Tag: Sugar and cortisol

Research shows that eating can cause an immediate and substantial, yet temporary, cortisol response, with the magnitude often depending on the meal's calorie and macronutrient content. This initial physiological reaction reveals that the relationship between food intake and hormonal shifts is more complex than commonly understood, raising the question: does eating food spike cortisol in a way that is harmful?

Research consistently shows that diets high in added sugar and processed carbohydrates can cause rapid spikes and crashes in blood glucose. These fluctuations trigger a stress response in the body, leading to the release of cortisol. So, does cutting out sugar lower cortisol? For many, reducing refined sugar intake is a crucial step toward stabilizing hormonal levels and improving stress resilience.