Ashwagandha, Cortisol, and Glo-Nutrition’s Stay Calm Lineup – What You Should Know

Glo-Nutrition’s Stay Calm gummies and shots represent a breakthrough in natural wellness solutions, offering delicious and convenient escapes from daily stressors. These gummies and shots are meticulously crafted to harness the calming powers of Ashwagandha, an ancient herb revered for its stress-relieving properties. The Stay Calm lineup has been designed from the ground up to support those seeking natural solutions to help maintain balance and tranquility in their hectic lives. But what is the science behind Glo-Nutrition’s decision to incorporate ashwagandha in Stay Calm? The answer is simple: cortisol. But what is cortisol, and how is ashwaganda the perfect choice to help control it? In this blog, we’ll take a deep dive into cortisol, and the magical herb ashwagandha. 

All About Cortisol

Cortisol, which is often referred to as the “stress hormone,” is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands. It plays a crucial role in numerous bodily functions, and plays an important role in the body and mind’s response to stress as well as metabolism regulation. Cortisol’s effects are wide-ranging, impacting numerous systems within the body, from immune system modulation, all the way to muscle and bone health. 

Stress Response: Cortisol is most famous for its role in the body’s stress response. When faced with a stress, the hypothalamus releases corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), which prompts the pituitary gland to secrete adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). ACTH subsequently stimulates the adrenal glands to produce cortisol. The release of cortisol helps the body to manage and respond to stress in several ways, including by increasing energy availability, enhancing memory functions, and reducing sensitivity to pain.

Metabolic Regulation: Cortisol plays an important role in your body’s metabolism. It helps regulate blood sugar levels by stimulating gluconeogenesis – the production of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources. Glucogensis is crucial during fasting or intense exercise. Cortisol also aids in fat, protein, and carbohydrate metabolism to maintain blood glucose levels

Immune System Modulation: Yet another role Cortisol plays is to provide the body with anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive functions. While these effects are beneficial in preventing overreaction of the immune system and reducing inflammation, elevated or extended cortisol exposure can have the opposite effect, suppressing immune function, and increasing the risk of infections.

Psychological Impact: High levels of cortisol over extended periods can and often do have adverse psychological effects. Elevated levels of cortisol is associated with various mental health issues, inluding anxiety and depression, as well as difficulties with memory and concentration. Chronic stress and elevated cortisol also often lead to mental fatigue and burnout.

Cardiovascular Health: Cortisol influences heart and blood vessel function. It can raise blood pressure and heart rate as part of the body’s fight-or-flight response. However, it’s important to understand that long-term elevated cortisol levels can contribute to cardiovascular diseases. 

Muscle and Bone Health: Sustained high levels of cortisol can have further adverse effects and lead to muscle weakness and osteoporosis. Over time, cortisol can break down proteins in the muscles, resulting in a decrease in muscle mass and strength. It also affects bone formation and decreases calcium absorption, which can result in a decrease in bone density.

Digestive System: Cortisol plays a role within the digestive system as well. Cortisol brought on by stress can slow down the digestive process, impact appetite, and affect metabolism. Chronic stress and subsequent sustained high levels of cortisol can contribute to gastrointestinal issues including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and ulcers.

Sleep and Circadian Rhythm: Irrespective of stress levels, Cortisol levels naturally fluctuate throughout the day. They peak in the morning and decline in the evening. Disruption in this rhythm, often due to stress or irregular sleep patterns, can lead to unhealthy sleeping patterns, and sleep disruptions. .

Adverse Long-Term Effects: In the long term, prolonged high levels of cortisol can lead to numerous health problems, notably Cushing’s syndrome, which is characterized by rapid weight gain, skin changes, and mood swings. 

Cortisol and Ashwagandha: What’s It All Mean?

As we can see, cortisol plays many important roles in the human body, and is evolutions answer to helping us manage the reasonable stressors that may occasionally come into our lives. We can also see that elevated cortisol levels can have drastic and extremely detrimental effects upon our mental and physical health. In a world in which stress seems to lurk behind every corner, how do the Glo Nutrition Stay Calm Gummy and Shots help us stay healthy? The answer: Ashwaganda. 

Ashwagandha, known scientifically as Withania Somnifera, is one of the most prominent herbs in Ayurvedic medicine. Sometimes referred to as “Indian ginseng” thanks to its rejuvenating properties, ashwagandha has gained popularity and recognition for its potential to reduce cortisol levels and help manage stress.

Cortisol Reduction: Ashwagandha is most well-known for its effect on cortisol, and its ability to reduce cortisol levels in the body. Numerous peer-reviewed studies have demonstrated that ashwagandha can significantly reduce cortisol levels in those who suffer from chronic stress. By regulating the brain’s  production of cortisol, ashwagandha is able to help mitigate the impact of the body’s stress response.

Stress and Anxiety Management: Ashwagandha has adaptogenic properties which make it effective in helping to manage stress and anxiety. Adaptogens are naturally produced substances that help the body adapt to stress and help to normalize the effect of stress on bodily processes. Consistent intake of ashwagandha has been shown in several studies to help reduce and control symptoms of stress and anxiety. It limites the over-activity of the nervous system and promotes a sense of calmness, which researches believe is at least partly attributed to its ability to lower cortisol levels.

Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects: As an indirect result of ashwagandas ability to regulate cortisol, it is also recognized for its ability to to provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Sustained or chronic stress leads to a consistent state of cortisol release, which can trigger systemic inflammation in various parts of the body. By reducing cortisol levels, ashwagandha may help to lower inflammation and oxidative stress throughout the body.

Impact on Mental Health: The well-recognized stress-reducing features of ashwagandha can have a positive impact on impact mental health. Elevated cortisol levels are linked to several mental health disorders, notably depression and anxiety. By helping to reduce the stress response and cortisol levels, ashwagandha can help deliver improvements to mood as well as improved mental well-being.

Sleep Quality Improvement: Ashwagandha has been shown to improve sleep quality, which as we discovered above, is closely linked to cortisol regulation. Elevated cortisol levels, particularly at night, can easily cause disruptions in sleep patterns. By regulating cortisol production, ashwagandha can help contribute to better sleep, thereby helping to improve overall health and well-being.

Enhanced Physical Performance: Several studies have suggested that ashwagandha has the ability to enhance physical performance. High cortisol can often lead to muscle weakness and fatigue. By regulating cortisol, ashwagandha may help improve muscle strength and endurance.

Effects on Blood Sugar and Fat Metabolism: Cortisol is known to play a significant role in the regulation of blood sugar and fat metabolism. Ashwagandha’s ability to lower cortisol levels may help in maintaining normal blood sugar levels and also potentially aid in weight management, although these effects require further research.

Safety and Dosage: While ashwagandha is generally considered safe, it’s always important to discuss health concerns and potential supplementation with your health professional. Overconsumption of ashwagandha can lead to side effects like gastrointestinal discomfort.

Now that we have a more full picture of how stress and cortisol can affect the body in both necessary ways, and detrimental ways, we can put into perspective exactly why ashwagandha has become such a sought after herb. Research continues to support the use of ashwagandha to help individuals live more productive lives, free from many of the harmful effects of stress. 

When it comes to developing the very best supplements, Glo Nutrition has kept a keen eye on the latest advancements in research. The Stay Calm Gummies and the Stay Calm Shots were developed around this gamechanging substance in order to best help those who live the hectic, busy lives which can lead to chronic stress. Understanding the complex systems which regulate our body is a daunting task, but now we are one step closer to understanding the problem, and the potential solution, as it relates to chronic stress, elevated cortisol levels, and the famous ashwagandha! Are you ready to Stay Calm? Shop today!