Cortisol

What Cortisol Does

•    Mobilizes and increases amino acids, the building blocks of protein, in the blood and liver.
•    Stimulates the liver to convert amino acids to glucose, the primary fuel for energy production.
•    Stimulates increased glycogen in the liver. Glycogen is the stored form of glucose.
•    Mobilizes and increases fatty acids in the blood (from fat cells) to be used as fuel for energy production.
•    Counteracts inflammation and allergies.
•    Prevents the loss of sodium in urine and thus helps maintain blood volume and blood pressure.
•    Maintains resistance to stress (e.g., infections, physical trauma, temperature extremes, emotional trauma, etc.).
•    Maintains mood and emotional stability.

Excess Cortisol

•    Diminishes cellular utilization of glucose.
•    Increases blood sugar levels.
•    Decreases protein synthesis.
•    Increases protein breakdown that can lead to muscle wasting.
•    Causes demineralization of bone that can lead to osteoporosis.
•    Interferes with skin regeneration and healing.
•    Causes shrinking of lymphatic tissue
•    Diminishes lymphocyte numbers and functions
•    Lessens SIgA (secretory antibody productions). This immune system suppression may lead to increased susceptibility to allergies, infections, and degenerative disease.