Cortisol Imbalance Side Effect: Have you ever wondered why we are happy or why we get stressed? If not, then let us tell you that behind all these emotions and actions in the body, there is a small but very powerful player hidden - hormones!

You must have heard about endorphins, whose job is to give us happiness, but do you know which hormone is responsible for stress? Yes, you thought right - cortisol! This is why it is often also called 'stress hormone'. Let us tell you in this article what problems can occur when the level of this hormone in the body decreases or increases?

What is cortisol and how does it work?

Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands of our body. When we are in a stressful situation, these glands increase the production of cortisol. Cortisol prepares the body to deal with stress. It not only regulates the stress response but also helps in stabilizing blood sugar levels, boosting metabolism and reducing inflammation. Apart from this, cortisol strengthens memory power and also maintains heart health by controlling blood pressure. During pregnancy, it is very important for the development of the fetus. Cortisol also maintains the balance of salt and water in the body, which is very important for controlling blood pressure.

Problems caused by lack of cortisol

Cortisol is an essential hormone for our body. It helps the body respond to stress. However, both excess and deficiency of cortisol can be harmful to health.

Cortisol deficiency can be a serious condition. It is also called 'primary adrenal insufficiency' or Addison's disease. This is a rare type of autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the adrenal glands. These glands produce cortisol. In such a situation, symptoms of Addison's disease gradually develop and one may have to face problems like fatigue, muscle weakness, weight loss, mood swings and skin changes. Let us tell you that over time, these symptoms can also become quite serious. If you see any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor.

What happens if cortisol levels increase?

Many people have tumors in the pituitary or adrenal glands. This tumor can cause a serious condition called Cushing's syndrome. According to experts, increased levels of a hormone called cortisol in the blood are a major cause of this syndrome.

The major symptoms of Cushing's syndrome include rapid weight gain on the face, stomach and chest. Along with this, the hands and legs remain thin, due to which the body shape starts to look abnormal. Apart from this, symptoms like red spots on the face, high blood pressure , skin changes, osteoporosis and mood swings can also appear. Cushing's syndrome can cause many other problems in women. Such as lack of desire for sex, irregular periods, always being upset or depressed.

Overall, cortisol is an important hormone for our body, but it is very important to keep its level balanced. In such a situation, if you feel that there is a problem with your cortisol levels, then you should consult a doctor.

How to balance cortisol?

Exercise

A little bit of physical activity every day can help keep cortisol levels under control. You can include activities like yoga in your routine which not only strengthens the body but also calms the mind. These activities are beneficial for both body and mind and help reduce stress.

Stay away from caffeine at night

Many people like to drink tea and coffee at night, but do you know that this can increase the level of cortisol in the body? Cortisol is a stress hormone that disrupts sleep. Therefore, caffeine intake should be minimized at night.

Healthy Diet

A balanced diet plays a big role in preventing cortisol levels from increasing in the body. Include food items rich in protein, vitamins, fiber and nutrients in your diet. These include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, pulses and low-fat dairy products. Also, minimize the intake of sugar, processed foods and junk food.

This method is also effective

Many studies have proved that spending time with pets increases the happiness hormone dopamine in our body and also releases the stress-reducing hormone serotonin. This not only improves our mood but also makes us feel more calm and relaxed.