Cortisol is a stress hormone that humans naturally produce.
Under normal circumstances, cortisol is helpful. In fact, it can be a lifesaver as it plays an important role in fight-or-flight responses.
However, sometimes there can be too much of a good thing.
Some individuals produce abnormal amounts of cortisol, which endangers their health. Known symptoms of high cortisol levels include…
- Weight gain.
- Muscle weakness.
- High blood pressure.
- Fatigue.
- And more.
As you can see, skyrocketing cortisol levels are not a minor health concern.
That’s why it’s important to naturally decrease cortisol levels now—so you avoid major health issues down the road.
Check out what these research studies say about naturally lowering this stress hormone…
How Prebiotics May Naturally Decrease Cortisol Levels
When you saw the term “prebiotics,” you might have thought we misspelled the word that describes the healthy bacteria that live in your yogurt.
However, while prebiotics are closely linked to probiotics, the two are not the same.
According to the Mayo Clinic…
“Prebiotics are foods (typically high-fiber foods) that act as food for human microflora.”
But taking prebiotics doesn’t simply benefit your gut bacteria.
Research reveals that a certain type of prebiotic may actually help your cortisol levels.
In a study documented in the journal of Psychopharmacology, researchers examined three groups of healthy participants, analyzing how prebiotics impacted cortisol levels.
The researchers explain that…
- One group took the prebiotic called fructooligosaccharides.
- Another group took the prebiotic called Bimuno®-galactooligosaccharides.
- The final group of participants took a placebo.
- All groups collected their own saliva samples after waking up from sleep.
The results?
As the article explains, participants who took Bimuno®-galactooligosaccharides had cortisol levels that were lower—by a statistically relevant amount.
How Probiotics May Naturally Lower Cortisol Levels
You likely know that probiotics are good for your health.
After all, most of us are familiar with the beneficial bacteria that live in foods such as…
- Yogurt.
- Sauerkraut.
- Kefir.
- And other fermented foods.
But did you know that probiotics may actually help you decrease cortisol levels?
According to an article from the International Journal of Microbiology, there’s a link between cortisol output and probiotic intake.
The researchers explain that they studied over 40 participants who were under stress due to a school exam—giving students the probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum 299v or a placebo for two weeks.
After the study came to a close, the researchers explained that they found a difference between the students who took the placebo and those who took the probiotic.
Here’s what the scholars wrote in their own words:
“A probiotic bacterium with ability to reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) prohibited increased levels of the stress marker cortisol during the examination period.”
To put it simply, this probiotic seems to have kept cortisol levels in check.
If you struggle with skyrocketing stress hormones, this natural remedy is worth your consideration and attention.
There’s a Link between Gut Health and Stress Hormones
The biggest takeaway from all these studies?
There’s a link between a healthy gut and better outcomes when it comes to this important stress hormone.
In reality, these studies shed light on the fact that naturally decreasing cortisol levels (or any stress hormone, for that matter) is more than simply taking a pill.
If you suffer from hormones that are out of whack, don’t place a Band-Aid on your symptoms. It’s critical that you heal your gut—an important foundation for your overall well-being.
Want to learn more about the relationship between stress, hormones, and your health?
Sign up for my October 30 dinner seminar on this topic—it’s absolutely free.
