My 7 favorite foods and herbs to lower cortisol

Summary

In this video, Dr. Alex Hinn, a licensed acupuncturist and doctor of traditional Chinese medicine, discusses natural ways to lower cortisol levels, a stress hormone. He explains the impact of stress on the body and how it can lead to various health issues. Dr. Hinn shares seven food-grade medicines and herbs, including dark chocolate, blueberries, green tea, avocados, fatty fish, garlic, and spinach, which can help reduce cortisol levels. He also touches on the role of traditional Chinese medicine in treating stress-related symptoms and provides a link to a free 'Root Cause Quiz' for viewers to identify the source of their stress.

Takeaways

• 🍫 Dark chocolate can help lower cortisol levels, especially in individuals under psychological stress.
• 🫐 Blueberries and other berries contain antioxidants that may reduce oxidative stress and inflammation linked to high cortisol levels.
• 🍵 Green tea contains eleanine, which can promote relaxation and decrease cortisol levels.
• 🥑 Avocados, rich in healthy fats and potassium, can help regulate blood pressure and lower cortisol.
• 🐟 Fatty fish like salmon and mackerel, with their omega-3 fatty acids, have anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce cortisol.
• 🧄 Garlic has compounds that can lower cortisol levels in response to stress.
• 🥬 Spinach, high in magnesium, can aid in reducing cortisol by enhancing relaxation and decreasing stress.
• 🌿 Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers unique perspectives on stress and its symptoms, viewing them as imbalances in the body's systems.
• 🔍 Dr. Alex Hind, a licensed acupuncturist and TCM doctor, suggests that lifestyle medicine and certain herbs can be effective in managing stress without resorting to pharmaceuticals.
• 🔗 Dr. Hind provides a 'Root Cause Quiz' based on TCM to help individuals identify the underlying patterns causing their symptoms.

Q & A

What is cortisol and why is it important to manage its levels?

Cortisol is a stress hormone released in the body to deal with perceived threats or stress. Managing cortisol levels is important because chronically high levels can lead to various health issues, including increased blood pressure, anxiety, and sleep disturbances.

How does the body's response to stress relate to the metaphor of the Chihuahua and the Bernese Mountain Dog?

The metaphor compares the nervous system's response to stress to the behavior of different dog breeds. The Chihuahua represents a nervous system that is easily aroused and constantly in a state of alert, while the Bernese Mountain Dog symbolizes a more relaxed and less reactive nervous system.

What are some lifestyle practices that can help lower cortisol levels without medication?

Lifestyle practices that can help lower cortisol levels include consuming certain foods like dark chocolate, berries, green tea, avocados, fatty fish, garlic, and spinach, as well as engaging in stress-reducing activities and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

What role does traditional Chinese medicine play in managing stress and cortisol levels?

Traditional Chinese medicine offers a unique perspective on managing stress and cortisol levels by focusing on the balance of the body's energy and organ systems. It uses a holistic approach, including herbal remedies and lifestyle adjustments, to address the root causes of stress and imbalances.

What are the four key symptoms associated with nervous system disregulation according to the video?

The four key symptoms associated with nervous system disregulation are elevated heart rate, palpitations or dysrhythmias, insomnia, and anxiety.

How does the consumption of dark chocolate help in reducing cortisol levels?

Dark chocolate consumption has been found to reduce cortisol levels in individuals experiencing high levels of psychological stress, likely due to its content of antioxidants and other compounds that can help the body manage stress.

What is the significance of the compound eleanine in green tea in relation to stress management?

Eleanine, a compound found in green tea, has been shown to promote relaxation and reduce cortisol levels, thus helping in stress management.

How do the healthy fats in avocados contribute to stress reduction?

The healthy fats, along with potassium in avocados, can help regulate blood pressure and lower cortisol levels, contributing to overall stress reduction.

What is the role of omega-3 fatty acids in fatty fish in managing stress?

Omega-3 fatty acids in fatty fish have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce cortisol levels, thus playing a role in managing stress.

How does garlic, a common kitchen spice, affect cortisol levels?

Garlic contains compounds that can reduce cortisol levels in response to stress, making it a potential natural aid in stress management.

What is the significance of magnesium in spinach for stress and cortisol levels?

Spinach is naturally high in magnesium, which can help reduce cortisol levels by improving relaxation and reducing stress, thus contributing to better stress management.