Weight loss coach shares 10 ‘embarrassing symptoms' of high cortisol levels in the body: Acne to mood swings
Ann-Maria Tom is a weight loss coach who keeps sharing health and weight loss related tips and tricks on her Instagram profile on a regular basis. Ann-Maria Tom, on April 18, addressed how cortisol levels can spike in the body and show up as symptoms. It is essential to understand the early warning signs of high cortisol levels. 'High cortisol levels, often caused by chronic stress or conditions like Cushing's syndrome, can lead to a variety of surprising and sometimes embarrassing symptoms,' she wrote. Also read | Always stressed? 6 signs that indicate your body has high cortisol levels
A post shared by Ann-Maria Tom| Hormonal Weight loss Coach. (@ann_maria_tom)
Excess cortisol promotes fat storage in the abdominal area, leading to a spare tire or rounded belly.
Cortisol can increase sweat production and alter body chemistry, making armpit odor stronger or more pungent.
High cortisol can dry out your mouth, reducing saliva and allowing bacteria to thrive, causing halitosis. Also read | Are you stuck in a stress response? 5 signs of high Cortisol to know about
Cortisol triggers oil production in the skin, leading to acne, especially on the face, chest, and back.
Elevated cortisol can disrupt hormone balance, leading to hirsutism (excess hair growth on the face, chest, or back).
Cortisol can weaken hair follicles, leading to hair thinning or even bald patches (alopecia).
High cortisol affects brain chemistry, making you more prone to mood swings, anxiety, or sudden outbursts.
A fatty hump between the shoulders can develop due to cortisol-induced fat redistribution.
Cortisol can affect kidney function, leading to increased urination or even mild incontinence.
Cortisol dysregulation can disrupt sleep patterns, making it hard to fall or stay asleep. Also read | Stress piling up? Nutritionist suggests these superfoods to manage cortisol levels
The weight loss coach added that while these symptoms can be subtle or pronounced, it is essential to keep a track of them and take advice from healthcare professionals on the way forward.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Harvard doctor reveals two simple habits for a healthier liver
Liver health is finally in the spotlight, and honestly, it's about time. For the longest stretch, people only paid attention to their liver when binge-drinking or during a serious doctor's visit involving hepatitis. But now? From fatty liver concerns to detox advice and enzyme level checks, the liver is suddenly front and center—and for good reason. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is on the rise, quietly becoming a global health issue. The kicker? You don't need to touch alcohol to have liver problems anymore. Unhealthy eating habits, excess sugar, a sedentary lifestyle, and stress are enough to mess it up. What's worse—most people don't even know their liver's struggling until things are already serious. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Saurabh Sethi (@ Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Secure Your Child's Future with Strong English Fluency Planet Spark Learn More Undo And let's not forget—your liver does way more than process alcohol. It's your body's detox champion, filtering toxins from medications, pollutants, processed food, and more. If your liver is under strain, your whole body feels it. From breakouts and hormone issues to fatigue—your liver may be behind the scenes of it all. Thanks to the wellness wave and growing focus on holistic health, people are now looking beyond visible muscles or calorie counts. They want to feel good from the inside out—and a healthy liver is key to that. Live Events What Dr. Saurabh Sethi has to say Popular on social media for his health insights, Dr. Saurabh Sethi recently explained how liver disease develops—starting from fatty liver, progressing to inflammation, and ultimately, cirrhosis if ignored. In his video, he highlighted two key strategies for maintaining liver health: Cutting back on alcohol Improving metabolic health Let's break them down. Your liver is a powerhouse, but it needs help Your liver is like the hardest-working employee in your body—it detoxes, stores energy, breaks down fats, and keeps your internal systems running smoothly. But today's lifestyle—marked by sugary snacks, lack of movement, and weekend drinking—is taking a toll. Alcohol is a known liver enemy, and not just in large quantities. Even moderate drinking, when consistent, can silently harm your liver. That's because when the liver breaks down alcohol, it produces a toxic byproduct—acetaldehyde—which causes inflammation and scarring. Left unchecked, this can progress to fatty liver, fibrosis, and eventually cirrhosis. The scary part? These changes often come without warning signs. The good news: Your liver can regenerate—but only if you stop stressing it. Reducing alcohol intake, even slightly, can give your liver space to heal and function better. The other culprit: Poor metabolic health Even without alcohol, your liver can suffer—especially when your metabolic health is off. Think high blood sugar, insulin resistance, belly fat—this combo can lead to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), now a leading cause of liver damage globally. When your diet is overloaded with refined carbs and sugar, your liver stores the excess as fat. Pair that with low activity and poor sleep, and you've got a recipe for chronic liver stress. How to support your liver—The right way Forget expensive liver detox powders or week-long juice cleanses. Real liver care comes down to simple lifestyle shifts: Cut the sugar and processed carbs Be more active—even daily walking helps Eat real, whole foods Get enough sleep Maintain a healthy weight Even small improvements can pay off. Losing just 5–10% of your body weight can reduce liver fat. Better sleep reduces inflammation. Moving more boosts insulin sensitivity. It's all connected. [With TOI inputs]
NDTV
3 hours ago
- NDTV
Nutritionist Addresses Health Benefits Of The Miracle Insulin Plant
The Insulin Plant (Costus ignis) has long been recognised in traditional medicine for its ability to help manage high blood sugar. When its leaves or extracts are consumed, the plant is believed to regulate blood sugar levels, aid digestion, reduce inflammation, and promote quicker healing of wounds. It is also reputed to boost immunity and enhance overall vitality. Nutritionist Pooja Makhija recently highlighted the Insulin Plant's key benefits in an Instagram post, calling it "nature's free therapy." She said that its uses aren't limited to those with diabetes, it can also be helpful for people with insulin resistance, PCOS, or challenges with weight loss. The plant's main active component, Poroselic acid, works by increasing the body's ability to absorb glucose and boosting insulin production. It also supports the health of the pancreas's insulin-producing beta cells. For best results, Pooja Makhija suggests eating one or two raw leaves of the Insulin Plant on an empty stomach. While some research points to the plant's effectiveness, large-scale scientific studies are still needed. As with any natural remedy, it's wise to consult a healthcare provider before making it a regular part of your routine. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pooja Makhija (@poojamakhija) Cautions and recommendations for using Insulin Plant The nutritionist went on to describe the cautions and recommendations of consuming Insulin Plant. She said that it should be regarded as a supplementary alternative rather than a substitute for primary diabetic treatment. If using with anti-diabetic drugs, one should keep an eye on blood sugar levels to prevent hypoglycemia. Blood sugar control is also known to be aided by other herbs, such as tulsi and neem, Pooja Makhija said. The insulin plant is one example of a natural option for controlling blood sugar levels. Few but encouraging small-scale research points to Costus ignis's possible benefits. Pooja further added in the caption that for the insulin plant to produce consistent effects and health gains, it requires successful lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, hydration, and stress management. Nutritionist Pooja Makhija previously advised on how to effectively reduce blood sugar and maximise metabolism. "You've eliminated all sugar from your diet, but your blood glucose levels still indicate that you are pre-diabetic," she said in a video on Instagram. Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
NDTV
3 hours ago
- NDTV
Nutritionist Shares Vegan Bone Broth Recipe For Gut Health
Let's be real, bone broth is everywhere these days. From fitness influencers to wellness gurus, everyone seems to be sipping on a mug of the stuff. But what if you're vegan, or just not a fan of boiling animal bones for hours? Enter Nutritionist Rashi Chowdhary's latest Instagram post, where she is shaking things up with a plant-based twist on the classic bone broth. Liquid gold, she calls it. And honestly, it sounds pretty delicious. Vegan bone broth: Ingredients Rashi Chowdhary has shared her go-to vegan bone broth recipe, and it is as simple as it is nourishing. Here are the ingredients: 4-5 cups of water 8-10 shiitake mushrooms (dried ones get extra points) 1 nori sheet (that's seaweed, for the uninitiated) 1 tbsp coconut oil 2 tsp coconut aminos 1 tsp turmeric 1 tsp pepper 1-2 tsp ginger and garlic A squeeze of lemon at the end Toss everything into a pot, let it simmer on the lowest heat for 30-40 minutes, and you are done, as per the nutritionist. The result? A savoury, umami-rich broth that's perfect for sipping or using as a base for soups and noodles. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rashi Chowdhary (@rashichowdhary) Is it really like bone broth? It doesn't have collagen. But Rashi Chowdhary points out that seaweed brings gelatin-like fibres (think agar and fucoidan), which can soothe your gut lining much like collagen does. Shiitake mushrooms also come packed with bioactive compounds called proteoglycans, known for their anti-inflammatory properties. If you deal with allergies, rashes, or hives, Rashi Chowdhary suggests holding off on bone broth (even the vegan kind) until your gut health is in a better place. Bone broth, especially the traditional kind, can be high in histamines, which might trigger flare-ups if you are sensitive. This vegan bone broth is a creative, gut-friendly alternative for anyone looking to skip the animal products but still enjoy a comforting, nourishing drink. What is actual bone broth made of? Traditional bone broth involves simmering animal (such as beef, chicken, or pork) bones and connective tissues in water for many hours, often with vegetables and aromatics added for flavour and nutrition. This long process extracts nutrients like collagen, minerals, and amino acids from the bones, creating a rich and nourishing broth typically strained before drinking or using in recipes. Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
