Cortisol, the stress hormone.

Cortisol is a steroid released from the adrenal glands during the fight-or-flight response (stress response). Chronic stress can cause cortisol imbalances that can lead to different ailments such as:

• Reduced tissue repair
• Chronic pain
• Calcium to be leached from the bone
• Suppressed immune system
• Reduced skin regeneration
• Thyroid imbalance
• Disrupted hormonal balance of estrogen and progesterone
• Increased fat cells
• Killing of nerves and dendrites relating to learning and memory

Major causes of cortisol imbalance:

• Skipping breakfast
• Skipping meals
• Eating an excessive amount of carbs
• Poor posture
• Staying up past 10 PM
• Emotional stress
• Physical pain
• Over-exercise
• Excessive use of stimulants

Vibrational effect of high cortisol levels.

Cortisol is released from the adrenal glands which are governed by the Root chakra and by the Kidney meridian in Chinese Medicine. Both of these energetic structures are linked to the energy of fear and survival and they both govern physical energy levels.

Guidelines for balancing cortisol levels.

• Go to bed when it gets dark. Staying up past 10:00 PM can throw your cortisol levels out of whack. The best hours for sleep are between 10:00 PM and 4:00 AM. Also, watching violent and dramatic TV shows at nighttime can ignite the fight-or-flight response. I suggest having a relaxing routine before you go to bed. Try to turn off your computer and TV an hour before bedtime. Take a hot shower or bath. You can add some lavender to your bath or lotion. Read a book (not an iPad) or practice meditating. Try to have all electronics unplugged in your bedroom when you go to sleep. Don’t have any caffeine past 2:00 PM.
• Eat breakfast. Many people skip breakfast or do not eat a wholesome breakfast. Stay away from white flour and high sugary breakfasts and opt for a protein rich breakfast. There are many philosophies around regarding fasting for health. Make sure that if you’re fasting you are not overstressing your body by doing so, if you feel sick whilst fasting you may be inducing a stress response.
• Avoid sugar and starch. Go for wholesome sweeteners such as stevia. Always choose 100% whole grains over white refined flours and keep your meals rich in protein.
• Eat low glycemic meals at 5 hour intervals. Low GI foods include 100% whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds and non-starchy vegetables.
• Avoid large quantities of alcohol, cigarettes and other addictive substances.
• Incorporate gentle exercise into your day. Beware, high intensity, high impact exercises such as running can stimulate cortisol release which may lead to an imbalance. I recommend exercises such as yoga and walking, making sure that you move as much as possible during the day as opposed to remaining stationery. Make sure that if you do partake in high intensity exercise that you get adequate rest between sessions.
• Meditate. There are many apps and recordings available that can guide you through the process of meditation. Meditation and deep breathing can help you manage pain. I recommend the Mindfulness App.
• Remove yourself from stressful circumstances, any situation that induces your fight or flight response can increase cortisol levels. If you are low on energy it is best not to get involved in overly stressful social or recreational activities.

Kinesiology for balancing cortisol levels

If you suspect that you have a cortisol imbalance, kinesiology muscle testing can help you to determine if this is in fact the case as well as determine which lifestyle factors are contributing to this issue. Vibrational Kinesiology therapeutic techniques will be used to reset your adrenals to help provide you with more energy.

An initial 90 minute kinesiology consultation followed by between 3 – 5 standard consultations 1 -2 weeks apart with lifestyle and dietary changes incorporated between sessions.

Further follow-up standard consultations should be spaced between 2 -4 weeks apart or booked as needed. You may also be advised to see a naturopath to help you with your dietary needs.