insulin; it also has a negative effect on cortisol. Our bodies are not designed to
deal with sugar overloads.
As insulin is secreted in higher amounts on a low-fat diet, blood sugar
plummets. That’s where the cortisol link comes in. In primitive times, cortisol
was called upon only when we encountered stressful situations, such as running
from predators. It gives us quick energy to run from danger. But today, cortisol is
called upon each time your sugar levels plummet after eating a cookie, drinking
soda, or consuming any other sugary food or drink. This creates chronic high
levels of cortisol. This leads to insulin secretion to deal with the sugar; then,
insulin resistance follows.
Insulin resistance is a condition in which cells become resistant to the effects
of the hormone and higher and higher levels of insulin are produced to deal with
the food. When you are insulin resistant or have too much insulin, you become
fat. If you have excess cortisol in your bloodstream, this shuts down serotonin, a
neurotransmitter that affects your mood. When serotonin levels drop, depression
can result. Depression is now on the rise nationally, even in children.
Next, excess cortisol reduces your production of melatonin, the sleep hormone
secreted by a small gland called the pineal gland. A drop in melatonin leads to
insomnia. Hello, Ambien! If you don’t get enough sleep, you won’t make
enough HGH, the hormone that keeps you fit and young, since it is produced
mostly during sleep. It’s no wonder we are so sick—excessive sugar, poor sleep,
and stress are constantly traumatizing us.
If all the sugar and stress increases the demand on your adrenals too many
times, they can eventually burn out. Many doctors don’t diagnose adrenal fatigue
because it’s not recognized as a medical condition in textbooks, but it does exist
in the literature. When the adrenals don’t make enough cortisol, you may look
tired or have dark circles underneath your eyes. You’re also less likely to be able
to cope with stressful situations, and you may experience panic or anxiety
attacks. Then, your doctor may put you on an anti-anxiety medication that can
even make you gain weight. Here’s the good news: the Perfect 10 Diet balances
cortisol.
FOODS AND OTHER FACTORS THAT CAN HELP BALANCE
CORTISOL HORMONE INCLUDE: vegetables, fruits, fish, eggs, poultry,
and occasionally some red meat. Try your best to relax and avoid stressful
situations.
FOODS AND OTHER FACTORS THAT CAN DISTURB CORTISOL
HORMONE INCLUDE: sugar, alcohol, sweets, soft drinks, cookies, cereals,