The Benefits of Cortisol Testing In Today's Society

While technology aims to ease the daily life of most, modern society is gradually becoming more and more depressed. This is evidenced by the increasing number of emergency-related illnesses that hit medical offices around the world. Increased levels of anxiety and its effects emphasize the importance of cortisol testing.

Cortisol is the hormone responsible for stress. In small and intense doses, it has contributed to the survival of thousands of years. Under stress, our adrenal system produces more cortisol, which contributes to our "struggle or flight" instincts. However, repeated hormone attacks can damage the rest of the body's system, causing a variety of chronic diseases. Testing cortisol levels can lead to a greater understanding of the possible causes of short-term memory loss, excess belly fat, high blood pressure, and more.

Stress is caused by external and internal factors. While the economy is still gaining traction, unemployment and government aid are at an all-time high. Even those who work hard may struggle with different debts. In addition, food causes such as the sensitive reaction to the common ingredients in mass-produced foods also contribute to anxiety levels. All of these contribute to increased stress, and therefore, more cortisol is consistently passed through the body's system. Proper cortisol testing can give you a picture of chronic illness as well. Stress can negatively affect the immune system, leading many to find themselves "down with something" to suppress it.

As the adrenal system begins to release cortisol and adrenaline, several side effects occur. Heart rate increases, pupils expand, blood releases glucose, and more blood flow to the muscle. Excessive glucose and limited blood flow to other body functions, such as digestion, partly contribute to weight gain in an organized person. In addition, recent evidence suggests that repeated amounts of cortisol may contribute to short-term memory loss. This, naturally, can be thought to lead to more pressure, and the cycle remains sluggish.

Fortunately, cortisol testing can be easy and painless. Many options require only saliva samples, which are non-invasive, and can be administered almost anywhere. Some tests can also be taken home, with the option of sending the sample provided to the laboratory for evaluation. There are also rumors of upcoming applications for smartphones. This will make the exam easier. Of course, the irony is that today the technology that stresses so much, can now explain how anxious it is!

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