How to Keep the Stress Hormone Cortisol Under Control

Cortisol has vital functions in the body—it helps mobilise energy reserves, which we often need. But chronically high cortisol levels can pose a serious health problem. In this guide, you’ll learn how cortisol works, the role stress plays, and most importantly, how to lower high cortisol levels.

01 Cortisol: Definition & Function

What Is Cortisol and What Does It Do?

Most people know cortisol as the “bad” stress hormone, but the reality is a little more nuanced.

Cortisol’s primary role is to regulate bodily functions according to the body’s daily rhythm. Produced in the adrenal cortex from cholesterol, it follows a distinct pattern: cortisol levels peak in the morning when you wake up, gradually decline during the day, and reach their lowest point at night, only to rise again in the early hours of the morning.

In essence, cortisol is a “wake-up” hormone that:

Stimulates metabolism,
Mobilises energy from stored reserves,
Sharpens alertness and speeds up brain processing,
Increases heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure,
Suppresses repair and immune processes that consume energy.

This makes cortisol essential for helping you start your day with energy. When you sleep, low cortisol levels allow your body to engage in immune processes and repair mechanisms.

02 Cortisol’s Role in Stress

What Role Does Cortisol Play in Stress?

In stressful or threatening situations, the body releases more cortisol. Historically, this was vital for survival—and still is to some extent. The cortisol surge triggered by stress releases energy and prepares the body for strenuous physical activity, whether that’s fighting an enemy, fleeing from danger, or taking on a physical challenge.

Nowadays, however, we face different types of stress where fight or flight isn’t always an option. In these cases, the cortisol-triggered stress response is left hanging with no physical action to resolve it.

03 Causes of High Cortisol

What Causes High Cortisol Levels?

The main causes of chronically elevated cortisol levels include:

Chronic stress: This could stem from a heavy workload, emotional stress, or difficult living conditions.

Disruptions in cortisol production: Often due to benign tumours in the adrenal glands, less commonly in the pituitary gland (Cushing’s syndrome).

Long-term use of glucocorticoid medications: These synthetic cortisol variants suppress the immune system and are used to treat conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, severe asthma, or autoimmune diseases.

Severe obesity

Alcoholism

Chronically high cortisol affects energy metabolism, weakens the immune system, and inhibits growth and repair processes. It also disrupts the balance of other hormones.

04 Effects of High Cortisol

What Are the Effects of High Cortisol Levels?

The consequences of too much cortisol can affect both your physical and mental health:

Increased blood sugar levels, potentially leading to diabetes
Raised blood lipid levels
High blood pressure
Altered fat distribution: more fat around the abdomen and face, less around arms, legs, and hips
Greater susceptibility to infections
Muscle loss
Bone loss (osteoporosis)
Reduced libido and sexual function due to low testosterone
Memory issues
Depression

05 Lowering Cortisol Levels

How Can You Lower Cortisol Levels?

If your high cortisol levels are stress-related, the best approach is learning to manage stress more effectively. While completely eliminating stress isn’t realistic (or necessary), you can adopt strategies to organise your workload and manage stress more efficiently.

This includes being aware of your personal limits and learning to say no when those limits are reached. Regular relaxation breaks, sufficient sleep, a healthy diet, and increased physical activity can all help lower cortisol levels.

If your cortisol levels are elevated due to an underlying hormonal imbalance, medical treatment may be necessary.

Can you reduce cortisol with home remedies? Yes, several home remedies and supplements can support healthy cortisol levels, including B vitamins, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids.

06 Diet & Cortisol Regulation

Can a Balanced Diet Help Regulate Cortisol?

Cortisol raises blood sugar and lipid levels. Conversely, high blood sugar and lipid levels can increase cortisol. This means that your diet can have a significant impact on cortisol regulation.

It’s wise to limit animal fats—with one exception: fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and herring are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help lower cortisol. Carbohydrates play an even bigger role. If you want to reduce cortisol, cut back on sugar. Stay hydrated with water or tea instead of sugary soft drinks or juices. Swap white bread, pasta, and pastries for fibre-rich wholegrain alternatives and load up on vegetables. These healthy foods help maintain stable blood sugar levels, which in turn can help keep cortisol in check.

07 Conclusion

At a Glance

01. Cortisol is an essential hormone that mobilises energy and regulates bodily functions throughout the day. In stressful situations, more cortisol is released to prepare the body for physical challenges.

02. Chronically high cortisol levels can lead to health issues such as high blood sugar, high blood pressure, susceptibility to infections, memory problems, and more. Chronic stress or hormonal imbalances are often the root causes.

03. Ways to lower cortisol levels include stress management, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep. Certain nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and B vitamins can also support cortisol regulation.

Try AG1 Now

AG1 Pouch (30 Servings)

2,90 €/serving

87€/mo

~~€107~~^†

FIRST TIME PURCHASE INCLUDES:

Welcome Kit

AG1 Shaker, Scoop, and Canister

Free

~~28€~~

AG1 Travel Packs (5 count)

5 individual servings

Free

~~17€~~

Vitamin D3+K2 Drops

1 Bottle

Free

~~24€~~

Total

87€/mo

Update or cancel anytime

30 days money-back guarantee

FAQs

How do I know if AG1 is right for me?

AG1 is for anyone who wants to support their health in order to meet life's challenges. Whether you want to support your body with some extra healthy nutrients, whether you train hard or travel a lot, AG1 is there for you when you need it most. AG1 is suitable for adults of all ages and lifestyles, including athletes and those following specialty diets. AG1 is not suitable for children or adolescents under the age of 18, pregnant or nursing women.

When should I expect to see benefits?

Many different factors can influence how AG1 affects you. These include how you take it, the consistency of your routine, and your health prior to starting AG1. Your diet and lifestyle all impact how soon you’ll see AG1's benefits and how noticeable they’ll be. Some customers notice improvements in as little as a few days, and for others, it can take as long as a few weeks. We're all different, so our bodies will react uniquely to AG1.

What kind of benefits can I expect from taking AG1?

AG1 provides support in several crucial areas of health: Energy and focus^2,4, digestion⁹, healthy cells³, the immune system¹, cardiovascular and hormonal health^6,8 and healthy aging^3,4,6,10. At AG1, we understand that everyone has a unique health history and reacts differently to various nutrients. AG1 is the original Foundational Nutrition drink and was designed as a comprehensive formula to provide daily support where the body needs it most. Many customers report feeling sustained energy², having fewer cravings⁸ (more infos here), and a balanced digestion⁹ over the course of the first month or so. Other common benefits include healthy skin, hair and nails⁷, good concentration⁴, and support recovery after physical activity.³ For those with a nutritional deficiency or irregular digestion, benefits may be perceived more quickly.

How does AG1 taste?

AG1’s fans praise its pleasant, healthy taste, and we’ve spent years perfecting the flavour. AG1’s flavour is naturally essenced with vanilla and pineapple, and picks up some of its taste from the fruits and vegetables in the blend including papaya, broccoli, cherry, carrot, and the subtle sweetness of stevia—all without artificial flavouring, sweeteners, and additives. No compromises.

What makes AG1 different from other nutritional products?

AG1 is the original Foundational Nutrition drink. The science and quality that go into AG1, as well as the bioavailability and synergy of the ingredients, make AG1 a daily health habit. AG1 provides nutritional support across several critical areas of health: energy and focus^2,4, digestion⁹, healthy cells³, the immune system¹, cardiovascular and hormonal health^6,8 and healthy aging^3,4,6,10. Each of the over 70 ingredients in AG1 were hand-selected and intentionally picked to provide highly bioavailable nutrients in a manner where each ingredient works in conjunction with the whole formula, while also optimising its own function. Beyond the intention and research behind the formulation, AG1 is manufactured in a TGA-registered facility in New Zealand, with strict third-party analytical and microbiological testing at the highest quality standards. The TGA® is an independent body that certifies only manufacturers that meet the highest quality and safety standards. AG1 is also certified by the Cologne List®, an initiative within the sports industry that lists supplements with a reduced risk of doping.

What products does AG1 replace?

AG1 is a more-in-one solution with over 70 ingredients that can replace many other supplements. AG1 is designed to provide Foundational Nutrition of several products in just one daily serving, including multivitamin and multimineral supplements, good bacteria and greens, and superfood blends. With AG1, you can also leave individual supplements such as vitamin C or vitamin B12 pills where they are.

What measures do you take to ensure the quality of AG1?

AG1 takes a no-compromises approach to formulation and product quality. AG1 is manufactured in a TGA®-registered, Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) compliant facility. TGA and GMP are independent organisations that certify only those facilities that meet the highest quality and safety standards. We maintain full batch manufacturing records, which means that all finished products are 100% traceable for analytical and microbiological testing. We maintain rigorous independent audits of our manufacturing facility, as well as toxicological reviews that verify product formulation, and label claims and prevent unsafe levels of contaminants. AG1 is also certified by the Cologne List®, an initiative within the sports industry that lists supplements with a reduced risk of doping.

How do I take AG1?

AG1 tastes great just with cold water. Some like theirs with a squeeze of lemon or blending it into a smoothie, others add it to oat milk. There are countless ways you can integrate AG1 into your daily routine—and keep it fresh every day.