High or Low Cortisol: Health Effects to Know
Herbal Support: Ashwagandha helps minimise stress hormones and boost overall strength. Tulsi helps manage routine mental stress and promotes a sense of calm. Brahmi may help support the nervous system and improve focus. Shankhapushpi is a mind-calming herb that promotes sound sleep. Women can also opt for shatavari, which supports hormonal health and helps manage stress.
Dietary Support: To start with, avoid processed foods, refined sugar, caffeine and alcohol, as they are known to disturb cortisol levels. For healthy cortisol levels, use spices such as turmeric and cumin. Opt for simple, warm and freshly cooked meals made from seasonal ingredients. Foods such as moong dal khichdi are light to digest and provide energy. You can also include ingredients such as millets (ragi, bajra and jowar) for nourishment and complex carbohydrates, along with healthy fats such as ghee to lubricate tissues and calm the nervous system. Eating meals at regular times can also help maintain cortisol levels.
Lifestyle Support: Start by managing your sleep pattern. Maintain a consistent sleep schedule by getting seven to eight hours of sleep and following a regular bedtime and wake-up routine. Start your mornings with yoga, pranayama and meditation, which can help keep your mind and body calm and healthy and help you manage stress.
Certain Patanjali products can also be included as part of a routine focused on managing stress and supporting overall well-being.
Patanjali Ashvashila (11 Gms) contains ashwagandha and shilajit. It helps boost stamina, combat tiredness and provide energy during stressful periods.
You can also opt for Patanjali Nutrela Vit B12 Natural (10.5 Gms) to support overall health. It provides energy, supports nervous system functioning and helps with blood formation. It contains herbs such as moringa and aloe vera.
For nourishing meals such as khichdi, you can use Unpolished Moong Dal Chilka (500 Gms and 1 Kg) and Patanjali Unpolished Moong Dal Dhuli (500 Gms and 1 Kg). Both are sources of protein and other nutrients and can be included as part of a balanced diet.
Managing cortisol levels and supporting a stress-free lifestyle can involve a combination of healthy habits, Ayurveda and suitable Patanjali products.
