Ways to Decrease Cortisol and Feel Better

Cortisol is a hormone produced by the body to help manage stress, inflammation, blood sugar, and metabolism. While cortisol plays an essential role during times of stress or illness, consistently high levels can have negative effects on overall health. Fortunately, there are several natural ways women can lower their cortisol levels. Functional Medicine Los Angeles often emphasizes these holistic strategies in their wellness programs.

Eat More Whole Grains

Whole grain foods help stabilize blood sugar, which is important because fluctuations in blood sugar can trigger cortisol production. Increasing your intake of whole grains not only supports blood sugar balance but also reduces reliance on processed foods, which often contain high levels of added sugars. In addition, whole grains promote a feeling of fullness and support healthy digestion—both important for maintaining hormonal balance. These dietary shifts align with principles found in energy medicine, which recognizes the connection between nourishment and the body’s energetic equilibrium.

Exercise Regularly

Exercise is a powerful tool for managing cortisol levels. It helps regulate blood sugar, reduce stress, and support a healthy weight. Regular physical activity also improves your body’s resilience to anxiety. Since stress responses like increased heart rate and muscle tension mimic physical exertion, being in good physical condition allows your body to recover more quickly from stress, thereby producing less cortisol. Programs offered by functional medicine Burbank often include movement-based therapies to support this kind of hormonal regulation.

Improve Sleep Quality

Lack of sleep is strongly associated with elevated cortisol levels. Many women struggle with sleep, both in quantity and quality. Aiming for about eight hours of restful sleep each night is a good target. However, it’s not just about the number of hours; the quality of sleep matters too. Sleeping in a dark, quiet, comfortable room and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule can help. Avoiding caffeine in the evening is also important, as it can interfere with deep, restorative sleep. The team at Functional Medicine Los Angeles frequently provides sleep hygiene education as part of their integrative approach to wellness.

While eating better, exercising regularly, and getting quality sleep may not eliminate cortisol issues entirely, these lifestyle changes can significantly reduce stress and improve overall well-being for most women.