Ep 30: Is Your Gut Causing High Cortisol? The Gut x Cortisol Connection

Do you have high cortisol? Everyone is talking about cortisol levels but no is talking about why they are high in the first place. Hint: it could be your gut. In this episode of the Nutrient Dense Podcast, I dive into the intricate relationship between gut health and cortisol levels. I breakdown how cortisol, often referred to as the stress hormone, can negatively impact gut function AND how deeper gut issues can cause high cortisol levels and chronic HPA Axis activation. The conversation explores the role of the HPA axis, the influence of the gut microbiome on inflammation, and the connection between blood sugar regulation and stress. I also get get into how your gut can be contributing to histamine overload, which can further exacerbate stress and anxiety.   WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT IN THIS EPISODE: Cortisol negatively impacts gut health and function. Gut imbalances can raise cortisol levels via LPS producing gut bacteria. A healthy gut microbiome helps prevent systemic inflammation. Healthy gut bacteria modulate the vagus nerve. Blood sugar dysregulation can increase cortisol levels. Poor gut health can lead to low neurotransmitter production. Nutrient deficiencies act as chronic stressors on the body. Histamine overload can contribute to increased cortisol levels. High cortisol levels can damage gut health and function.             LINKS: Book a strategy call with Hannah HERE Take the Gut Health Root Cause Quiz for free! Equip Protein: use the code hannahaylwardhhc for 15% off Listen to Episode 11 - Top 5 Tips for Balancing Your Blood Sugar Listen to Episode 25 - Is Nervous System Dysregulation Causing Chronic Gut Issues w/ Jessica Maguire Listen to Episode 12 - Is Histamine Overload Causing Your Unexplained Symptoms? Listen to Episode 14 - Chronically Stressed & Exhausted? Navigating Burnout & “Adrenal Fatigue”             CONNECT WITH HANNAH: Instagram  |   Website               If you found this episode valuable, share it with a friend and leave us a rating/review! Thank you for listening ✨