Cortisol, often called the “stress hormone,” plays a critical role in your body’s response to stress. It helps regulate metabolism, blood pressure, and immune function. But when cortisol levels stay too high for too long, it can lead to serious health problems—especially in today’s fast-paced American lifestyle. If you're feeling constantly tired, anxious, gaining weight (especially around the belly), or having trouble sleeping, high cortisol could be to blame. Fortunately, there are science-backed, natural ways to lower cortisol levels and restore balance. In this post, we’ll cover what cortisol is, how it affects your body, and the best proven strategies to lower cortisol levels naturally. What Is Cortisol? Cortisol is a hormone produced by your adrenal glands. It’s released in response to stress and low blood glucose levels. While it's essential for survival, chronically high cortisol levels can contribute to: Weight gain (especially abdominal fat) Sleep issues ...