reSee.it Video Transcript AI Summary
Cortisol, the body's primary stress hormone released by the adrenal glands, is crucial for the fight or flight response, increasing energy availability during stress. Cortisol levels follow a daily rhythm, peaking in the morning and decreasing at night.
Chronic stress elevates cortisol, potentially causing weight gain, high blood pressure, and impaired immunity. Cortisol impacts metabolism, blood sugar, inflammation, memory, and mood; balanced cortisol is essential for health.
Both high and low cortisol levels can be detrimental. Consistently high cortisol can lead to Cushing's syndrome, while low cortisol can result in Addison's disease, characterized by fatigue, weight loss, and low blood pressure. Balanced cortisol levels are therefore important.