Contents:
- Medical Video: 6 Ways to Lower Cortisol (the Belly Fat Hormone)
- What is cortisol?
- What is the function of cortisol in the body?
- What happens if the body is overweight and lacks the amount of cortisol?
Medical Video: 6 Ways to Lower Cortisol (the Belly Fat Hormone)
Cortisol is a type of steroid hormone that affects how the body responds to stress. Yes, cortisol is indeed often labeled negative because this hormone is produced a lot when you are stressed. In fact, unlike many people suspect, this hormone which is often called hydrocortisone has importance for the human body. What is cortisol and what does it do for human health? See the explanation below, yes.
What is cortisol?
Cortisol is a hormone produced in the adrenal gland. The adrenal gland itself is a hormone producer that is above the kidney. Cortisol will then be released into the blood and flowed throughout the body.
Cortisol has various effects on cells. Because, almost every cell has a cortisol receptor that will react according to its function when stimulated.
What is the function of cortisol in the body?
Cortisol plays a role in controlling metabolism, which is all chemical processes that occur in the human body. Because of this, cortisol is a hormone that is responsible for carrying out the following:
- Regulates blood sugar levels
- Fight inflammation in the body
- Influence memory formation
- Control the balance of salt and water in the body
- Adjust blood pressure with body condition
- Helps fetal development in pregnant women
Cortisol production is controlled by three organs in the body: the hypothalamus in the brain, the pituitary gland, and the adrenal gland. Normally, cortisol does exist in the body at a reasonable level.When cortisol levels in the blood decrease, the three organs will work together to trigger cortisol production.
Other factors such as stress or physical activity that you do also affect the process of cortisol production. When you are stressed or are exercising, the production of the hormone cortisol will increase. This happens so that your body is able to respond or adapt to the trigger factors mentioned earlier.
For example when you are exercising, you certainly need large amounts of energy. Well, cortisol must function as a regulator of blood sugar so that sugar can be processed into an energy source. That way, your body is able to adapt to increasing energy needs and you can smoothly exercise.
What happens if the body is overweight and lacks the amount of cortisol?
Too much or too little amount of cortisol can cause problems for your health. Too much cortisol is caused by tumors that produce adrenocorticotropic hormones, or you are taking certain types of drugs. Symptoms of excess amount of cortisol are:
- Gain weight
- The face is red or swollen
- High blood pressure
- Osteoporosis
- Problems with the skin (for example bruising orstretch markspurplish)
- Easy to thirst and frequent urination
- Mood swingwhich causes anxiety, anxiety, or depression
Meanwhile, symptoms of a deficiency in cortisol levels are:
- Fatigue or weakness
- Dizziness, especially when you suddenly stand up
- Weight loss
- Limp muscles
- Change of mood
If you show symptoms of excess or lack of cortisol, several tests can be done to check your cortisol levels. These tests include blood tests, saliva tests, and urine tests.
