How to Reduce Cortisol Levels for Bodybuilding

The best way to build muscle is through a comprehensive weightlifting program. Cortisol can kill your efforts here though. 

It's important to note that one should not be afraid of lifting heavy weights, as this can help increase muscle mass. One should also ensure that they are consuming enough calories and protein for muscle growth.

Cortisol and bodybuilding are closely linked, because high and constant cortisol will damage protein synthesis, recovery and therefore muscle growth. Which is why many athletes look to reduce cortisol for bodybuilding.

The Benefits of Eating Foods that Lower Cortisol Levels

Cortisol levels in the bloodstream can be high because of stress, depression, or an illness. When this is the case, a person will need to eat a diet that contains foods that lower cortisol levels.

Some of the best foods for lowering cortisol levels include eggs, spinach, tuna fish, mushrooms, and root vegetables like carrots and yams.

Cortisol is often referred to as the "stress hormone." When stressed, our bodies produce more cortisol than usual. This can lead to a variety of side effects from sleep problems to high blood pressure. Cortisol can also damage testosterone levels. This is why it is so important for athletes and those who are physically active to manage their stress levels in order to have healthy testosterone levels and build up muscle.

Which Foods Can Lower Cortisol?

  • CBD

  • Bananas

  • Walnuts

  • Cherries

A growing number of people are turning to natural remedies to help them deal with the effects of stress. CBD is one such thing, and ShredCBD our product is a great way for athletes to deal with increased cortisol levels simply by taking capsules.

This can in turn lead to better performance and a leaner and stronger physique.

While there are many foods that can be consumed to reduce cortisol levels such as eggs, walnuts, and bananas, recent studies have shown that tart cherry juice might be the best of all. This juice contains melatonin which helps control sleep cycles and cortisol levels.

How Does Cortisol Affect Muscles?

Cortisol is a hormone that has been found to have both positive and negative effects on muscle health.

Positive effects of cortisol from exercise: Some Cortisol can be beneficial for muscle growth, as it increases muscle protein synthesis in a process called anabolism. Cortisol also encourages the conversion of amino acids into glucose. This helps to provide energy for muscles during exercise or when they are stressed. It also helps with weight loss by increasing lipolysis and fat oxidation, meaning that it is burned for fuel rather than stored around the waistline.

Negative effects of cortisol from lifestyle and work: Moderate and sustained amounts of cortisol (like from work) can be helpful because they help muscles recover from exercise, but high levels will make them more susceptible to injury and become less responsive to the anabolic action of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1).

How to Get Enough Sleep for Relaxed Muscles and Less Cortisol Production?

There are many reasons why you may not be getting enough sleep.

However, one of the main reasons is that it is very difficult to turn off your brain at night.

If you don’t get enough sleep, your body produces more cortisol, the stress hormone! Which in turn can have long term damage on your bodybuilding goals.

Here are some ways to help you get that much-needed rest:

  • Take a short nap during the day.
  • Use relaxation methods like breathing and yoga before bed.
  • Create a nighttime routine that helps your brain shut down for bed.
  • Avoid screens and blue lights before bedtime.
  • Try not to worry (this can keep you up)

CBD to reduce cortisol for Bodybuilders

CBD is a cannabinoid that can help to alleviate the symptoms of stress.

A study by the University of Buffalo found that CBD can be used to reduce anxiety, which in turn would help to lower cortisol levels in the body. The University of Buffalo also found that CBD can help to lessen and relieve pain during periods of chronic pain and has been found to promote sleep.

That is why many bodybuilders are turning to ShredCBD as an easy way to get CBD in their diet without risks of THC. 

-See ShredCBD for Bodybuilders-

Why Testosterone is Important

Testosterone is an androgen hormone that regulates a wide variety of biological processes. It has several functions in the body, including roles in male reproductive development and maintenance of muscle mass.

Cortisol kills off testosterone and basically stops the benefits it can cause. So you need to be lowering cortisol levels and also building up testosterone levels.

Cortisol blocks the effects of testosterone on muscle building and fat burning by preventing the production of testosterone. This can cause the body to burn muscle rather than fat and may lead to an increase in body fat, appetite, and mood swings.

Testosterone levels naturally decline as men age. There are many factors that contribute to lowered testosterone, but one of the most common is obesity. Obesity can cause insulin resistance, which can eventually lead to type-2 diabetes, which often leads to lower testosterone levels. Eating healthy foods can help balance hormone levels and boost testosterone production.

Some foods that increase testosterone levels include:

-Oysters: Oysters are a great food for increasing testosterone levels because they contain vitamin D, zinc, and selenium which all play a vital role in regulating hormone production

-Bananas

Foods high in protein and fat are generally the most effective at boosting testosterone.

It is important to note that there are many other factors that contribute to a healthy hormonal balance. Things like sleep, stress levels, weight loss, and exercise can have a huge impact on testosterone levels.

We recommend these foods for their high fat and protein content and also their clean macros that can aid the production of testosterone. 

  • -Eggs
  • -Tuna
  • -Turkey bacon
  • -Nuts

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