Cortisol

Question 1

What is cortisol?

Answer 1

A steroid hormone known as ‘The stress hormone’; From the adrenal gland. Released in response to stress and low blood-glucose concentration. Functions to increase blood sugar, suppress immune system, and aid in metabolism of calories.

Question 2

Where is Cortisol produced?

Answer 2

Produced by the zona fasciculata of the adrenal cortex within the adrenal gland.

Question 3

Cortisol is catabolic, meaning it:

Answer 3

it breaks down tissue.

Question 4

Cortisol breaks down tissue. The term for this is ___

Answer 4

Catabolic

Question 5

What does Cortisol do to protein synthesis?

Answer 5

It reduces it.

Question 6

What does cortisol do to protein?

Answer 6

Turns it to glucose

Question 7

What does cortisol do to tissue growth?

Answer 7

Halts it.

Question 8

Exercising on an empty stomach first thing in the morning has been shown to have what effect on cortisol?

Answer 8

Intensify it’s effects.

Question 9

Is cortisol bad?

Answer 9

No. It’s very very crucial and good if balanced. The problem is excess cortisol.

Question 10

What are some dangers of excess Cortisol?

Answer 10

Reduced HGH and Testosterone, Osteoporosis, Reduced muscle & Increased abdominal fat, Impaired memory and learning, Reduced glucose utilization, Impaired immunity

Question 11

Ways to control cortisol:

Answer 11

Exercise (producing endorphin), Weight lifting (producing endorphins/hgh), Proper nutrition, Stress Management, Supplementing with Glutamine, Sleep, Limiting Caffeine intake, Increasing Vitamin C intake.

Question 12

Why does having glutamine help lower cortisol?

Answer 12

Glutamine may help to reduce cortisol by supplying cortisol with blood glutamine. Cortisol will not have to destroy muscle to obtain it

Question 13

Why does sleep help lower cortisol?

Answer 13

Cortisol is at its lowest and growth hormone is at its highest during slow wave sleep (deepest stage of sleep). Ensure that this stage of sleep is attained every night.

Question 14

Listening to relaxing music, Meditating, Slow breathing, Happiness/Laughter, etc are all proven ways to:

Answer 14

Lower Cortisol

Question 15

What sort of diet elevates cortisol levels?

Answer 15

High sugar.

Question 16

What sort of diet lowers cortisol levels?

Answer 16

Dark Chocolate, bananas, black/green tea, probiotics/prebiotics.

Question 17

What sort of supplements lowers cortisol levels?

Answer 17

Fish oil and Ashwaganda

Question 18

What should cortisol levels be like at night?

Answer 18

Low. To allow for sleep.

Question 19

Can the body be stressed for unknown reasons?

Answer 19

Yes. Internally. If the body is under internal stress (from say, an inflmmation) than the cortisol stress response might be on.

Question 20

What other hormone often gets released with cortisol>

Answer 20

Adrenaline

Question 21

What is the difference between adrenaline and cortisol?

Answer 21

Adrenaline increases heart rate, raises blood pressure, and boosts energy supplies. Cortisol increases sugars (glucose) in the vlood, increases the USE of glucos in the brain, and then increases the availability of substances that repair tissues. Cortisol also curbs functions nonessential to flight or fight situations. Alters immune system responses, sepresses the digestive system, etc. I

Question 22

Long term activation of the stress response system poses what risks to the body:

Answer 22

Anxiety, Depression, Digestive problems, Headaches, Heart Disease, sleep propblems, weight gain, memory/concentration impairment

Question 23

How is wound healing affected by cortisol?

Answer 23

It is slowed.