Wat is cortisol en hoe verlaag je het?

What is cortisol and how do you lower it?

Cortisol, often called the stress hormone , plays a crucial role in our bodies. It helps regulate stress, energy, blood pressure, and immune responses. But too much cortisol can have adverse effects such as sleep problems, weight gain, fatigue, and a weakened immune system .

What does cortisol do in your body?

Cortisol is produced by the adrenal glands and is released when your body experiences stress. This can be physical stress, such as intense exercise, or mental stress, such as deadlines, worries, or tension. Cortisol helps your body:

  • Release energy by increasing glucose

  • To regulate blood pressure and heart rate

  • Temporarily suppress inflammatory responses

Although important in small amounts, chronically elevated cortisol can be harmful to your health.

Symptoms of high cortisol levels

A prolonged high cortisol level can lead to:

  • Difficulty sleeping or staying asleep

  • Weight gain, especially around the abdomen and waist

  • Feeling tired or exhausted

  • Being easily irritated or having mood swings

  • Lowered immunity

How to Lower Cortisol Naturally

There are several ways to lower your cortisol levels, including:

  1. Adequate sleep: At least 7-9 hours per night

  2. Exercise: Moderate physical activity helps regulate stress hormones

  3. Meditation and mindfulness: Mindfulness exercises have been shown to lower cortisol

  4. Diet: Foods rich in antioxidants and healthy fats

  5. Supplementation : KSM66® Ashwagandha is clinically proven to lower cortisol

KSM66® Ashwagandha: clinically proven stress reducer

One of the most effective natural ways to lower your cortisol is supplementing with KSM66® Ashwagandha . This powerful adaptogen has been extensively researched in scientific studies and has been proven to significantly lower cortisol :

  • A recent 2023 Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) showed that KSM66® Ashwagandha lowered salivary cortisol in healthy adults while simultaneously reducing stress and anxiety.

    Source: Majeed, M., Nagabhushanam, K., & Mundkur, L. (2023). A standardized Ashwagandha root extract relieves stress, anxiety, and improves quality of life in healthy adults by modulating stress hormones: Results from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Medicine (Baltimore), 102 , e35521. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37832082/

  • A 2024 meta-analysis of 9 RCTs with 558 participants concluded that Ashwagandha reduced serum cortisol by an average of 2.58 µg/dL, while decreasing stress and anxiety.

    Source : Arumugam, V., Vijayakumar, S., & Dubey, P. (2024). Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) on stress and anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Explore (NY), 20 (6), 103062. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.explore.2024.103062

  • Other studies show that the supplement not only lowers cortisol, but also supports mental resilience, energy and focus .

    Source : Akhgarjand, C., Asoudeh, F., Bagheri, A., Kalantar, Z., Vahabi, Z., Shab‑Bidar, S., Rezvani, H., & Djafarian, K. (2022). Does Ashwagandha supplementation have a beneficial effect on the management of anxiety and stress? A systematic review and meta‑analysis of randomized controlled trials. Phytotherapy Research, 36 (11), 4115–4124. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36017529/

This scientific substantiation makes KSM66® Ashwagandha a reliable choice for anyone who wants to regulate their stress levels naturally.

How Calm Gummies Help You Reduce Stress

Looking for an easy way to take KSM66® Ashwagandha daily? Empathic Lion® Calm Gummies contain this clinically proven extract in a tasty, chewable form . This way, you can support your daily routine in a pleasant and sustainable way , while keeping your stress levels and cortisol levels under control.

By using Calm Gummies daily you can:

  • Experience more peace

  • Get through the day with more energy

  • Improve your focus and creativity

Conclusion

Cortisol is essential for your body, but too much can have negative effects. By combining sleep, nutrition, exercise, mindfulness , and supplements like KSM66® Ashwagandha in Calm Gummies , you can effectively balance your stress hormones and improve your well-being.

Back to blog