Cortisol, the stress hormone
what I personally use to control my cortisol levels
What is Cortisol?
CORTISOL is a natural hormone produced by the human body due to physical or mental stress. Excessive Cortisol is the cause for a large number of health problems associated with stress, slow recovery from exercise, over training, weak immune system and belly fat.
How to lower cortisol levels
Perhaps the best way to reduce Cortisol in our bodies is to rest. Quality and adequate sleep, physical rest and meditation can help significantly reduce Cortisol in our bodies. However, in some situations we may not be able to get adequate rest. In these situations, supplementation may play an important role in keeping our bodies healthy.
I have been using ADAPT (http://www.vaxa.com/) which is a blend of some herbs with outstanding results. ADAPT was developed during the Soviet years in Russia to help their elite endurance athletes recover quickly and safely from stressful training and competitions. I am an endurance cyclist and I must say that this product is the first I have ever come across that has helped me with controling my cortisol levels and recovery from long rides and races.
Note: I do not have any financial/business interest in this product. It is just something that I've used that works for me.