Foods That Lower Cortisol Levels: List Of 13 Foods

Published on December 27th, 2022

Last updated on March 7th, 2023

avocado and kivi

Are you constantly feeling stressed and overwhelmed? Even though you are trying to manage your workload better? If so, you may be suffering from high levels of cortisol. Your body releases this hormone in response to stressful situations, so that you want to eat foods that can reduce cortisol levels.

If you don’t control it for a long time, it can lead to several health problems. Examples include issues such as:

  • Anxiety disorders;
  • Insomnia;
  • Fatigue.

Fortunately, you can take steps today to naturally lower your cortisol levels. In this article, we’ll look at foods to reduce cortisol. And you’ll also learn how they can help you healthily manage stress. So if you want to restore balance to your life with over-the-counter drugs or supplements, read on!

What Is Cortisol And Why You Should Lower It?

foods that lower cortisol levels

Cortisol is one of the main hormones produced by the human body. It is your body’s response to various stressors. Cortisol plays a vital role in the body’s “fight or flight” response system. It also controls inflammation metabolism and regulates blood sugar levels.

Although cortisol is helpful in short bursts, elevated levels can put a person’s physical and mental health at risk. It can harm the body.

Elevated cortisol spikes can lead to:

  • Changes in appetite;
  • Difficulty sleeping;
  • Mood swings;
  • Memory problems;
  • Concentration problems.

Besides, chronic stress is associated with several serious health problems. Among them:

  • High blood pressure;
  • Heart disease;
  • Weakened immunity.

What Foods Lower Cortisol Levels?

Regular monitoring of cortisol levels is essential to ensure normal functioning and general well-being. Then you can manage it through lifestyle changes. For example, you can start a diet to lower your cortisol levels. Let’s begin our list with healthy anti-cortisol foods.

Herbal Tea

making herbal tea

People have long considered herbal tea an ancient remedy for relieving stress. And for a good reason! In some studies, scientists have proven one exciting thing. Drinking warm herbal tea can lower cortisol levels. And as we’ve said before, cortisol is the body’s primary stress hormone. That’s why we’ve added it to our list of foods to lower cortisol.

Herbal tea provides a natural way to balance and regulate cortisol levels. At the same time, it keeps your body at peak performance. So you don’t have to resort to harsh medications or treatments.

Because of its pleasant taste and lack of caffeine, herbal tea is an enjoyable way to relax. You’ll be able to relax and get your cortisol back to normal. So why not pour yourself a cup of herbal comfort today and let the stress go away?

Dark Chocolate

dark chocolate

Dark chocolate is not just a tasty treat. It is also helpful as an anti-cortisol food. Studies have shown that dark chocolate can help reduce cortisol levels in the body. You can observe this effect due to its high antioxidant content.

If you consume dark chocolate regularly, you can get rid of cortisol problems. You can strengthen your body by maintaining balanced levels of the hormone. A bonus is that it tastes great!

But here you need to remember one more important factor! You have to eat natural chocolate. The fact is that most store-bought chocolates contain a lot of impenetrable ingredients. Be sure to read the composition.

Whole Grains

whole grains

Whole grains have a wide range of health benefits. Many diets are inadequate, lacking enough intake of whole grains.

Whole grains not only have tremendous nutritional value. Studies have shown that a diet in which you add whole grains will help to lower cortisol levels. It will help positively improve your physical and mental health. So, having enough whole grains in your diet can significantly improve your health and lower your cortisol levels.

Avocados

avocados

Avocados contain many healthy fats. These fats help you fight the stress hormone. Eating one avocado a day helps break down and reduce the hormone cortisol. It also promotes more restorative sleep and better long-term health.

You can use this food that lowers cortisol levels in any form. You can add avocado to:

  • Smoothies;
  • Salads;
  • Sandwiches;
  • Or eat it alone as a tasty snack.

It makes the product versatile and easy to incorporate into any diet to lower cortisol. Avocados not only help reduce cortisol levels. It contains large amounts of antioxidants and vitamins. They may have a more protective effect against diseases such as:

  • Diabetes;
  • Heart disease.

Fish

salmon steaks in a bucket

People have long highlighted fish as a healthy dietary protein and fatty acid source. You will also get other vital nutrients. Scientists have proven that food like fish can help lower cortisol levels.

Fish helps maintain healthy cortisol levels. It is because it provides your body with essential vitamins and minerals. You need all these elements to keep your hormones in balance.

Because of its ability to reduce stress hormone levels, including fish in your diet can provide tangible health benefits and improve your quality of life.

Warm Milk

a bottle of milk on the table

Looking for a natural (and delicious) way to lower stress hormones? Then warm milk is an easy and affordable remedy. According to a study, drinking warm milk helps you cope with stress.

Warm milk helps increase the body’s release of serotonin. It is a hormone that promotes feelings of relaxation and well-being. It simultaneously leads to a decrease in cortisol levels.

Should you drink this drink at bedtime or with a cookie after a long day? It doesn’t matter! This remedy is both mentally and physically beneficial either way.

Nuts

a bowl full of nuts

You should remember the importance of nuts in the diet. Scientific evidence suggests that eating this food daily can help reduce cortisol levels.

In addition, eating nuts regularly can have beneficial effects on other hormones. For example, nuts will improve adrenaline and testosterone. These two hormones will improve mood and attitude.

They are an excellent source of essential nutrients such as:

  • Vitamin E;
  • Magnesium;
  • Phosphorus;
  • Zinc;
  • Selenium.

You can feel rested and energetic.

Citrus Fruits

citrus fruits in a bowl

High in vitamin C and antioxidants, citrus fruits are known to keep you healthy. But did you know that they are also foods that lower cortisol levels?

Studies have shown that eating citrus fruits regularly can reduce elevated cortisol levels. It promotes a sense of calm and reduces tension in the body. Consuming citrus fruits helps you stay healthy and energetic. You can consume foods such as:

  • Oranges;
  • Lemons;
  • Limes;
  • Grapefruits.

Give yourself a taste of well-being! Add some citrus fruits to your diet today. That way, you’ll replenish your body with essential vitamins. And you can nurture a sense of balance!

Strawberries

a bowl of strawberries

Strawberries are an excellent source of:

  • Vitamins;
  • Minerals;
  • Antioxidants;
  • Phytonutrients.

It makes them suitable for our body’s functioning. Researchers recently concluded that eating strawberries may also help lower cortisol levels. High cortisol levels can increase risk factors for serious health problems.

Fortunately, strawberries take us one step closer to maintaining healthy cortisol levels. Anti-cortisol foods may be just what the doctor ordered for a healthy lifestyle!

Probiotics

food which is rich in probiotics

Probiotics are associated with improved digestion. They also boost the immune system and sense of well-being. Recently, scientists have proven that probiotics can help lower cortisol levels. High cortisol levels can lead to increased anxiety.

As part of a daily wellness protocol, probiotics can help regulate cortisol levels and improve health. Probiotic foods to lower cortisol are:

  • Kimchi;
  • Sauerkraut;
  • Yogurt.

They contain strains of beneficial bacteria. These are lactobacillus and bifidobacteria, which you can know for their calming effects. Even more so, it reduces symptoms of stress, such as high cortisol levels.

Beef

a raw beef meat

Eating beef is a delicious and effective way to reduce cortisol levels. Beef is especially rich in iron. It helps reduce fatigue caused by stress. Beef also contains zinc. It helps relax the body and reduce feelings of anxiety.

In addition, its high content of the amino acid tryptophan helps reduce cortisol levels by stimulating serotonin production.

To optimize beef’s ability to reduce stress hormone levels, buying fed beef whenever possible is crucial. This type of beef contains higher amounts of omega-3s.

Licorice

a bowl of licorice

People in herbal medicine have long used licorice root. People treat many digestive and immune system problems with it. Licorice root extract can also help lower cortisol levels.

By reducing cortisol levels, licorice root can help protect against disease. Are you ready to consume licorice extract regularly? It’s an all-natural way to manage stress levels and maintain physical well-being.

High cortisol levels harm the body. Fortunately, there are foods to reduce cortisol. They help us stay healthy. Eating these foods as part of a balanced diet can help manage stress. So be sure to include these foods in your diet today!

No-Foods Solution To Reduce Cortisol Level

But to have more good health, we recommend taking liquid vitamins. They provide your body with the nutrients it needs. They also improve overall health and increase energy levels.

If you are allergic to the foods from the list above, we have created unique vitamins that are easy to consume, nutritious, and designed to reduce your cortisol level.

By adding Happy Mind liquid vitamins to your diet, you take the first step towards making the most of your health. So don’t wait any longer and get your bottle today!

Happy Mind – Fuel Your Journey To a Healthier You!

FAQ

Can stress prevent weight loss?

Yes and no at the same time. Stress can make it difficult to lose weight. It is because cortisol increases hunger and cravings. Eating foods that lower cortisol levels can help manage stress.

What vitamins help with stress?

The B-Vitamins, Vitamin C, and Omega 3s are all crucial vitamins to support the body in managing stress. Taking liquid vitamins that contain these vitamins can help to reduce stress levels.

What foods lower cortisol?

Foods like:
strawberries;
probiotics;
beef;
licorice root extract;
can all help lower cortisol levels. Eating these foods as part of a balanced diet can help manage stress and improve overall health.

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