Is cortisol really the villain it’s made out to be?

We’ve all seen the headlines, TikToks, and wellness trends blaming cortisol for everything from weight gain to “cortisol face.” But the truth is, cortisol isn’t just a stress hormone but an essential element for energy, metabolism, and survival.

In this episode, we dig into what cortisol actually does, what really causes high levels, and why detoxes and “cortisol blockers” are NOT the answer. We’ll break down myths around adrenal fatigue, explore the link between exercise and cortisol and share what the research really says about supplements, stress, and lifestyle.

🎗️ Timestamps:

00:14 Quick Catch-Up & Why Cortisol Matters
07:18 What Cortisol Actually Is (beyond “stress hormone”)
09:38 Why Cortisol Isn’t Just A Stress Hormone
14:14 What Really Drives High Cortisol Levels
24:23 The Truth Behind “Cortisol Face”
29:43 Why Cortisol Detoxes Are A Scam
31:15 How Exercise Impacts Cortisol Response
36:15 Do Cortisol-Blocking Supplements Actually Work?
37:49 The Myth Of Adrenal Fatigue Explained
41:45 Final Takeaways: What Really Helps Regulate Cortisol

📒 Resources Mentioned:

🎧 34 | Q&A: Optimizing Hormones, Supplement Safety, and Set Point Weight Theory

📄 Sleep loss results in an elevation of cortisol levels the next evening📄 Exercise and circulating cortisol levels: the intensity threshold effect

📄 Low Calorie Dieting Increases Cortisol

📄 An investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological actions of an ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

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🟡 How to: Fitness
Instagram: @howtofitnesspod

🟡 Michael Ulloa
Website: michaelulloa.com
Instagram: @michaelulloapt

🟡 Kate Lyman
Website: katelymannutrition.com
Instagram: @klnutrition

Thank you for listening to the How to: Fitness Podcast with Michael Ulloa and Kate Lyman!

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