As the holidays draw nearer, we at D’Adamo Personalized Nutrition are continuing to provide educational resources to support the added stress many of us experience during this festive time of the year.

This week, we’re highlighting Cortiguard, an expertly formulated blend of herbs and nutrients that supports balanced cortisol levels.

What is Cortisol?

Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands, two small glands that sit atop the kidneys. Cortisol is produced by these glands in response to stress, and supports the body’s acute stress response by fueling the “fight-or-flight” response.

Cortisol’s job is to ensure the body has sufficient resources to withstand an acutely stressful experience. For example, if you need to run from a threat, cortisol helps to mobilize energy reserves by stimulating the breakdown of liver glycogen (stored glucose). This increases blood sugar levels to provide energy for your muscles to run.

Cortisol also promotes the breakdown of proteins in muscle tissue into amino acids, which can be converted into even more glucose through a process called gluconeogenesis. There’s even a mechanism by which cortisol promotes the breakdown of fats into fatty acids, providing even more energy.

This is fantastic…in an acute setting, as it provides you with the resources you need to get to safety.

But what if your stressor isn’t acute, but rather long and drawn out? Such is the case for most stressors these days, which can include:

• Looming deadlines for work
• Finances
• Caring for the loved ones

When our stressors are not discrete with a set end time, cortisol is still released, but there’s no telling when cortisol levels will go back down. With this, the ill effects of long-term cortisol elevations can come into the picture.

Chronically elevated cortisol can disrupt metabolic balance; over time contributing to insulin resistance, a condition where the body’s cells become less responsive to insulin, the hormone that drives blood sugar into the cells. This can elevate blood sugar, and lead to Type 2 Diabetes.

Dr. Peter D’Adamo recognized that while Blood Type A’s and B’s are more likely to mount a slower cortisol response curve and struggle with the long-term effects of elevated cortisol, all types would benefit from a formula that aimed to support balanced cortisol levels.

So he created Cortiguard, with an impressive 3-layer design to deliver maximum benefits: 

• A base of B vitamins (including thiamine, vitamin B6, pantothenic acid), lipoic acid and vitamin C
• A layer of Panax ginseng root and eleuthero root – two adaptogenic herbs used for centuries to support the adrenal glands
• A layer of Ayurvedic herbs (Bacopa leaf and Boerhavia root) that may help to maintain healthy cortisol levels, and Magnolia bark extract, a traditional plant remedy for stress.

If you find that holiday stress comes with you into the New Year, Cortiguard may be right for you.