CORTISOL, INCREASES WITH AGE


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WHAT IS CORTISOL?

Cortisol is a hormone produced by cells in the fasciculata of the adrenal gland in response to the hormone ACTH.


WHICH HAS THE EFFECT CORTISOL?
  • induces an increase in cardiac output;
 
  • raise blood sugar levels by increasing hepatic gluconeogenesis (conversion of alanine to glucose), stimulating the secretion of glucagon and reducing the activity of insulin receptors;
 
  • reduces the immune decreasing, accordingly, also inflammatory reactions (inhibition of phospholipase A2);
 
  • decreases the synthesis of collagen and bone matrix, accelerating osteoporosis;

  • promotes protein catabolism (stimulates the conversion of protein into glucose and glycogen);
 
  • facilitates the mobilization and utilization of fatty acids, but in some districts stimulates lipogenesis.


An excess of cortisol can lead to truncal obesity, muscle weakness, menstrual disorders, hirsutism, alopecia, Libido decreased, edema, recurrent infections, Impaired glucose tolerance, Cute thin facies, osteoporosis, fractures, Headache, Depression, Acne, Dyslipidemia , Delayed wound healing. It 'also known as the stress hormone.


ADVICE THAT YOU CAN GIVE TO REDUCE LEVELS OF CORSTISOLO?

 To keep cortisol levels under control is recommended:
  • eat small meals in terms of calories, but frequently (5 or more per day).
You may also want to start the day with a hearty breakfast and to focus on the intake of complex carbohydrates rich in fiber, low in starch, such as oatmeal, cereals without sugar, flours and their derivatives-reduced into simple sugars, low glycemic index;
try to reduce the stressors;

  • follow a regular sleep-wake cycle;
 
  • avoid excessive physical effort.


IF YOU EXPERIENCE HIGH LEVELS OF CORTISOL?

An increase of circulating Cortisol is manifested in the conditions described above and in case of:
  • prolonged fasting or eating habits. Skipping breakfast and / or eat a lot in one meal daily, in fact supports the hypercortisolism (the increase, that is, the production of cortisol).
 
  • during exercise: the secretion of cortisol is directly related to the duration and intensity of exercise and psychological stress enhanced competition;
 
  • during aging  



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