Stress and Cortisol

Stress and Cortisol elevation run parallel to each other. When stress is prevalent so too will be an individual's cortisol levels. This can pose a problem when stress is a chronic issue that results in cortisol levels being elevated chronically as well.

In the September 2011 issue of Life Extension magazine, some of the health complications that arise from chronically elevated cortisol levels that never get the chance to normalize, were discussed at length. The informative article left me a bit struck as to how devastating long term cortisol elevation can be to our well being.

Cortisol Dangers

Some of the health complications that result from increased cortisol levels include things like elevated blood sugar levels, bone calcium loss, immune dysfunction, decline in muscle mass, high blood pressure, and increased accumulation of fat as well as significant loss of brain function.

Many of the destructive side affects you'll see from excessive steroid therapy that include things like the round "moon face" that results from a cumulative effect of fat and fluid combined, along with hunched posture from bone loss, and a surge in infections from thwarted immunity, can be some insight into what is happening to our body on a daily basis from chronic stress without the steroid drug intake, just on a less intense level, but still harmful nonetheless.

Adaptogens

In the article, reference is made to something called "adaptogens" or plant based substances that help the body adapt to stress. These compounds assist in our longevity and general health and have even shown to increase things like improved cognitive function that minimizes anxiety and depression.

Rhodiola

Rhodiola is an herb that is discussed in the Life Extension article regarding its ability to improve the body's resistance to stress. For this reason it is referred to as an "adaptogenic" herb. Rhodiola has been researched and found to create a sense of well being as well as reduce the harmful effects of stress.

This herb was profoundly studied by Russian scientists who needed their best and brightest elite cosmonauts, to be at their strongest performance levels in space. Their studies rendered this herb as powerfully effective for combating the dangerous cascade of disease caused by chronic stress. The Russians found Rhodiola had the power to increase improved systemic function in aging humans.

Source:

Life Extension Magazine September 2011 issue