
Stress Less: How to Support Lower Cortisol Levels Naturally
June 6, 2024
In This Healthy Insight:
- What is Cortisol
- About High Cortisol Levels
- Lowering Cortisol
- Helpful Supplements for Cortisol Management
What is cortisol?
Cortisol is a hormone produced by your adrenal glands. Its nickname as the “stress hormone” gives it a bad rap since cortisol is necessary for everyday life like getting up in the morning and staying energized all day.
Cortisol is also responsible for the “fight or flight” response when faced with danger, whether real (getting eaten by a lion) or potentially real (stressing out about traffic, relationship issues, work, etc.). This leads to high cortisol levels that affect your entire system.
The key is to keep cortisol levels balanced.
What happens with high cortisol levels?
Consistently high cortisol levels can lead to weight gain, blood sugar and heart issues, weakening muscles and bones, sleep problems, mood, anxiety, memory, fatigue, immune, digestive disturbances and more.
The good news? There are ways to keep your cortisol production from ramping up.
How to lower cortisol with diet and lifestyle
Exercise. Physical activity relieves stress and can lower cortisol levels.

Sleep. Poor sleep has been connected to increased cortisol levels.
Quiet time. Yoga, meditation, deep breathing or a walk in the woods can be great stress busters and keep cortisol levels low.
Recognize stress. Train yourself to become more self-aware of signs of tension like tight shoulders or jaw.
Laugh. Whether real or forced, laughing releases endorphins that put you in a better frame of mind.
Good nutrition. Try a Mediterranean diet rich in fresh produce, grains, fish and chicken.
Avoid processed or sugary foods. Cortisol and stress levels may spike if you’re eating too many processed foods, drinking a lot of soda or caffeine.
Top 5 supplements to support cortisol balance
Some herbs and nutrients can help you manage stress and support healthy cortisol levels including:
- Ashwagandha. This adaptogenic herb has been associated with lower cortisol levels.
- Rhodiola. Another adaptogenic herb that may help reduce cortisol levels and improve stress resilience.
- Omega 3 fatty acids. These fatty acids can help ease the physical effects of stress.
- Vitamin C. This classic immune booster also helps combat the physiological effects of stress.
- Magnesium. Promotes relaxation and has the potential to help reduce cortisol levels.
As always, before making any changes to your health routine, please speak to your healthcare provider to see what’s best for you.