Show Notes
We often think of cortisol as the big, bad stress hormone we need to keep as low as possible. But what if too little is just as bad for your health? Naturopathic doctor Erin Kinney joins Liz to explain why cortisol is an essential hormone for energy, focus, inflammation and resilience – and why our levels can become depleted in midlife.
They discuss how chronic stress can leave us stuck in a cycle of using up more cortisol than we can replenish, and how this can impact everything from sleep and mood to digestion and weight loss.
Erin also shares practical ways to support a healthy cortisol rhythm, including morning sunlight, regular mealtimes and learning to activate our 'relaxing muscles'.
In this episode: Why cortisol is essential for our health Signs and symptoms of a cortisol imbalance The connection between blood sugar and stress Why your tension headache and joint pain might be down to low cortisol Are your harder workouts and low-calorie meals stopping you losing weight? Why it’s better to learn to manage stress than fear it The importance of sunlight and good sleep for healthy cortisol production How declining hormones disrupt sleep and stress resilience The impact of nutritional deficiencies on cortisol levels How fasting and eating too little can stall weight loss Why low mood and apathy can be a sign of depleted cortisol The adaptogenic herbs that can help calm your nervous system The importance of lifestyle, healthy boundaries and putting yourself first
More from Erin: Follow Erin on Instagram Read Erin’s book The Cortisol Cure
Get in touch with a question for Liz: Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: 07518 471 846
More from Liz: How To Age A Better Second Half Follow Liz on Instagram Follow Liz Earle Wellbeing on Instagram
Host: Liz Earle Producer: Anouszka Tate (Fresh Air Production) Content Writer: Lucy Parley Head of Brand: Ellie Smith
Some links may be affiliate links, which help support the show at no extra cost to you. Read our Affiliate Policy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
More from Age Better with Liz Earle
It seems the key to a brighter mood and healthy brain really does start at the end of your fork. Liz is joined by epidemiologist and ZOE co-founder Professor Tim Spector to explore the powerful connection between our gut and mental wellbeing – and how a few simple food tweaks can have a rapid impact on your mood and cognitive health.
Which supplements are really worth taking in your 40s, 50s and beyond? Liz is joined by nutritionist Rhian Stephenson, founder of ARTAH, to cut through the noise and focus on the evidence-backed essentials that can support women’s health as we age, from creatine and magnesium to iron and vitamin D. They discuss how to prioritise supplementation around your changing needs, the importance of fibre for gut health and why getting the basics right matters more than anything else.
If you’ve recently been on a course of antibiotics, it’s always a good idea to help support your gut back to good health. Liz shares her advice on rebuilding a robust gut microbiome, from taking probiotics to feeding beneficial bacteria with fibre and fermented foods. She also discusses exploring ways to manage recurring infections.
If you’ve been feeling a bit ‘meh’ recently, you’re not alone. Poet and bestselling author Donna Ashworth joins Liz to explore how we can rediscover our bright side by looking for ‘little glimmers’ in the everyday and reconnecting with the things that truly matter.
As health supplements have come under recent media scrutiny, how do we know what’s worth taking? Liz explores why the answer isn’t quite so simple, explaining why quality, dosage, evidence and individual needs all matter. She discusses the importance of source and testing, and shares her recommendations for women over the age of 50.