If you're under constant stress, it can derail your body's most important functions. It can also lead to a number of health problems including:
headaches
weight gain
heart disease
insomnia
anxiety and depression
problems with digestion
memory and concentration problems
Cortisol is your body's main stress hormone.
It works with the parts of your brain that control your mood, motivation and fear.
Your adrenal glands (the triangle shaped organs at the top of your kidneys) make cortisol.
Cortisol manages how your body uses carbs, fats, and proteins.
How does it work?
Your hypothalamus and pituitary gland (both located in your brain) can sense if your blood contains the right level of cortisol. If the level is too low, your brain adjusts the amount of hormones it makes. Your adrenal glands pick up on these signals. Next, they fine tune the amount of cortisol they release.
Benefits well balanced cortisol levels:
1.) Keeps inflammation down
2.) Regulates your blood pressure
3.) Controls your sleep/wake cycle
4.) Boosts energy so you can handle stress, then restores balance
5.) Increases focus and concentration