep per day. If you have a poor sleep pattern you must take action and find ways to relax at night. Meditation, aromatherapy, breathing exercises and cardio exercise are all excellent ways to help you do this, and lower your cortisol in a natural way. Eating large salads each day is the best way to boost potassium levels and calm the adrenal glands.