Regulate Cortisol Levels with Chiropractic care in Cincinnati

Discussions about cortisol seem to be on every platform—not in a good way, either. 

You can blame cortisol levels for everything from your evening carb cravings to your struggle to get out of bed in the morning. But does cortisol truly deserve its villainous reputation? It turns out that cortisol is a crucial hormone. The problem comes when your cortisol level is too high or too low. At Simply Well Chiropractic in Cincinnati, Dr. Faith provides chiropractic care that helps regulate cortisol levels and can provide additional information on day-to-day tips and tricks to relieve stress.

Cortisol’s Vital Role

Cortisol, secreted by your adrenal glands on top of your kidneys, is essential for life. It helps regulate your body’s metabolism, sleep, immune function, and inflammation.  

Its most famous role, however, is in helping the body respond to stress, earning it the nickname of the “stress hormone.”

When faced with a threat, the body’s sympathetic nervous system kicks into gear, leading to a cascade of hormonal responses, including the release of cortisol. This process is vital for providing the energy needed to cope with stress and return to a state of balance.

You may know this as the “fight-or-flight” response. When you feel threatened, cortisol surges, giving you the energy to tackle the challenge or escape danger. This was a vital survival mechanism for our ancestors, and it still serves us today. Due to many factors, some people stay in that “fight-or-flight” mode, and their cortisol levels also remain elevated. 

When Cortisol Becomes a Problem

The trouble starts with chronic stress. Here’s the thing: although cortisol excels in providing short-term bursts, our bodies aren’t built to manage continuous, high levels of it. Excess cortisol, for instance, can cause Cushing’s syndrome, leading to weight gain and blood sugar problems. 

On the flip side, Addison’s disease results from insufficient cortisol production, causing symptoms like fatigue and loss of appetite. Though serious, these conditions are rare and often misdiagnosed due to symptoms overlapping with other diseases. 

You Can’t Avoid Stress, But Here are Some Signs of Elevated Cortisol Levels

While stress is a natural aspect of existence, it becomes problematic when it turns chronic, adversely affecting overall health. It’s believed that as much as 90 percent of health problems have connections to stress.

Symptoms Associated with Elevated Cortisol:

• Immune suppression
• Increases osteoporosis risk
• Fatigue (“wired-tired”)
• Obesity
• Insomnia
• Irritability and anxiety
• Night sweats
• Elevated blood pressure
• Elevated cholesterol
• Insulin resistance and sugar cravings
• Decreased thyroid hormone function
• Accelerated aging
• Hormone imbalance

Symptoms Associated with Decreased Cortisol:

• Fatigue
• Low blood pressure
• Insomnia
• Digestive problems
• Emotional imbalances/lack of motivation
• Hypoglycemia
• Loss of libido (sex drive)
• Decreased immunity
• Unresponsive hypothyroidism (does not respond to treatment)
• Allergies
• The feeling of being overwhelmed

Navigating Stress and Cortisol

Despite misconceptions, stress—and, by extension, cortisol—cannot be entirely blamed for chronic health issues. However, the link between stress and compromised health is well-documented. 

Understanding cortisol’s role in our bodies demystifies the hormone and highlights the importance of balance. While cortisol is essential for survival, managing stress through healthy lifestyle choices can prevent it from becoming a health liability. Rather than falling prey to sensationalized health claims, focusing on proven strategies for stress management and wellness can lead to a healthier, more balanced life.

Chiropractic Care that Helps Regulate Cortisol Levels

Chiropractic care plays a crucial role in the overall health and function of the adrenal glands. The practice recognizes the interconnectedness of the body’s systems and utilizes spinal adjustments to improve the function of the nervous system, which in turn influences the endocrine system, which is responsible for hormone regulation.

By adjusting the spine, chiropractors activate nerve receptors that send signals to the brain, specifically to the hypothalamus, which is critical in regulating the body’s hormonal responses. This can lead to improved regulation of cortisol production by the adrenal glands, helping mitigate chronic stress’s effects.

The benefits of chiropractic adjustments extend beyond stress management and cortisol regulation. Patients often report improved sleep quality, reduced pain, increased energy levels, and greater resilience to illness. Often, just these improvements can help regulate cortisol levels. 

Managing the Real Culprit: Chronic Stress

The positive takeaway from dealing with the adverse impacts of stress is the availability of solutions that don’t necessarily require directly “fixing” your cortisol levels. Instead, numerous strategies and lifestyle adjustments can effectively mitigate stress’s adverse effects on your health and well-being. 

Here are scientifically-backed ways to regulate cortisol levels:  

• Chiropractic Care: Chiropractic adjustments not only regulate cortisol production and mitigate stress but also enhance sleep quality, reduce pain, boost energy, and improve overall resilience.
• Regular Exercise: Get moving! Exercise helps reduce stress and boosts feel-good chemicals.
• Adequate Sleep: Sleep deprivation throws your hormones off-kilter, including cortisol.
• Mindfulness Practices: Meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can all help bring calm and focus.
• Massage Therapy: Massage therapy alleviates stress and tension, releasing muscle knots, improving blood circulation, and fostering relaxation and well-being.
• Healthy Diet: Fuel your body with nourishing foods and limit processed junk that can worsen stress.
• Seek Professional Help: Therapists can teach effective coping skills if stress significantly affects your life.

These approaches focus on holistic well-being, supporting your body’s natural mechanisms for managing stress and maintaining equilibrium without altering your cortisol levels directly. By fostering a supportive environment for your mental and physical health, you empower yourself to combat stress sustainably and healthily.

Reduce Stress Levels at Simply Well Chiropractic in Cincinnati

While cortisol is often cast in a less-than-favorable light, its role in our body’s response to stress underscores its importance. Mismanagement of cortisol levels, particularly when they remain elevated or drop too low due to chronic stress, can lead to a plethora of health issues. However, understanding that cortisol itself is not the enemy but rather its imbalance opens the door to effective management strategies. 

At Simply Well Chiropractic in Cincinnati, Dr. Faith is dedicated to providing chiropractic care that not only helps regulate cortisol levels but also offers advice on daily practices to alleviate stress. This holistic approach to health recognizes the intricate balance required for our bodies to function optimally. By addressing the real culprit—chronic stress—through a combination of chiropractic adjustments and lifestyle modifications, we can support our body’s natural resilience and maintain a healthier, more balanced life. 

If you’re ready to take control of your stress and its effects on your cortisol levels, you can schedule an appointment with Simply Well Chiropractic by calling (513) 271-1233 or using the app below this post. Together, we can navigate the path to better health, understanding that while we can’t avoid stress entirely, we can certainly learn to manage its impact on our lives.