Cortisol is considered a stress hormone because its functions include raising blood sugar levels to give our cells extra energy in times of stress or illness and to fight inflammation. Therefore, cortisol can be chronically elevated mainly due to:
- Chronic exposure to physical or emotional stress.
- Extreme fasting and not consuming enough carbohydrates for long periods of time.
- Suffering from chronic low-grade inflammation (arising from food intolerances, viruses and infections, bacterial overgrowth, etc.).
- Prolonged use of steroid treatment.