What is the hormone cortisol?
A. Cortisol is our primary stress hormone. In small amounts, cortisol is needed by the body to control carbohydrate metabolism, inflammation, and cardiovascular function. Cortisol is also known as the “fight-or-flight” hormone because of its effects in increasing blood pressure and blood sugar levels to help us run away from or fight off a predator or other stressful event. Again, while small amounts of cortisol are a “good” thing, there is evidence to suggest that raised cortisol levels over extended periods of time, as a result of everyday stress, may lead to abdominal fat storage in some people.
