Stress, cortisol, etc

[CoN]

alot of Cortisol supps around

X Lean and Retain 2.0 spring to mind

[AlexTemper]

Just chromium for me. Also regulates blood sugar well.

[nrage04]

Quote

There has been some talk (on and off) of supplements that can 'blunt' cortisol. I assume that of these supplements, some inhibit the production of cortisol and some reduce it's effects. My question is 'what can we do about stress and cortisol, including supplements, lifestyle and dietary choices?'

I realise that's a big question, with an enormous answer, so this thread has the potential to spiral out of control, but I think it's an important issue that affects us all and so well worth addressing.

11-oxo is highly rated and marketed as a cortisol reducing supplement. I've never used it myself but I have heard good things about it and it is developed by the one and only Patrick Arnold.

[NU_nutrition_TS]

Cortisol is not bad - EXCESS cortisol is!

Symptoms of insufficient cortisol secretion include [in escalating order of seriousness]:

* chronic, worsening fatigue

* muscle weakness

* loss of appetite

* weight loss

* nausea

* vomiting

* diarrhea

* low blood pressure that falls further when standing, causing dizziness or fainting

* skin changes in Addison's disease, with areas of hyperpigmentation, or dark tanning, covering exposed and nonexposed parts of the body; this darkening of the skin is most visible on scars; skin folds; pressure points such as the elbows, knees, knuckles, and toes; lips; and mucous membranes

* hyponatremia

* hypoglycemia

* sudden penetrating pain in the lower back, abdomen, or legs

* severe vomiting and diarrhea

* dehydration

* low blood pressure

* loss of consciousness

Artificially blocking or reducing the natural secretion of cortisol is unwise.

Excess cortisol can lead to the following symptoms [note the similarities with some of the symptoms of insufficient cortisol above]:

* weight gain

* an abnormal accumulation of fatty pads in the face (creating the distinctive "moon face" of Cushing's syndrome); in the trunk (termed "truncal obesity"); and over the upper back and the back of the neck (giving the individual what has been called a "buffalo hump")

* purple and pink stretch marks across the abdomen and flanks

* high blood pressure

* weak, thinning bones (osteoporosis)

* weak muscles

* low energy

* thin, fragile skin, with a tendency toward both bruising and slow healing

* abnormalities in the processing of sugars (glucose), with occasional development of actual diabetes

* kidney stones

* increased risk of infections

* emotional disturbances, including mood swings, depression, irritability, confusion, or even a complete break with reality (psychosis)

* irregular menstrual periods in women

* decreased sex drive in men and difficulty maintaining an erection

* abormal hair growth in women (in a male pattern, such as in the beard and mustache area), as well as loss of hair from the head (receding hair line).

If you suspect either insufficient or excess cortisol it is better to get this checked medically by a professional rather than self-medicate, as you can seriously throw the hormonal milieu out of whack with serious repercussions. In the absence of a serious medical condition the best advice is to reduce chronic sources of mental, emotional or physical stress [i.e., overtraining!] or implement coping strategies to deal with them - not self-medicate!

[Duncan]

Thanks, Nu- that's why I included diet and lifestyle in my OP. With some incredibly knowledgable members here, I thought this could turn into a very interesting discussion...

[madmutant]

Glad to read so much good stuff about this as I have a tub waiting for me to open. Will start using this stuff next week.

[cheef]

chrounium great stuff