• Cortisol is an anti-inflammatory, anti-stress, hormone made by the adrenal glands.
• We can’t live without cortisol and we will cannibalize other hormones such as testosterone, DHEA, pregnenolone, and progesterone to make cortisol if necessary.
• With low levels, your stress management abilities are poor as cortisol helps the body respond rapidly and productively to stress.
• Increases appetite, increases energy levels, improves digestion, improves joint health, addresses inflammation and pain.
• Regulates glucose, protein, and lipid metabolism
• Mitigates allergies and fever, and strengthens the immune system.
• Important for joint health
• When you are under a great deal of stress, cortisol will make the heart beat faster, increase blood pressure, and augment blood sugar levels to provide strength and energy.
• According to Charles Poliquin, an optimal DHEA to cortisol ratio is a strong indicator of anabolism.

Signs of high cortisol levels

• Sick often from a weakened immune system
• Excess stomach fat
• High blood pressure
• Insomnia
• Inability to relax
• Anxiety
• Loss of appetite
• Low sex drive and function
• Stressed easily
• Anger issues

Signs of low cortisol levels

• Hair loss
• Very low blood pressure
• Joint pain
• Skin issues such as eczema, psoriasis, hives, hyperpigmentation
• Flu-like fatigue
• Intense cravings for sugar and salt
• Inability to handle stress
• loss of appetite
• A feeling of being dazed and confused
• nausea
• gut issues
• Allergies
• Asthma
• rheumatoid arthritis

Quality sleep is crucial for cortisol production and an optimal cortisol curve (higher in the morning lower in the evening)

Addressing high cortisol levels

• Quit a job you can’t stand and have no passion for
• Get out of toxic relationships
• Pomegranate lowers cortisol by a third Pomegranate and cortisol
• Eating quality nutrition every four hours so the body has a steady supply of fuel to operate optimally
• Vitamin C at one gram post workout
• Phosphatidylserine at 600-800mg post workout or before bedtime reduces cortisol production
• Theanine at 500mg to 2 grams reduces cortisol and helps with relaxation
• Magnesium 400-800mg post workout and or before bedtime Recovery oil
• Systemic Enzymes lower the need for inflammation and in turn lower the subsequent cortisol response. 2-5 caps 3x per day of Restorezyme
• Adaptogens such as Rhodiola Rosea, Ashwagandha, Maca, Siberian Ginseng, increase stress reserves and reduce the need for cortisol 
• Progesterone cream at 10mg 3x per day. Cortisol is made from progesterone.
• Mediation 30 minutes per day. I use the Holosync program
• 7-9 hours of deep sleep
• Massages
• Relaxing in a sauna and or jacuzzi
• Intense training kept under forty-five minutes increases anabolic hormones and reduces adrenaline and in turn cortisol.

Addressing low cortisol levels

• Take Licorice (Metagenics Licorice Plus) 1 cap in the morning and afternoon to rest cortisol curve
• Panax Ginseng Ginsenoside 12% https://www.amazon.com/Fermented-Korean-Ginseng-Liquid-Extract/dp/B01MQP1A3M/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=12%25%2BGinsenoside&qid=1550438888&s=gateway&sr=8-4&th=1 100mg 1-2 times per day

Reference Ranges

Men and women

7am to 10am 6.2 to 19.4ug/dl optimal number 12.8ug/dl

4pm to 8pm 2.3 to 12.3ug/dl median 7.4 ug/dl