Good morning all,

So just went to my Dr. yesterday to review my blood work which I was hoping would be great as usual.  But not so.  My cortisol levels are too high cholesterol and insulin resistant.  I have been under a lot of stress the past year and a half hoping for an end to it all soon.  But in the meantime has anyone been able to lower there cortisol levels?  I've reviewed older posts and I don't see anyone saying they've successfully lowered it.  Also I'm on the right path with thinking the cholesterol and insulin levels are higher because of the stress, right?

Deal with the stress the rest will follow?

Thanks for any insight,

Tara

Are you doing any meditation? Alternate nostril breathing?

Adaptogens as Panax Ginseng (good for nomads per the genotype book) and Vit C can help your cortisol and plant sterols and lecithin can help your cholesterol, hope it helps !

Look for info on Holy Basil or Tulsi. Dr. D mentions it in BTD Encyclopedia and it has been awesome for me. I have had issues with clearing cortisol out (to the point where I got stressed and immediately needed a nap to come back to norm). I have it in one of the supps I take (prescribed) with info about my DNA SNP's, and now the small amount in that calms me right down.

I am not a doctor, but am just pointing it out to you as something to investigate.

Taking time for peace and quiet, being still and in the moment are good. Most stress happens because of fear or threat or worry about the future. In the here and now (the majority of the time), we can choose what to focus our minds on.

I won't pretend to know what your religious orientation is, but this scripture helps me. I added the bold.

Quoted Text

"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." Philippians 4:7-9
New International Version (NIV)

Blessings on your journey of getting it sorted.

It definetly sounds to me like the stress leads to high cortisol, which in turn leads to problems with cholesterol and insulin. Adding some kind of adaptogen herb to your routine would probably be very helpful. I use rhodiola, but I'm an O Gatherer and I'm not sure which herb is most appropriate for your type.

Make sure you're following the proper exercise recomendations as well.

How long have you been following the Nomad diet?

I haven't dedicated myself to my nomad diet because I'm doing so well on my BTD.  Plan on migrating or doing swami soon.  In truth I know in my brain that my life is stressfull but thought I was processing well. Guess not.  I don't have much alone time for meditation which I know I so sorly need.  That was my life line prior to children.  

I'll look into the supplements and thank your for the scripture I too look to the bible for help and guidance.  "the of God exerts power".

And it's funny Lloyd I'm always preaching breathing techniques but for myself I catch my self holding my breath.  

Thanks for the insight.

Tar

I am not reading much Nomad... Swami might be wise.

Quoted from DoS

Swami might be wise.

When is it not?  

That's why I'm not jumping headfirst in nomad diet.  Haven't done my secretor test yet.  I'm an explorer if I'm a nonnie.  It's ok any way because I feel great and I'm loosing weight on my AB plan.  

Found my self freaking out in the middle of the night.  It's crazy because when im wide awake I'm cool as a cucumber.  

Daily mediation is needed.  I'll be able to get more alone time once my 5 year old dictator starts kindergarten.  

Tara

I find myself holding my breath sometimes, too.  That is stress and anxiety.  I finally understand that title, Waiting to Exhale.     Your secretor status is really good to know, if you can swing that.

Following the exercise program appropriate to your blood type should help lower those cortisol levels.  Watch this video of Dr. D. talking about BT and the effects of stress.  I found it very interesting and helpful...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JkXGk7ppTL0

Go to about 6:39 for specific reference to cortisol.

Great video, thanks.  I have been doing pilates for over a year now feel I do need to add in some cardio.  Went for a power walk this morning and I have to find time to do that on a more regular basis.  Ya can't get rid of family so I really just just need to work out the stress.  

Tara

Tara, I have been struggling with incorporating exercise into my daily routine, but little by little I am beginning to.  The more you do it, the more you want to.  Kind of like eating potato chips, although we don't do that anymore, do we?     It's hard to take those first few steps, but once you do you wonder, "What on earth was I waiting for??"  Wishing you all the best, and yes if for no other reason than coping with our own families, exercise is essential!  

Quoted from Twenzel

Found my self freaking out in the middle of the night.  It's crazy because when im wide awake I'm cool as a cucumber.  

Daily mediation is needed.  I'll be able to get more alone time once my 5 year old dictator starts kindergarten.  

Tara

My stress comes out in my sleep sometimes....I wake up soaked with sweat, sometimes crying, sometimes fighting...it's no fun

This week I have caught myself holding my breath a lot and having to stop what I'm doing to do the ANB even if just for a few breaths. This morning my left arm decided to go numb since I was holding my breath....Stress....it comes with family...but they are so worth it!

My youngest is a 7 yr old dictator...I laughed when I read that about your 5 yr old...I can so relate!