Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands that is released in response to stress¹.
It plays a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions, including metabolism, immune response, and the sleep-wake cycle¹. In stressful situations, cortisol provides the body with glucose by tapping into protein stores via gluconeogenesis in the liver. This energy can help an individual activate the fight or flight response². However, chronic stress can cause prolonged cortisol production, which can disrupt the gut microbiome and contribute to mental disorders such as anxiety and depression.