What your earwax could reveal about your stress levels

Cortisol, produced in the adrenal glands, is commonly referred to as the stress hormone. It’s crucial for helping your body deal with stressful situations.

This steroid hormone is utilized by most of the cells in our bodies for a variety of functions, including:

Regulation of blood sugar levels
Regulating metabolism
Coordinating sleep cycles
Reducing inflammation
Assisting with memory formulation
Controls blood pressure in women
Responds to infections and stress
Has a controlling effect on salt and water balance
Supports the developing fetus during pregnancy

Since cortisol is vital for our cells and how we respond to stress, how do you know how much cortisol you have? A test can detect if you have Cushing’s syndrome, which involves too much of the hormone, or Addison’s disease, which is caused by having too little.

If your cortisol levels remain moderately high over time, it can lead to numerous unwanted problems.

Peak Vitality^™

Your adrenal glands support essential functions from metabolism to stress response. But when they become fatigued, problems with sleep quality, unwanted weight gain, moodiness, energy levels and more can take your vitality for a dive. Nutrients called “adaptogens” help restore balance and improve… MORE⟩⟩

«SPONSORED»

Symptoms of high cortisol

Extreme fatigue
Irritable
Poor concentration
Tiredness
Headache
High blood pressure
Type 2 diabetes
Osteoporosis
Muscle weakness
Acne
Weight gain (mid-section & face)
Thinning skin
Slow healing

Measuring Stress Hormones

Cortisol levels can be traditionally measured in three ways: through saliva, blood or urine. These methods have questionable accuracy as hormone levels are known to fluctuate, and some methods are time-consuming.

A new device shows promise and can now be used in the comfort of your home with reliable and stable results. Who knew our cortisol levels could be measured in earwax? The lead researcher of this new device, Dr. Herane-Vives, tested several different cortisol sampling techniques and found the earwax samples yielded more cortisol than other methods. This method was easier to use, faster, and less expensive than other methods.

Due to this successful pilot study, Dr. Herane-Vives is setting up a company to bring his earwax sampling device to market and are investigating the potential for monitoring diabetes, and eventually, COVID-19 antibodies.

How to Reduce Cortisol Levels

Keep a consistent sleep schedule
Avoid caffeine in the evening
Become more mindful of your stressful thoughts
Learn to relax (music, yoga, massage, deep breathing)
Maintain healthy relationships
Enjoy the companionship of a pet
Tend to your spirituality
Eat healthy foods
Try fish oil and ashwagandha supplements

Editor’s note: Did you know that when you take your body from acid to alkaline you can boost your energy, lose weight, soothe digestion, avoid illness and achieve wellness? Click here to discover The Alkaline Secret to Ultimate Vitality and revive your life today!

Sources:

Natural ways to lower Cortisol — Healthline

Earwax sampling could measure stress hormone — Eurekalert!

The growth of telehealth during COVID-19 and its future after: Dr Patricia Salber Interviews Dr. Joseph Kvedar — AJMC.com

Cortisol Test — MedlinePlus