Cortisol is a stress hormone, which is produced under stressful conditions, one of them being heavy training. A CrossFit viewer asked how they could nutritionally support their hormones under heavy training loads. The first hormone that comes into mind is modulating the hormone Cortisol.

Cortisol is a stress hormone that is produced in the adrenal glands and is designed to be released in short bursts. Cortisol is an anti-inflammatory hormone and it also helps us mobilize energy. This is used in times of fight or flight when these short energy bursts are necessary to run or fight.

In modern times, we disrupt our Cortisol production by poor sleep, overworking, heavy training and poor nutrition. Cortisol production has been directly correlated with training load. It is important to pay attention to your body and note that if you are overstressing your body and producing large amounts of cortisol, your body will start to break down. It will break down your muscle because it is a catabolic hormone.

Your body makes cortisol preferentially over other hormones.  When there is a large amount of cortisol being made, you will see other hormones decline like testosterone and DHEA. These hormones are responsible for building your body up. This is why it is important to take a rest after heavy training.

Make sure you get 20-25 grams of protein within ten minutes after heavy training. This will blunt the rise in cortisol. Triton Nutrition makes Vital Vegan Protein and ProFit Whey and these can be used in combination with Vital Greens or Vital Reds. Please check out our site where delicious recipes are listed using these proteins.

Another great product is Triton Nutrition's Immuno Growth Factor with PRP, which is a pure, cold-pressed colostrum product made from grass-fed, organically grown cows. This cold-pressed technique maintains Immunoglobulins (IgGs) and proline-rich polypeptides (PRPs). PRPs help balance inflammation and IgGs are needed because the immune system can be weakened during heavy workouts. This is a very efficient form of protein and can be combined with the other powdered forms of protein.

There are two products by Triton Nutrition that also help with Cortisol regulation: Relora-plex and Adrenal Shield. Adrenal Shield contains extract from three herbs: Chordyceps sinensis, Ginseng root and Rhodiola rosea root, which helps balance the cortisol and the other hormones responsible for balancing energy, like DHEA. This will help with afternoon fatigue.

Relora-plex is a specific blend of herbs designed to reduce cortisol. Relora-plex is specifically helpful when someone would like to start on hormone replacement therapy but his or her cortisol is elevated. You don't want to start therapy before getting the elevated cortisol under control first because the other hormones supplied during therapy won't function properly. Relora-plex allows the person to feel less anxiety and more smooth energy throughout the day. At nighttime they fall asleep faster and they stay asleep. It is important to sleep well because that is when 80% of growth hormone is produced.

by Robert Seik, PharmD