Phosphatidylserine is one of the supplements that is the answer to scientists' search for ways to lower cortisol. In addition, it is highly effective, which will certainly please people involved in various sports disciplines and those who struggle with hormonal problems.
Stress and cortisol
Stress is a daily companion in our lives. Of course, there are different types of it and it can serve positive functions. Nevertheless, in most cases it is harmful to the body. Its level increases in response to stressors, that is, stress stimuli. It is associated with cortisol (the stress hormone with a catabolic effect), hated mainly by athletes in physique sports.
The body, of course, has the ability to adapt, although this may be reduced, for example in the case of a strong and systematically occurring stressor. This is especially common among athletes who train very extremely, pushing the body to its limits. Contrary to appearances, this is not a rare phenomenon. Thus, extreme, excessively intense effort can also be a large dose of stress, which results in a decrease in the activity of the immune system and overall immunity.
It is worth mentioning that strong stress stimulates the activity of the sympathetic nervous system. Naturally, this is associated with a state of maximum mobilization and a persistently elevated cortisol level. This, in turn, is associated, among other things, with an increased risk of
insulin resistance or its worsening. High cortisol levels, as well as insulin resistance itself, make fat burning more difficult, stimulate fat storage, and promote catabolism, limiting the ability to build muscle mass.
Large doses of stress also lower serotonin levels, known as the happiness hormone. What is more, a lack of energy becomes noticeable, which the brain, among others, needs for efficient functioning. In such conditions, energy resources, vitamins, and minerals are used up more quickly. It should be mentioned that as a result of high amounts of stress, not only the immune system is burdened, but also the nervous and hormonal systems.
One can safely say that stress, and consequently elevated cortisol, are harmful to the musculature, brain function, and the functioning of systems. These are, of course, only examples and first of all the source of the problem should be identified in order to take the proper steps to improve one’s condition. This does not change the fact that science was not without reason looking for effective means of lowering the level of the aforementioned hormone.
Phosphatidylserine for stress and cortisol
The answer seems to be phosphatidylserine, which, according to studies, is able to lower the stress hormone by an average of up to 30%. The supplement is becoming increasingly popular, especially when a physical stressor, such as extreme exertion, is responsible for the increase in cortisol.
It is a fact that a moderate, controlled increase in the hormone in the post-workout period is a natural and entirely desirable phenomenon. Nevertheless, if we place too much strain on ourselves or struggle with excessive daily stress, then for such people the increase in cortisol is too high and even becomes harmful.
This, of course, among other things limits athletic results, promoting the degradation of muscle tissue and the accumulation of fat tissue. It should be borne in mind that cortisol, in optimal amounts, serves positive functions and one should not overdo lowering it.
Studies confirm that phosphatidylserine, used in appropriate doses, may affect the right hemisphere of the brain, reducing the activity of Beta-1 waves, which results in increased stress tolerance and a calming effect.
Interestingly, in athletes taking 600 mg of the substance for 10 days, a clear decrease in cortisol was noted – by as much as 39% compared with the group that was given placebo. It is important that the results were approached fairly meticulously, because the hormone concentration was checked during exercise and around the training period. The cortisol-to-testosterone ratio also improved, which should especially please strength and physique athletes.
As an interesting fact, I should add that smaller doses of phosphatidylserine may not have given such good results with regard to cortisol levels, although in the case of longer supplementation they may reduce psychological stress and have a beneficial effect on cognitive functions.
Phosphatidylserine is one of the more interesting, effective, and useful agents that professional athletes, amateur trainees, people working on their physique, as well as those living with high daily stress, can use.
