Medicine Redefined 180. The Truth About Cortisol, Insulin & Overtraining | Shawn Arent, PhD, CSCS
Aug 5, 2025
Join Dr. Shawn Arent, a renowned professor in exercise science, as he unpacks the complexities of cortisol and insulin. He clarifies cortisol's essential role in stress and athletic performance, while also addressing the risks of chronic elevation. Dr. Arent shares insights on nutrition's impact on hormone levels and the importance of tracking hormonal markers for athletes. With science-backed facts, he challenges common social media myths about hormones, helping listeners rethink their approach to training and recovery.
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Nutrition Supports Cortisol Balance
- Nutrition influences cortisol and recovery by providing fuel and raw materials.
- Ensure adequate calorie and protein intake to prevent cortisol-induced muscle breakdown during stress and training.
Insulin: Anabolic, Not Evil
- Insulin is a powerful anabolic hormone critical for nutrient storage and glucose regulation.
- Fluctuations in insulin are normal; chronic hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance cause problems, not insulin itself.
Exercise Improves Insulin Sensitivity
- During exercise, insulin decreases while glucose uptake increases due to muscle contractions activating GLUT4 transporters.
- Regular exercise improves insulin sensitivity, reducing the insulin needed for glucose regulation.
