{"id":69188,"date":"2024-11-14T16:10:41","date_gmt":"2024-11-15T00:10:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/?p=69188"},"modified":"2024-11-14T16:10:45","modified_gmt":"2024-11-15T00:10:45","slug":"cortisol-and-aging-how-to-break-the-cycle-of-chronic-stress","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/blog\/cortisol-and-aging-how-to-break-the-cycle-of-chronic-stress\/","title":{"rendered":"Cortisol and Aging: How to Break the Cycle of Chronic Stress"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Did you know that a hormone could be the reason you\u2019re getting older before your time? It\u2019s called cortisol<\/strong>. Without it, your body would have a much harder time controlling blood pressure, blood sugar, immune function and metabolism. Cortisol<\/strong> is even responsible for how alert you feel when you wake up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Cortisol<\/strong> affects nearly every cell in the body. When it\u2019s produced as part of a healthy stress response, it\u2019s incredibly beneficial. However when occasional stress becomes chronic, the body produces more cortisol<\/strong> than it needs. This excess cortisol acts like battery acid eroding our health while contributing to a host of life-shortening, chronic conditions. It can even affect our memory. Too much cortisol limits longevity<\/strong>. If you want to lengthen your life expectancy or just enjoy better health here\u2019s how to break the cycle of chronic stress by reducing excessive cortisol<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Axis of Anxiety <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Commanded by a part of the brain known as the hypothalamus, the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis includes the pituitary and adrenal glands. These produce chemical messengers known as hormones. The walnut-sized hypothalamus has an outsized responsibility. After perceiving a threat, it signals the pituitary gland. The gland then produces hormones that are dispersed throughout the body. These include the adrenocorticotropic hormone which stimulates the adrenal glands\u2019 release of cortisol<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The HPA axis is a fast-acting General. It\u2019s prepared to dispatch troops at the first sign of trouble. Anyone who has narrowly avoided a car crash knows exactly how the HPA axis behaves. Energizing adrenaline is released first, followed by cortisol<\/strong>. Cortisol\u2019s job is to keep adrenalin amped up. It does this by keeping blood sugar flowing throughout the bloodstream while accelerating our breathing and heart rate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a response to short-term threats, cortisol<\/strong> is amazing. It helps us focus. It. can deliver us from immediate danger. Whether we slam on the accelerator or the brake to nearly avoid a collision is a choice we make almost unconsciously. But all of these actions are triggered in part by cortisol.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, like front-line soldiers with itchy trigger fingers, these hormone heroes overreact. They treat everyday stress like worrying about the mortgage or workplace challenges like life-threatening attacks. The HPA axis overreacts by flooding our bodies with cortisol. This usually helpful hormone begins to have a detrimental effect. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Research has found a consistent correlation between high cortisol levels<\/strong> and reduced life expectancy<\/strong>. These include chronic inflammation which when left unchecked increases cancer risk. Heart disease has also been connected to cortisol<\/strong>. Memory loss in particular has been shown to be greater in seniors experiencing chronic stress and its resultant rise in cortisol<\/strong>. Even when chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease aren\u2019t in the picture, elevated cortisol<\/strong> accelerates aging. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Breaking the Chronic Stress Cycle <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s been long understood that consistently elevated cortisol levels<\/strong> can lead to hypertension, diabetes, and increased risk of illness. This is partly due to how the hormone taxes the immune system. It\u2019s also been shown that chronically high cortisol<\/strong> also contributes to anxiety and depression. Because anxiety can actually trigger cortisol production, it becomes a feedback loop \u2013 a cycle that contributes to lifespan-shortening conditions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recent research reveals that high cortisol levels <\/strong>can reduce life expectancy <\/strong>all by itself. In one study, participants with elevated cortisol levels<\/strong> not only showed increasing inflammation in follow-ups but also demonstrated more physical limitations than participants with normal cortisol levels<\/strong>. This risk increases with age. Those who are the most vulnerable are over the age of 66.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s never too soon to start controlling your cortisol. The first step is learning exactly what your cortisol levels<\/strong> are. If you\u2019ve been experiencing heightened anxiety and stress lately, along with disruptions in sleep and persistent irritability, there\u2019s a good chance your cortisol levels<\/strong> are too high. Other signs include gaining weight especially in the chest, stomach or face. If you have been diagnosed with hypertension, you may have elevated cortisol levels<\/strong>. Before embarking on a program designed to reduce it, you need to know if you really have a hormonal imbalance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You don\u2019t have to leave your home. That\u2019s because Kyla delivers a test right to your front door<\/a>. While a host of companies offer at-home testing, Kyla tests for 14 different biomarkers for just $99. The cost may even be covered by your insurance. When you order Kyla\u2019s primary care or hormone panels<\/a> you\u2019ll see if your cortisol levels <\/strong>are elevated. The at-home test will also give you up-to-date details on your liver, kidney, and heart health along with markers that could indicate cancer risks.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Begin by completing an online health quiz <\/a>and discover the best test for your needs. The test kit will arrive soon after you order \u2013 just follow the simple sample collection instructions. Return the sample to our labs and in a few days you\u2019ll not only learn if you have a cortisol imbalance but you\u2019ll also see your risk profile including anticipated lifespan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you download the app, you\u2019ll be able to enroll in the Kyla Anti-Aging program<\/a>: This will open the window to critical health insights through the use of\u00a0 AI analytics and advanced testing. You\u2019ll be able to discover how your lifestyle affects your body including your cortisol levels. Not only can you monitor your data conveniently on the Kyla app, but you\u2019ll be able to consult with a doctor who can help you set up a lifespan lengthening program. Because you don\u2019t have to live with elevated cortisol levels<\/strong>. Here are some ways to break the chronic stress cycle.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To reduce cortisol levels<\/strong>, eating an<\/a> anti-inflammatory diet can really help<\/a>. This means eating more fruits and vegetables along with lean proteins like those found in chicken or fish. Added sugars, salt, and highly processed food can also increase inflammation along with a cortisol response.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although exercise briefly elevates cortisol levels<\/strong>, over time it can reduce your baseline. It\u2019s also a proven method of dealing with anxiety and even depression. Start slow. Swim laps at a local pool or take evening strolls around your neighborhood. As you become comfortable with exercising, increase the aerobic intensity. You should also do some form of weight training as gaining muscle means reducing inflammation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Making sleep a priority is an important component for reducing cortisol levels<\/strong>. Because the hormone is linked to our normal sleep-wake cycle, production of it often increases when we are not sleeping properly. Maintain a consistent bedtime and a cool, dark sleeping area while reducing your alcohol consumption along with the amount of time you spend with electronic devices prior to sleep. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reducing stress also means staying mindful and focused on the present. Some of the biggest anxiety triggers are when we focus too much on the future. While daydreams can be pleasant, when our main thoughts revolve around concerns about future finances. family, or health the result is often stress and elevated cortisol levels<\/strong>. Chronic stress shortens lifespans and accelerates aging. It has been shown to cause arterial plaques which can lead to heart disease and strokes. It has also been linked to osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, muscle loss, and dementia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Elevated cortisol levels<\/strong> have also been linked to cognitive decline. One study demonstrated that a consistent predictor for whether or not someone would have difficulty with memory was the levels of cortisol in their bloodstream. Following up with study participants after three years, those with high cortisol<\/strong> had the lowest verbal recall scores \u2013 even when they were otherwise mentally fit. Worse, patients with Alzheimer\u2019s disease have far higher cortisol levels<\/strong> than healthy adults of the same age. The patients with the highest cortisol levels<\/strong> also had the most rapid decline. Chronic stress may even cause vital parts of the brain to atrophy which speeds cognitive decline. High cortisol levels<\/strong> also increased the quantity of inflammatory markers in the brain.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Cortisol is a consistent life shortener. Kyla will work with you<\/a> to lengthen your lifespan. In fact, some believe that by eliminating chronic conditions like the ones caused by elevated cortisol levels<\/strong>, it\u2019s possible to add over one year of life for every year you are alive. What this longevity escape velocity<\/a> means is that you could enjoy a healthy, disease-free life for decades. The first step is downloading the Kyla app<\/a> today.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Source<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Yegorov, Yegor E et al. \u201cThe Link between Chronic Stress and Accelerated Aging.\u201d Biomedicines. July 7, 2020. https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC7400286\/#ref-list1<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Tee-Melegrito, Rachel Ann. \u201cCortisol and stress: What is the connection?\u201d Medical News Today. May 5, 2023. https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/articles\/cortisol-and-stress<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Cay, Mahmut et al. \u201cEffect of increase in cortisol level due to stress in healthy young individuals on dynamic and static balance scores.\u201d Northern clinics of Istanbul. May 29, 2018. https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC6371989\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Garrison, Kelley. ND. \u201cThe Cortisol-Aging Connection: Can Lowering Stress Hormones Slow Aging? Rupa Health. September 18, 2024. https:\/\/www.rupahealth.com\/post\/the-cortisol-aging-connection-can-lowering-stress-hormones-slow-aging<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. \u201cHormones \u2013 cortisol and corticosteroids,\u201d Better Health (Victoria, AU). https:\/\/www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au\/health\/conditionsandtreatments\/Hormones-cortisol-and-corticosteroids<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Noordam, Raymond. et al. \u201cFamilial Longevity Is Marked by Lower Diurnal Salivary Cortisol Levels: The Leiden Longevity Study,\u201d PLoS ONE. February 13, 2012. https:\/\/journals.plos.org\/plosone\/article?id=10.1371\/journal.pone.0031166<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Chronic stress and the resultant rise in cortisol levels can lead to a variety of life shortening conditions \u2014 here are some good ways to break the cycle.\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":69189,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[{"id":40,"name":"Anti-Aging","slug":"longevity","link":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/blog\/category\/longevity\/"},{"id":203,"name":"Hormones","slug":"hormones","link":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/blog\/category\/hormones\/"}],"tags":[487,468,409,422,206,469,233,408,394,209],"featured_image_url":"https:\/\/s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com\/kyla.com-wordpress\/p\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/14160400\/shutterstock_2502917421-1-scaled.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/69188"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=69188"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/69188\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":69190,"href":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/69188\/revisions\/69190"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/69189"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=69188"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=69188"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=69188"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}