← Age Better with Liz Earle2 oct. · 52 min

The surprising truth about cortisol in midlife – with Dr Erin Kinney

The surprising truth about cortisol in midlife – with Dr Erin Kinney2 oct.52 min

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We often think of cortisol as the big, bad stress hormone we need to keep as low as possible. But what if too little is just as bad for your health? Naturopathic doctor Erin Kinney joins Liz to explain why cortisol is an essential hormone for energy, focus, inflammation and resilience – and why our levels can become depleted in midlife.

They discuss how chronic stress can leave us stuck in a cycle of using up more cortisol than we can replenish, and how this can impact everything from sleep and mood to digestion and weight loss.

Erin also shares practical ways to support a healthy cortisol rhythm, including morning sunlight, regular mealtimes and learning to activate our 'relaxing muscles'.

In this episode:

Why cortisol is essential for our healthSigns and symptoms of a cortisol imbalanceThe connection between blood sugar and stressWhy your tension headache and joint pain might be down to low cortisolAre your harder workouts and low-calorie meals stopping you losing weight? Why it’s better to learn to manage stress than fear itThe importance of sunlight and good sleep for healthy cortisol productionHow declining hormones disrupt sleep and stress resilienceThe impact of nutritional deficiencies on cortisol levelsHow fasting and eating too little can stall weight lossWhy low mood and apathy can be a sign of depleted cortisolThe adaptogenic herbs that can help calm your nervous systemThe importance of lifestyle, healthy boundaries and putting yourself first