How Do Low Cortisol Supplements Work?
Posted on November 9, 2022 by Uscriptives
If you’re suffering from low cortisol, supplements may be able to help!
The human body is made up of many intricate processes, and all of them need to be working together at full strength in order for us to experience the peak of health and wellness in our everyday lives. When we’re experiencing issues with our adrenal glands, glands heavily involved in supporting immune function, hormone production, and metabolism regulation, it’s hard for us to feel our best.
No matter what is causing your low levels of cortisol, there are cortisol and adrenal support supplements that can help! Keep reading to learn more.
What is Cortisol?
Cortisol is more commonly referred to as “the stress hormone.” This is because it plays a crucial role in helping us deal with stressors in our daily lives. When it is released in the body, the proper amount of cortisol can act as an anti-inflammatory, support energy production, suppress bodily functions that are nonessential in an emergency, and help our body return to a balanced physiological state after a threat has passed.
This hormone also plays a role in stabilizing blood sugar levels, assists in the sleep-wake cycle, and supports the body’s ability to heal and repair damaged tissues.
Why is Low Cortisol a Bad Thing?
Some may be tempted to think that having a low level of cortisol is a good thing. Low levels of the stress hormone must mean low levels of stress, right? While this general idea may be correct, having your cortisol levels drop too low can be just as detrimental as having elevated cortisol levels.
High levels of cortisol over an extended period of time can cause:
- Rapid Weight Gain
- Osteoporosis
- Muscle Weakness
- High Blood Pressure
- Mood Swings
- Anxiety and Depression
Side effects of low cortisol levels may include:
- Exhaustion
- Muscle Weakness
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Low Blood Pressure
- Sudden Loss of Appetite and Weight
Low cortisol levels may also be a sign of the larger underlying issues of compromised adrenal function. At the very least, low amounts of this hormone can inhibit your body’s response to stress, which is unhealthy and unhelpful during emergencies.
To avoid any of the conditions or symptoms outlined above, it is essential to make sure cortisol and our other adrenal hormones are being produced at the right times and in the correct quantities. Any deregulation may result in severe health issues in the long term.
Causes of Low Cortisol
The potential causes of low cortisol levels include adrenal fatigue, damage to the adrenal glands, or Addison’s Disease.
Adrenal Fatigue
Adrenal fatigue occurs when your adrenal glands become burnt out, or fatigued, from producing high levels of a hormone for an extended period of time. You can learn more about adrenal fatigue here.
Additionally, if your adrenal glands have been physically damaged through trauma or an illness, they may no longer be capable of producing adequate amounts of cortisol and other adrenal hormones.
Addison’s Disease
Addison’s Disease is an adrenal insufficiency in which the body does not produce enough of specific hormones, specifically cortisol and aldosterone. Because this disease can lead to acute adrenal failure or Addisonian crisis, it can be deadly and must be taken seriously and treated effectively.
Symptoms of Addison’s disease can include the following:
- Extreme Fatigue
- Weight Loss and Decreased Appetite
- Hyperpigmentation
- Low Blood Pressure and Fainting
- Salt Cravings
- Low Blood Sugar
- Nausea, Diarrhea, or Vomiting
- Abdominal Pain
- Muscle and Joint Pain
- Changes in Mood
- Loss of Body Hair
- Sexual Dysfunction in Women
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, share them with your physician. A doctor will be able to conduct the necessary tests and provide an accurate diagnosis. Hormone replacement therapy is usually the recommended treatment for Addison’s disease.
What Supplements Should I Take for Low Cortisol?
All of the information above may seem a bit daunting, and maybe even a little worrying. But the good news is that there is a wide variety of adrenal supplements you can take to get support for low cortisol levels!
Before adding a new vitamin or supplement to your daily routine, be sure to speak with your doctor, and when shopping for a supplement that can help with low cortisol levels, make sure to look for the following ingredients.
Vitamin C
Studies have shown that high doses of vitamin C can help lower blood pressure, improve cortisol recovery, and support a healthy psychological stress response.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is a popular adaptogenic herb that can safely and effectively improve stress resistance. This herb also has medicinal properties that can help with stress-related nervous exhaustion, insomnia, and muscle weakness.
Holy Basil Leaf
Holy basil leaf may be used to improve cognitive function, fight against psychological stress symptoms, and help stabilize blood sugar, blood pressure, and blood lipid levels!
Rhodiola
Rhodiola is an adaptogenic herb that has been shown to provide relief for stress-related fatigue, improved mental performance and concentration, and support the cortisol awakening response.
Where Can I Find Low Cortisol Supplements?
Uscriptives offers a wide range of products that can help support a healthy stress response and low cortisol levels! You can visit our website to learn more about our Vitamin C Gummies, Organic Ashwagandha, and Adrenal Support Supplement.
If you’re concerned about whether or not you are purchasing a quality vitamin, you can rest easy with Uscriptives. We are proud that all Uscriptives products are manufactured under climate-controlled conditions in facilities certified by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) and are compliant with the standards set by Federal Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).
We also offer a 90-day money-back guarantee! If you’re not pleased with your purchase, you can return it within 90 days for a full refund.