If you're struggling with adaptogens to reduce cortisol, you're not alone — millions of women experience this, and understanding the root cause is the first step toward real relief.
Ways to reduce cortisol and stress levels!

Are your hormones out of balance? This imbalance might be making you sick, according to Drs. Eldred B. Taylor and Ava Bell- Taylor. They wrote a book called Are your hormones Making You Sick? The Stress Connection which deals with how dysfunction of the adrenal glands and both hyper/hypo secretion of cortisol can cause medical illnesses in patients. Cortisol, an adrenal hormone, aids in stress response, metabolism, and anti-inflammation while also allowing for the maintenance of a healthy diet.
To put it simply, something can cause trouble to both your mind and body, leading to over-exertion, and that something is stress. Over the years, the requirements and problems an individual has to face have drastically increased, making coping with day-to-day life extremely difficult. there are several reasons that can be the of cause stress, some are below:
- Long working hours
- Sleep deprivation
- Sleep disorders (Insomnia)
- Poor eating
- Multitasking without taking breaks
- Low-income family
- Bereavement
- Childbirth
- Unemployment
- Worries about finances
The Human body endures stress in a cyclic response termed as a “Stress Response”. As the name suggests, there is an alarm, a resistance, and an exhaustion phase.
- a) Alarm (Recognition): The body becomes alert while encountering dangerous or stressful events.
- b) Resistance (Coping): If the stressful factor tends to extend, the Human tends to formulate ways to cope up with them. In this phase, the Human body continues to function, however microscopically. This state of resistance feels unpleasant, accompanied by tension, fatigue, low energy, and even concentration problems.
- c) Exhaustion (Back to Normal): This stage of the cycle usually follows a long and exhausting phase of stress. The body is able to adjust back to a neutral state of functioning, however only when stressors are removed. If they are not, the body begins to shut down slowly.
Things You Can Do to Lower Your Stress and Cortisol Levels
Here are a few methods to minimize daily stress:
Increase your consumption of Vitamin C & Minerals – Most people tend to overlook and ignore how significantly their consumption of Vitamin C and certain minerals can aid in lowering stress levels, improving adrenal gland functions, and boosting immune system activity against bacteria and infections. Regular consumption of Vitamin C also aids in the reduction of blood pressure, in addition to normalizing heightened stress induced cortisol levels.
Minerals are essential components that correct the chemical activities of the human body. Magnesium helps muscles relax causative variables of palpitations, anxiety, insomnia, restlessness, and panic attacks. Zinc, on the other hand, aids in enhancing bone strength and immune response as well as aiding in the repair of lesions. These minerals will also enhance adrenal gland activity.
Shaking up an amino acid shake can help remove the precursors for mood neurotransmitters.
Drink Green Tea: Relatively new but popular for centuries is the tradition of drinking black and green teas for relief in stress. Green tea lowers anxiety because of L-Theanine.
Adaptogens, as found in plants, enhance the body’s ability to manage stress. In moments of stress, the adaptogen intervenes by minimizing the release of cortisol, boosting energy, and sharpening mental acuity. Ashwagandha peis particularly effective on anxiety associated with foggy thinking and chronic fatigue. Joint and muscle pains are also treated with this Ayurvedic herb.
- Rhodiola rose: This herb has been used for centuries now to treat fatigue, depression, and even impotence.
- Ginseng: Another powerful adaptogen that is popular in Asia for heightening alertness, mental concentration, and the body’s resistance to infections.
- Holy Basil: This potently antioxidant herb reduces stress-induced brain fog and memory loss.
- Other Calming Herbs: These include passionflower, valerian root, chamomile, and kava. All of these herbs help ease tension and promote relaxation, freeing you from anxiety and stress.
You can find phosphatidylserine in fish such as tunas, cods, and halibuts as well as soy and cabbages. It has been suggested that PS might increase the brain’s ability to manage stress while simultaneously enhancing relaxation, sleep, and cognition. Moreover, it reduces overactive adrenal glands and cortisol. Phosphatidylserine supplements work for stress and high bust cortisol levels.
- Make use of your network: All you have to do is dial a number, and assistance will be offered. Try speaking with a friend, family member, or workmate, as it could help ease your anxiety.
- Use Laughter: The best approach to combat an illness or any stress is to laugh. During the act of laughing, the body releases endorphins and serotonin which leave you with a pleasant feeling.
- Engaging in physical activity: When your body is in motion, the sweat gland is also working and thus cortisol is brought to the lower level.
In summary, reducing stress is easy. Implement stress lowering practices, medicine and supplements into your everyday schedule and maintain normal levels of cortisol while minimizing the feeling of tiredness, anxiety, brain fog, depression.
Dr. Ava Bell-Taylor, M.D.
Board-Certified OB/GYN & Functional Medicine Physician
Dr. Ava Bell-Taylor is a board-certified OB/GYN and functional medicine physician specializing in hormone balance, adrenal health, and whole-body wellness. She is the co-founder of Taylor MD Formulations and Taylor Medical Group in Atlanta, Georgia.
Learn more about Dr. Bell-Taylor

