A rare adrenal gland tumor can manifest with these 10 signs. Do not underestimate these signs and beware! This can happen to anyone!
The lifestyle we live today puts us under a lot of pressure. Every day we have important things to do: exams, children, work, etc. In such situations, cortisol levels rise, causing effects that, if left untreated, could cause us chronic illness.
What else happens inside your body and how does it affect you when you are stressed out? Stay here and find out about it.
When we are under pressure, the hypothalamus (small region at the base of the brain) puts the whole body on alert. The result is that signals are sent to the adrenal glands in the kidneys. These are responsible for releasing a series of hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. But what is this hormone and what are its effects?
Cortisol in the body
Cortisol is nothing more than a glucocorticoid hormone that is generated by the adrenal glands. These chemicals pass into the bloodstream, reaching many parts of the body. When it is released in small amounts, it can have very positive effects on us. Some of them are listed below:
– It lowers blood sugar levels, as well as controlling the sugar and fat used to generate energy.
– Helps the body stay in control and respond to stress levels.
– It improves blood pressure.
– Strengthens the immune system.
However, when too much cortisol is produced, we could get Cushing’s syndrome or a rare adrenal gland tumor. This syndrome consists of having high levels of cortisol for long periods of time. It is benign but it could become malign if left untreated. What causes Cushing’s syndrome?
The rare adrenal gland tumor, Cushing’s syndrome
Among its many causes, we can mention:
- Chronic stress (cortisol is also known as the stress hormone)
- Malfunction of the adrenal glands
- Severe depression
- Steroid medicines
- Excessive consumption of alcohol
Symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome
Sudden mood swings: It is normal for us to feel depressed at times. But if we are constantly changing moods for long periods, it is a clear sign of suffering from Cushing’s syndrome.
Digestive problems: Constant stress makes our digestive tract function inappropriately. This decreases the production of enzymes needed to digest food and reduces the absorption of nutrients.
Heart disease and high blood pressure: Too much stress increases blood pressure. As a result, we are at increased risk for heart disease.
Problems with sleep: Normally, at dawn more cortisol is produced to help wake us up. However, when the adrenal glands become stressed, the effect is the opposite, having problems with sleep.
Weight gain: Cortisol increases appetite for sweets and foods high in fats and carbohydrates. Therefore, if you have high levels of cortisol and quench your appetite, you are gaining a few pounds more.
Aging: High levels of stress can dehydrate the skin. When our skin becomes dehydrated, we get premature wrinkles.
How to lower cortisol production
Exercise regularly: this generates the production of serotonin and dopamine, hormones that reduce stress and depression.
Reduce caffeine: 200 mg of caffeine increases cortisol production by 30%. Try to drink drinks without caffeine.
Get enough sleep: a good night’s sleep relaxes the body and reduces cortisol levels.
Reduce sweet desserts: The more sugar you consume, the higher your insulin level.
Hydrate: take a glass of water on waking and another before bed, will keep your levels of cortisol at bay.
Listen to relaxing music: Music can be a perfect ally to reduce the stress of an exhausting day.
Read more: Listening To Live Music Helps Relieving Stress
Don’t forget to SHARE this info with your friends and family so they could also know something about this rare adrenal gland tumor causes and benefit from it!