The natural response of your body to the stress is increased cortisol level which increases the production of NeurEndoMetabolic stress response in your body which further helps you to deal with stress on numerous levels.
Cortisol level not decreasing
But sometimes this cortisol level does not decrease even when the stressful period of your body has passed. If the level of cortisol does not decrease then it could lead to various health issues such as gastrointestinal issues, mental health issues, etc.
Now, you must be wondering how to reduce cortisol and what way you could use it. Well, you can use food products to lower the cortisol level in your body to protect it from other health issues.
In this blog of ours we are going to tell you what food items can be helpful for you in decreasing the cortisol level of your body, so let us get started to know about it.
Food to help decrease the cortisol level
A good diet can tackle many health issues but people still ignore the fact and do not focus on a healthy and good diet. A healthy diet can be beneficial for you in reducing cortisol in which it is a good idea that you avoid too much intake of sugar, processed food, trans fats, and sugary drinks.
Best food items to take to decrease cortisol levels in the body
Here is the list of food items that you can add to your grocery list if you are willing to lower the cortisol levels in your body.
Dried apricots
Dried apricots are rich in magnesium which helps in relaxing the muscles and also eases the trembling of the heart. It will also boost your immune system because of the vitamin C it has.
Leafy green vegetables
Leafy vegetables like Kale, spinach, Broccoli, etc are rich in vitamin C, magnesium, and folate which are very much effective in controlling the cortisol level. Collard greens also contain high vitamin K which regulates the calcium level, blood clotting, and bone formation in your body.
Whole grains
Whole grains take some time to digest and in this procedure, they ensure that the happiness hormone serotonin is being released constantly and steadily in the body. It also helps to stabilize blood sugar levels and you can eat any whole grain you wish to like oats, whole barley, pasta, whole wheat, Quinoa, etc.
Fatty fish
Fishes like Salmon, Mackerel, herring, Cod, and Sardines are all rich in omega-3 fatty acids which will help you to reduce cortisol level and keep it stable as well not only this but these fatty fishes also promote your heart health and keep it safe.
Eggs
Just like fish Eggs are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and chlorine which helps in the better functioning of the brain and also helps in releasing serotonin.
Seeds and nuts
Many seeds help in the regulation of emotions as they are rich in magnesium like pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, flax seeds etc which are very easily available in the market and you can also easily incorporate them in your diet.
Whereas nuts like almonds and walnuts include omega-3 fatty acids which promote good mental and heart health, fight stress and reduce inflammation.
Chocolate
Chocolate is a food item that almost all of us love and you will be amazed to know that dark chocolate are rich in minerals, iron, copper, manganese, zinc, etc, and will help you in reducing cortisol level in your body when it is high.
However, you should not over-consume dark chocolate as it could harm your health and body because of the amount of sugar it contains.