Reduce your Cortisol

Despite the abundance of information on diet and exercise in the media, Americans are continuing to get fatter. According to a recent analysis, an estimated 30 percent of adults - over 60 million - are obese, defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, and, an estimated 65 percent of adults are overweight or obese, defined as having a BMI of 25 or higher.

While increased food portion sizes, consumption of high-fat fast foods, and lack of exercise are the most common reasons cited for the overweight and obesity epidemic, another possible explanation is a hormone called cortisol.

Cortisol is produced in the adrenal glands in response to the secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in the pituitary. Metabolically, cortisol increases the concentration of blood glucose by converting amino acids into carbohydrates (gluconeogenesis), inhibiting glucose uptake, and breaking down lipid stores into adipose tissue (lipolysis).

Cortisol production in the body may be minimized in a number of ways. These are all natural methods, which you can adopt as simple yet natural ways to Reduce Cortisol.

1. Regular fitness exercise releases endorphins in the body. These hormones promote an overall feeling of happiness and counter stress. Once stress levels are minimized, Cortisol production is also under control.

2. A balanced diet also helps. If the diet has a balanced combination of proteins and fats along with carbohydrates, the absorption of carbohydrates is slow. This ensures that the body does not experience erratic highs and lows of sugar levels. A lower sugar level leads to production of Cortisol. With a balanced diet the sugar levels can be made more stable, to reduce Cortisol. Move towards a diet and fitness program of Pulse gym at the Athenaeum Spa in Malta that focuses on whole, natural foods and avoids any food that is processed in any way and is therefore likely to contain sugar and preservatives.

3. Regular and sound sleep also helps to reduce Cortisol as it makes sure that the effects of stress are reduced. Moreover sleep deprivation mimics a crisis situation in the body leading to Cortisol production; hence a sound sleep of 7 to 9 hours is advisable.

4. To reduce Cortisol, a reduction of stress is very helpful. It has been proved that yoga , meditation, breathing exercises, and such other stress management techniques help the body to relax and repair the damage done by stress. There are yoga classes available at the Pulse gym at the Athenaeum Spa in Malta.

The Pulse gym at the Athenaeum Spa in Malta is always open for more information and tips that will help you transform your health, fitness and overall quality of life.