Cortisol is a stress hormone that your adrenal glands, the endocrine glands on top of your kidneys, produce and release.
Ever find yourself mindlessly munching late at night, despite not feeling genuinely hungry? It might not be hunger, but a stress response triggered by a hormone called cortisol. This common phenomenon might not be about satisfying hunger pangs at all, but rather a hidden stress response triggered by a hormone called cortisol.
Cortisol, often dubbed the “stress hormone,” plays a crucial role in our body’s fight-or-flight response, surging during stressful situations. But what many might not know is its significant influence on alertness. Rising cortisol levels in the morning naturally kick-start our day, leaving us feeling energised and ready to tackle the day’s tasks. Conversely, a slow rise in cortisol can lead to slu levelsggishness and difficulty waking up.
Here’s where things get interesting. Food intolerances can deplete cortisol levels, leading to drowsiness. This is distinct from the sleepiness caused by serotonin, a brain chemical associated with relaxation and comfort food cravings.
What are the signs that might indicate low cortisol?
- Late risers
- Individuals who are prone to developing keloid scars (raised, thickened scars)
- Those with heightened empathy
- People who experience worsening dark circles around their eyes after consuming intolerant food
They might all be experiencing the effects of low cortisol.
Now, back to those late-night cravings. To combat drowsiness and stay awake late, some people resort to frequent snacking. However, the logic behind this isn’t as straightforward as it seems. Snacking stimulates a small release of cortisol to aid digestion, providing a temporary boost in alertness. But this behaviour has a catch: it can lead to unwanted weight gain over time.
Here’s where we can break the cycle and choose a healthier alternative. Ditch the late-night snacking and opt for a cup of green tea instead. Green tea boasts a significantly lower caffeine content compared to coffee, roughly one-third less.
This allows for a sustained energy boost over a longer period, helping you stay focused without the jittery side effects often associated with coffee. Additionally, green tea is both calorie-friendly and budget-conscious, making it a win-win for your health and wallet.
However, a word of caution before you stock up on green tea:
- Iron Deficiency: If you have low iron levels, be aware that green tea can further deplete your iron stores. To counter this, incorporate beetroot and pomegranate into your regular diet. These foods are rich in iron and can help maintain healthy levels.
- Green Tea Quality: Many supermarket brands marketed as green tea contain fillers and additives. Opt for pure green tea leaves to reap the full benefits of this natural beverage.
By understanding the link between stress, cortisol, and late-night cravings, we can make informed choices to break unhealthy habits. So, the next time you find yourself reaching for a late-night snack, consider a cup of green tea instead. It might just be the healthier and more sustainable way to stay alert and focused.
(Inputs by Saravanan Balakrishnan, Founder and CEO of Health (amura.ai))