Riya Baibhawi

Love Causing Stress? Here Are 15 Food Items That Lower Cortisol Levels In Blood

Butterflies in the stomach, a reason to smile or simply something that is unpredictable—Love can be a lot of things. But it can also induce <span>stress</span>.

Psychologists define stress as a state of worry or mental tension caused by a difficult situation. It triggers what is known as a fight-or-flight response, prompting the release of several hormones by your endocrine system. One of them is <span>cortisol</span>. Other hormones that, along with cortisol, are pivotal to the body's stress response are adrenaline and noradrenaline. Cortisol (also known as <span>stress hormone</span>) is produced by adrenal glands, which are located on the top of both kidneys. It is basically a glucocorticoid hormone, which implies that it fights inflammation, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. Almost all tissues in your body have glucocorticoid receptors and this hormone affects nearly every organ in your system.

<h2>How Does Cortisol Impact Your Body?</h2>

Cortisol impacts the body in multiple ways. It has an impact on sleep, blood pressure, inflammation and immunity. Prolonged release of cortisol can result in severe repercussions on health. Here is a brief on how this "stress hormone" impacts your body.

During times of stress, your body can release cortisol after releasing its "fight or flight" hormones, such as adrenaline, so you continue to stay on high alert. In addition, cortisol triggers the release of glucose (sugar) from your liver for fast energy during times of stress. In short spurts, cortisol can boost your immunity by limiting inflammation. However, if you have consistently high levels of cortisol, your body can get used to having too much cortisol in your blood, which can lead to inflammation and a weakened immune system.

Elevated levels of cortisol can cause high blood pressure, and lower-than-normal levels of cortisol can cause low blood pressure.

Cortisol raises blood sugar by releasing stored glucose, while insulin lowers blood sugar. Having chronically high cortisol levels can lead to persistent high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) and can cause Type 2 diabetes. Moreover, this hormone also has impact on your sleep pattern. You have lower cortisol levels in the evening when you go to sleep and peak levels in the morning right before you wake up.

<h2>15 Food Items That Naturally Lower Cortisol Levels</h2>

Spinach – Rich in magnesium, spinach helps regulate cortisol and promote relaxation.

Garlic – Contains sulfur compounds that support stress response and reduce cortisol spikes.

Fatty fish – High in omega-3 fatty acids, which lower inflammation and balance cortisol levels.

Berries – Packed with antioxidants that combat oxidative stress and stabilize cortisol.

Fermented foods – Improve gut health and regulate stress hormones, including cortisol.

Dark chocolate – Contains flavonoids that help reduce stress and cortisol secretion.

Avocados – Provide healthy fats and potassium, which support adrenal function and cortisol balance.

Nuts and seeds – Rich in magnesium and healthy fats that aid in stress management and cortisol control.

Whole grains – Help stabilize blood sugar levels, preventing cortisol spikes caused by stress.

Citrus fruits – High in vitamin C, which helps lower cortisol and enhance immune function.

Almonds – Contain vitamin E and magnesium, which support stress relief and cortisol reduction.

Bananas – Provide potassium and tryptophan, promoting relaxation and lowering cortisol.

Green tea – Contains L-theanine, an amino acid that reduces stress and cortisol levels.

Brown rice – A complex carbohydrate that promotes serotonin production and reduces cortisol.

Chicken breasts – High in protein and B vitamins, which support neurotransmitter balance and stress reduction. 

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Butterflies in the stomach, a reason to smile or simply something that is unpredictable—Love can be a lot of things. But it can also induce stress.Psychologists define stress as a state of worry or mental tension caused by a difficult situation. It triggers what is known as a fight-or-flight response, prompting the release of several hormones by your endocrine system. One of them is cortisol. Other hormones that, along with cortisol, are pivotal to the body's stress response are adrenaline and noradrenaline. Cortisol (also known as stress hormone) is produced by adrenal glands, which are located on the top of both kidneys. It is basically a glucocorticoid hormone, which implies that it fights inflammation, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. Almost all tissues in your body have glucocorticoid receptors and this hormone affects nearly every organ in your system.How Does Cortisol Impact Your Body?Cortisol impacts the body in multiple ways. It has an impact on sleep, blood pressure, inflammation and immunity. Prolonged release of cortisol can result in severe repercussions on health. Here is a brief on how this "stress hormone" impacts your body.During times of stress, your body can release cortisol after releasing its "fight or flight" hormones, such as adrenaline, so you continue to stay on high alert. In addition, cortisol triggers the release of glucose (sugar) from your liver for fast energy during times of stress. In short spurts, cortisol can boost your immunity by limiting inflammation. However, if you have consistently high levels of cortisol, your body can get used to having too much cortisol in your blood, which can lead to inflammation and a weakened immune system.Elevated levels of cortisol can cause high blood pressure, and lower-than-normal levels of cortisol can cause low blood pressure.Cortisol raises blood sugar by releasing stored glucose, while insulin lowers blood sugar. Having chronically high cortisol levels can lead to persistent high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) and can cause Type 2 diabetes. Moreover, this hormone also has impact on your sleep pattern. You have lower cortisol levels in the evening when you go to sleep and peak levels in the morning right before you wake up.15 Food Items That Naturally Lower Cortisol LevelsSpinach – Rich in magnesium, spinach helps regulate cortisol and promote relaxation.Garlic – Contains sulfur compounds that support stress response and reduce cortisol spikes.Fatty fish – High in omega-3 fatty acids, which lower inflammation and balance cortisol levels.Berries – Packed with antioxidants that combat oxidative stress and stabilize cortisol.Fermented foods – Improve gut health and regulate stress hormones, including cortisol.Dark chocolate – Contains flavonoids that help reduce stress and cortisol secretion.Avocados – Provide healthy fats and potassium, which support adrenal function and cortisol balance.Nuts and seeds – Rich in magnesium and healthy fats that aid in stress management and cortisol control.Whole grains – Help stabilize blood sugar levels, preventing cortisol spikes caused by stress.Citrus fruits – High in vitamin C, which helps lower cortisol and enhance immune function.Almonds – Contain vitamin E and magnesium, which support stress relief and cortisol reduction.Bananas – Provide potassium and tryptophan, promoting relaxation and lowering cortisol.Green tea – Contains L-theanine, an amino acid that reduces stress and cortisol levels.Brown rice – A complex carbohydrate that promotes serotonin production and reduces cortisol.Chicken breasts – High in protein and B vitamins, which support neurotransmitter balance and stress reduction. 