Date: April 22nd, 2020
What exactly is cortisol? Cortisol is a steroid hormone secreted by the adrenal glands. It is often referred to as the stress hormone due to its elevated levels of mental and physical stress. This hormone is more than just a measure of the level of stress the body is in.
Excess of this crucial hormone can lead to a variety of physical symptoms and even death.
Conditions that may increase cortisol levels
- Get stuck in the middle of a cork
- Debate with family members or people in general
- After work
- Being overly concerned with the growing proximity
- Over-training
- Works that require physical effort
- Concern about your next meal
- Disease
- Extreme temperature
These are all situations in which your body "pressures" whether it is physically or mentally causing the release of "more than desired" amounts of this catabolic hormone. Correct levels of cortisol in a healthy person are higher in the morning at 6-8am and very low towards midnight.
General Information
Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced in the adrenal glands, which are small glands adjacent to the kidneys. The most important role of cortisol in the human body is the regulation of blood pressure and cardiovascular activity. It also regulates the body's use of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Cortisol secretion is increasing when the body is in a state of mental or physical stress.
When cortisol is secreted, it causes the breakdown of muscle protein, leading to the release of amino acids into the bloodstream. Once this happens, the liver amino acids are used immediately for glucose synthesis for energy. This process causes blood sugar to rise, so more glucose is available to the brain for energy. At the same time, other tissues in the body reduce their need for glucose for energy purposes. Cortisol, in addition, causes the release of fatty acids, an energy source from fat cells, which will be the source of energy for muscle. Both energy redirection processes prepare the body for a state of stress or pressure and also provide the brain with a sufficient amount of energy.
The body contains a complex system for controlling cortisol secretion and regulating cortisol levels in the bloodstream. The pituitary gland is a small gland at the base of the brain. This gland produces and secretes a hormone known as adrenocorticotropic (ACTH). This ACTH release signals the adrenal glands to increase cortisol production and secretion. At the end of the process, the pituitary gland receives signals from the hypothalamus of the brain in the form of the release of corticotropin hormone (CRH).
This signals more glandular brain to release ACTH. The levels of regulated hormones, ACTH and CRH, increase following a stressful event, causing an immediate increase in cortisol levels. When cortisol is sufficiently (or excessively) negative, a negative system will act on the pituitary gland and hypothalamus, alerting these areas to reduce ACTH and CRH levels, respectively. This process occurs to reduce the level of cortisol secretion as its levels go beyond their standard levels.
Abnormal cortisol levels
Some drugs, including urinary spironolactone and estrogen hormone therapy, can lead to an increase in cortisol levels. Low cortisol levels can be caused by treatment with androgens or phenytoin, a drug used to prevent seizures such as epilepsy. Women at the last stage of childbirth and athletes exercising very frequently can have above average cortisol levels.
How does cortisol level affect bodybuilding?
As you all have read so far, cortisol is a catabolic hormone. High levels of cortisol can change the body's anabolic state (muscle building) to catabolic state (muscle breakdown). In order to maintain low levels of cortisol, you must maintain a positive emotional state. Try not to stress things that can be done without worrying too much. In addition, knowing your body quite well can help you fight against high levels of cortisol. Be smart when exercising or working at work that requires active exercise. Know how your body reacts in different situations.
Lee Honey used to imagine his muscles getting bigger and bigger. He used to say that your body could never go where your mind has never been. Throughout his successful bodybuilding success, Lee praised his imagination, imagining himself winning competitions. Just imagining his body growing bigger could lower cortisol levels in his blood. As you imagine expanding and growing, your mind is calm. Your body is not stressed and even calmer than usual.
How to lower cortisol level?
Many of you are probably wondering how you can lower your cortisol level. There are many ways, coping with stress is better than using medication to reduce it. Personally, I recommend fighting with cortisol without using any medication. If you think your cortisol levels are too high, you should check with your doctor and only then take steps to resolve the problem if it exists.
For many of us, however, the levels of cortisol found in our bodies are caused by the pressure we cause ourselves. In order to lower cortisol levels, you need to reduce the pressure around you. If you are one of the people who are constantly stressed, you have to ask yourself why you are doing this to yourself. Is it worth it in the end? How does this pressure benefit you in some way?
You must look at each situation in such a way that it can be resolved, and not aggravated. If you have a demanding physical job, you can try eating small snacks or meals throughout the day to give your body energy. Your body should not rely on muscle tissue as a source of energy. The energy should come from the food you eat.
Summary
Although cortisol levels are no more important than nutrition and exercise, they still need to be taken seriously. In the battle for your muscle mass, every little thing can help. Lowering cortisol levels will make your body less catabolic and make your body better in anabolic condition!