The new social catchphrase is a cocktail to lower cortisol. Creators present it as the simplest and most economic solution to regulate the level in the blood and feel more relaxed in a hurry and, since it is the dream of many, the algorithm continues to propose it to it as we make scrolling with the smartphone.
What is cortisol for and why it doesn’t have to be high
Cortisol, in fact, is the stress hormone: It is what, hypersemplifying, in normal situations wakes us up in the morning and keeps us on the alert in complex situations by increasing the availability of energy of the body. However, when it produces too much because stress is constant – that is chronic – can cause Anxiety, nervousness, exposing to metabolic imbalances that in the long run determine weight gain, inflammation, risk of cardiovascular diseases. A concrete risk since we are all – or almost – stressed: the Anifa (National Association of self -medication drugs) for example, estimates that 8 out of 10 Italians suffer constantly with stress.
Cocktail to lower cortisol: the recipe
This is explained by the success of solutions like this cocktail to lower cortisol. On social media (Tiktok in particular) many propose it, but the recipe is always the same. Here
- 200 ml of coconut water
- 50 ml of orange juice
- ½ squeezed lemon
- 1 teaspoon of magnesium powder
- ¼ of the teaspoon of salt up
- Sparkling water to taste
Is it worth trying it? We talked about it with Ilenia Grieco, nutritionist and founder of the private nutrition method.
Does the cocktail to lower cortisol really work?
«This cocktail is not a magical potion», He immediately clarifies Dr. Grieco. «He is a simple homemade supplement that It combines the Miorilassant properties of magnesium with the other minerals contained in lemon and orange juices and with coconut water That simply serves to make it more pleasant on the palate, “he says. In short, it does not hurt, but it is not the solution: «You can try, but no more than one or twice a day, because Too much magnesium can cause diarrheal discharges and therefore dehydrate Instead of moisturizing how every drink should do ».
The best natural supplement to lower cortisol
The alternative? “An apricot with a gram of kitchen salt is the best supplement home made: a concentrate of vitamins and mineral salts that helps to regulate the stress hormone and blood pressure. You can eat every day and as a mid -morning or mid -afternoon snack it can be an extra help », recommends the expert.
How to lower cortisol quickly
However, a supplement is not enough, whether it is natural or not: to lower cortisol naturally you have to act on several fronts. “The regulation of cortisol – continues the expert – takes place through The combination of balanced diet, regular sleep, physical activity and stress regulation techniques such as Mindfulness».
Which foods lower cortisol
The healthy diet remains the first great ally. “First of all it’s fundamental Eating at regular times, because in this way the circadian rhythms are maintained And hormonal production is correctly regulated, and therefore also the synthesis of cortisol “, says Dr. Grieco. Foods to prefer? “Those Rich in magnesium such as green leafy vegetables or pumpkin seeds, dried fruit, bitter cocoa. For example, I often recommend in the diet a dark chocolate ice cream to 85% and craftsmanship in the evening, because it promotes the prodent of serotonin which is sleep hormone. In addition to these, go ahead Foods rich in vitamin C which supports the adrenal glands that are involved in production in cortisol, to those rich in good fats such as fish, to all fermented foods and whole grains because they help to avoid blood sugar peaks that stimulate the production of cortisol “.
Which foods raise cortisol
The foods that raise cortisol are those that, even for other reasons, we should reduce to a minimum or avoid: «First of all simple and refined sugars that cause blood sugar peaks, excess caffeine especially fasting, but also the alcohol that is initially sedative, but then worsens hormonal regulation»Says Dr. Grieco. Which then recalls: “Even drastic and prolonged diets determine an increase in cortisol production, because the body perceives restriction as a threat and therefore goes into stress”.
What is the best sport to lower cortisol
Healthy diet is complementary to physical activity, always personalized according to needs and age. «In periods of strong stress, for example, I do not recommend intense cardio activity that can determine a further increase in cortisol. On the contrary, in these cases activities such as Pilates and Yogaespecially in the morning: when cortisol is at most, they are very effective to make it return to adequate levels ».
