Harden Elkington
Cortisol is a hormone released by the adrenal glands in response to stress, and it plays an important role in regulating your metabolism.
Low levels of cortisol can lead to weight gain because it affects the way your body stores fat and how efficiently your body burns calories.
In this article, we will explore how low cortisol levels may contribute to weight gain, its potential causes, and how it can be managed.
What is cortisol?
Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands and released into the bloodstream in response to stress.
It helps your body regulate metabolism, blood sugar levels, and other important functions.
Cortisol also plays a role in reducing inflammation, aiding digestion, and controlling salt retention.
It can affect appetite, weight gain or loss, energy levels, and the body’s ability to respond to physical or psychological stress.
The amount of cortisol released by your body is regulated by a feedback loop involving the brain, adrenal glands, and other hormones such as adrenaline.
When cortisol levels are too low, it can disrupt this system and lead to weight gain.
What are the potential causes of low cortisol?
There are several potential causes of low cortisol levels, some of which can be caused by:
Chronic stress
Chronic stress can cause cortisol levels to drop due to the body’s inability to regulate it properly.
When your body is exposed to long-term stress, it can impair the communication between the brain and adrenal glands which results in decreased production of cortisol.
This leads to fatigue and difficulty focusing, as well as weight gain due to the body’s inability to metabolize fat properly and burn calories.
Depression
Depression can be a major contributing factor to low cortisol levels.
Studies have found that people suffering from depression, particularly chronic depression, tend to have lower cortisol levels than those without the condition.
This is because of the effect that depression has on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis), which is responsible for regulating cortisol production by the adrenal glands.
Low cortisol levels caused by depression can lead to fatigue, weight gain, and other health complications.
Medications
Certain medications can also cause low cortisol levels in the body.
These include some types of steroids, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and anti-anxiety medications.
In addition, many over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, can interfere with your body’s ability to produce cortisol.
Long-term use of these medications can lead to a decrease in cortisol levels, which can then result in weight gain.
Adrenal fatigue
Adrenal fatigue is a condition in which the adrenal glands become weak and exhausted, resulting in low levels of cortisol.
This can be caused by chronic stress, poor diet, or other factors such as hormone imbalances.
Low cortisol levels due to adrenal fatigue can lead to weight gain and other symptoms such as fatigue, muscle weakness, and poor concentration.
It is important to note that adrenal fatigue is not recognized by the medical community. However, some alternative treatments may be able to help manage the condition.
Hormonal imbalances
Hormonal imbalances can also lead to low cortisol levels.
This is because hormones such as thyroid, estrogen, and testosterone all play a role in regulating cortisol production by the adrenal glands.
When these hormones are unbalanced, it can interfere with the normal functioning of the adrenals, leading to a decrease in cortisol levels.
Weight gain, fatigue, and other symptoms may be the result of low cortisol caused by hormonal imbalances.
Nutrient deficiencies
Nutrient deficiencies can also cause low cortisol levels in the body. This is because certain vitamins and minerals are necessary for the body to produce cortisol.
For example, a deficiency in Vitamin C or magnesium can lead to decreased production of cortisol by the adrenals.
A lack of these nutrients can also cause other health issues, such as fatigue and impaired immunity.
How to manage low cortisol and weight gain?
There are several steps you can take to manage low cortisol and weight gain. These includes:
Identify any underlying causes
It is important to identify any underlying causes that may be contributing to your low cortisol levels.
This can include chronic stress, depression, medication use, hormonal imbalances, and nutrient deficiencies.
Once the underlying cause is identified, it can be treated in order to help regulate cortisol production and restore balance to your system.
Manage stress
Stress is one of the most common causes of low cortisol levels, so it’s important to take steps to manage stress in order to prevent further depletion of your cortisol levels.
This can include regular exercise, mindfulness activities, and stress-management techniques such as deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation.
Eat a nutrient-rich diet
It is essential to get enough vitamins and minerals in your diet in order to allow the adrenal glands to produce cortisol.
Eating a balanced, healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can provide all of the nutrients your body needs for normal functioning.
Get adequate sleep
Getting enough sleep is essential for the body to produce cortisol.
Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep every night and try to wake up at the same time every day. This can help ensure that your body is able to maintain healthy levels of cortisol.
Supplements
In some cases, supplements may be recommended to help manage low cortisol levels.
These can include adaptogenic herbs such as ashwagandha or Rhodiola to help regulate cortisol production and reduce stress.
Additionally, taking Vitamin C and magnesium supplements may also help support normal adrenal function.
Consult your doctor
If you think you may be suffering from low cortisol levels, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for advice.
They can help identify any underlying causes and provide guidance on how to manage the condition.
Final Thoughts
Low cortisol levels can lead to weight gain and a variety of other symptoms.
Taking steps to manage stress, eating a nutrient-rich diet, getting adequate sleep, and supplementing with adaptogenic herbs or vitamins may help reduce low cortisol and restore balance to your system.
It is important to remember that adrenal fatigue is not recognized by the medical community, so it is important to consult your doctor for advice on how to manage the condition.
By taking these steps, you can help ensure that your cortisol levels stay within a healthy range and reduce any unwanted symptoms.
In the end, managing low cortisol levels can be beneficial for both your physical and mental health.
