Masaba Gupta Says Her Cortisol Levels Are Through the Roof; What Does It Mean?

Designer Masaba Gupta recently revealed her cortisol level is extremely high, which means she has too much of the stress hormone that can lead to symptoms like weight gain, high blood pressure, high blood sugar,

fatigue, and mood changes. “Apparently, my cortisol levels are through the roof,” the 35-year-old wrote on Instagram. She also mentioned a way to lower it. “Calming it down with ghar ka khaana. All begins in the kitchen,” Masaba wrote on Instagram Stories alongside a picture of her plate, which comprised beetroot and oats chilla, savoury chia seeds pudding with cucumber, peanut powder, curry leaves, hing, mustard seeds, and yoghurt.

What is cortisol?

Cortisol is a hormone that your adrenal glands make and release. According to experts, it is a glucocorticoid - a type of steroid hormone, and even though it is mostly thought of just as a stress creator, doctors say cortisol is an essential hormone that affects almost every organ and tissue in your body. It plays many other important roles, including:

• Regulating how your body uses glucose for energy
• Lowering inflammation
• Regulating blood pressure
• Helping control your sleep-wake cycle

Your body continuously monitors your cortisol levels to maintain a steady level. High or low cortisol levels can be harmful to your health.

How does cortisol affect your body?

Cortisol affects nearly every organ system in your body. And it helps regulate several key functions. According to experts, during times of stress, your body releases cortisol after it goes into the “fight-or-flight" response. This happens so you continue to stay on high alert. Cortisol also triggers the release of glucose from your liver – providing fast energy during times of stress. Experts say that in short spurts, cortisol also boosts your immunity by limiting inflammation. But if you have consistently high levels of cortisol, your body gets used to it – causing inflammation and a weakened immune system.

What causes high levels of cortisol?

According to doctors, if you have had high levels of cortisol for a long time, it is usually due to Cushing syndrome. A few causes of high cortisol levels and Cushing syndrome include:

• Taking high doses of corticosteroid medications
• Tumours that produce ACTH, which are usually found in the pituitary gland
• Adrenal gland tumours that lead to excess cortisol

Signs and symptoms of high cortisol levels

A few symptoms of high cortisol levels include:

• Weight gain, especially in your face and belly
• Fatty deposits between your shoulder blades
• Wide, purple stretch marks all over your belly
• Muscle weakness in your upper arms and thighs
• High blood sugar levels
• High blood pressure
• Excessive hair growth in women
• Weak bones

Can your diet lower cortisol levels?

Yes, experts say your diet can lower cortisol levels by focusing on whole, anti-inflammatory foods and avoiding excessive sugar and processed items. Eating a balanced diet, which is packed with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats like omega-3s, and magnesium, can help manage and reduce cortisol. A few foods that are beneficial in bringing down high cortisol levels include:

• Omega-3 fatty acids, which are mostly found in fish like salmon and anchovies
• Magnesium-rich foods include avocados, bananas, dark chocolate, broccoli, and spinach.
• Probiotics that are in abundance in Greek yogurt, kombucha, and sauerkraut
• Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, which are a great source of fibre and nutrients