The 9 Best Supplements to Reduce Cortisol and Belly Fat
Are you feeling the weight of stress in your daily life? Well, you’re not alone. Stress is a global epidemic. The American Institute of Stress reveals ‘Americans are among the most stressed populations’. But what does stress have to do with your health? Plenty. The connection lies in cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. When stress levels soar, so does cortisol production, where the trouble begins.
Chronic stress leads to a myriad of health issues, including obesity. The National Library of Medicine confirms the link between stress and belly fat. That said, don’t be anxious as we’re about to introduce you to a game-changer: Supplements.
From the Ashwagandha to probiotics, there are many ways to lower cortisol levels. So, if you’re eager to discover the 9 best supplements to reduce cortisol and belly fat.
- Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is an ancient herb used in Ayurvedic medicine. It has gained recognition for its potential to reduce cortisol levels and promote weight loss. Research also confirms the stress-relieving properties of ashwagandha.
2. Rhodiola Rosea
Rhodiola Rosea, an adaptogenic herb, is another super cortisol anti-belly fat supplement. It has shown promising results in reducing cortisol levels. By incorporating Rhodiola Rosea into your daily regimen, you could potentially experience a reduction in belly fat. Article ‘7 Science-Backed Health Benefits of Rhodiola Rosea’ by the Healthline website says the same thing.
3. Fish Oil
Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil supplements have been linked with numerous health benefits. The benefits also include reducing cortisol basal levels and promoting fat loss, especially around the abdominal area.
4. Magnesium
Research suggests magnesium impacts subjective anxiety and stress. This implies magnesium supplementation can also help regulate your cortisol levels. It does so by influencing your hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. After all, the HPA axis is your body’s central stress response system.
5. Vitamin C
The National Library of Medicine’s research reiterates it. According to this, vitamin C can help reduce high levels of cortisol caused by long-term stress. It is among the best supplements to reduce cortisol and belly fat. Vitamin C works by scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reducing oxidative stress. It could also reduce cortisol belly fat by supporting the function of enzymes involved in fat metabolism.
6. Holy Basil (Tulsi)
With adaptogenic properties, Holy Basil supplements may assist in lowering cortisol levels. It works by modulating the activity of stress-related neurotransmitters and hormones. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects might contribute to a decrease in visceral fat accumulation.
7. Green Tea Extract
Green tea extract contains compounds like EGCG. Such compounds could boost metabolism and promote fat burning. That is why adding green tea extract supplements to your routine might help support your weight loss goals. The article ’11 Natural Ways to Lower Your Cortisol Levels’ by the Healthline website confirms it’s identical. It is one of the easily available cortisol supplements for belly fat.
8. L-Theanine
L-Theanine, an amino acid found in green tea, has been linked with reduced cortisol levels in healthy adults. By reducing cortisol levels, L-Theanine may help promote relaxation. It is believed to achieve this by influencing neurotransmitter activity in the brain. These are associated with relaxation and mood regulation.
9. Probiotics
These are beneficial bacteria known to play a crucial role in maintaining gut health. Research suggests that probiotics can help relieve stress in healthy adults. It is among the well-known cortisol and belly fat supplements. By restoring balance to the gut microbiota, probiotics may help reduce cortisol levels. This way, it helps in reducing belly fat.
References
- 2022. What is Stress? Stress.Org. https://www.stress.org/daily-life
- 2022. Obesity and Stress: A Contingent Paralysis. National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9362746/
- 2019. An investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological actions of an ashwagandha. National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6750292/
- 2023. 7 Science-Backed Health Benefits of Rhodiola rosea. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/rhodiola-rosea
- 2024. 5 Supplements to Reduce Cortisol, According to Experts. https://www.forbes.com/health/supplements/supplements-to-reduce-cortisol/
