That’s according to Hannah McLane, sales team lead at analytics firm Spate, which tracks consumer trends across Google and TikTok.
For all the concern that exists among consumers about heightened cortisol levels, health and nutrition expert Dr. Jonny Bowden, PhD, said that cortisol is the ‘emergency hormone’ and that without it, people would die.
However, increased cortisol levels can produce belly fat, for example, and fat deposits can persist with continued exposure to stress.
“There’s a negative connotation to cortisol,” he said. “And [people are] not aware that it’s actually good to have a little bit of it. So, it’s not about the balancing it. It’s more about how do I reduce cortisol.”
Inflammation
There are also supplements that one can take to reduce cortisol, which Bowden explains in the video.
It is essential to consume a diet that combats inflammation and to promote a lifestyle that minimizes stress. However, reducing stress is the big takeaway message. The more that stressors are minimized, the more cortisol is reduced. There are many tools people can use to accomplish this, including incorporating meditation, improving sleep and consuming select supplements.
“Inflammation and stress are two sides of the same coin— it’s virtually impossible to have one without the other,” Bowden said. “Inflammation is felt by the body as stress not sleeping enough is felt by the body as stress. So, there’s all these strategies to reduce these inflammatory compounds and activities.”
McLane said social media is filled with people and products looking for and promoting a quick fix.
“It’s about how can I buy this one product to fix my cortisol levels that’s going to make me sleep through the night magically,” she said. “But like Dr. Bowden was saying, you really have to focus on every part of your life, and consumers need to get there.”
