CORTISOL
Summary: The “stress hormone” secreted
from the adrenal glands to help the body
recover from an acute fight-or-flight stress
response. It is secreted in response to low
blood sugar, physical or psychosocial stress,
intense and prolonged exercise, and sleep
deprivation. Cortisol plays a key role in salt
metabolism, blood pressure, immune function
(having immunosuppressive and anti-
inflammatory effects), and energy regulation.
It raises blood sugar by stimulating glycogen
breakdown. Chronically elevated cortisol
promotes insulin resistance and tends to
elevate leptin levels.
Cortisol has a circadian rhythm that
coincides with the light-dark cycle. Cortisol is
highest just before waking, functioning as a
“get up and go” hormone during the early
morning hours. It mobilizes energy for
activity and helps to fire up your nervous