A Baton Rouge, Louisiana health care professional, Dr. Arthur Copes emphasizes naturopathic approaches to address headaches and constipation. A condition associated with hormones and the endocrine system, Dr. Arthur Copes also works with patients with adrenal fatigue.
The stress hormone cortisol functions as the body’s built-in alarm system. It interacts with the brain in managing fear, motivation, mood, and wake/sleep cycles. It also controls how fats, proteins, and carbs are used by the body and work to boost energy in times of stress and restore balance afterward. Hallmarks of cortisol levels returning to normal include blood pressure decreasing and heart rhythm relaxing.
Unfortunately, the “flight or fight” response cortisol enables, which can be essential to dealing with stressful situations in the short term, can extend with stress. In essence, the alarm button is always on. With adrenal glands overtaxed, cortisol insufficiency results and impacts aspects of health such as digestion, circadian rhythm, and the regulation of blood sugars.
Chronic cases of too much cortisol can cause Cushing syndrome and result in health issues such as rapid weight gain, weakness, easily bruised skin, and diabetes. Too little cortisol can lead to Addison’s disease and symptoms such as fatigue, muscle weakness, loss of weight, and low blood pressure. Finding a balance is essential and may require the assistance of a professional in working to attain ideal nutrition, sleep patterns, and stress responses.
The stress hormone cortisol functions as the body’s built-in alarm system. It interacts with the brain in managing fear, motivation, mood, and wake/sleep cycles. It also controls how fats, proteins, and carbs are used by the body and work to boost energy in times of stress and restore balance afterward. Hallmarks of cortisol levels returning to normal include blood pressure decreasing and heart rhythm relaxing.
Unfortunately, the “flight or fight” response cortisol enables, which can be essential to dealing with stressful situations in the short term, can extend with stress. In essence, the alarm button is always on. With adrenal glands overtaxed, cortisol insufficiency results and impacts aspects of health such as digestion, circadian rhythm, and the regulation of blood sugars.
Chronic cases of too much cortisol can cause Cushing syndrome and result in health issues such as rapid weight gain, weakness, easily bruised skin, and diabetes. Too little cortisol can lead to Addison’s disease and symptoms such as fatigue, muscle weakness, loss of weight, and low blood pressure. Finding a balance is essential and may require the assistance of a professional in working to attain ideal nutrition, sleep patterns, and stress responses.
