1. Achieving Weight Loss via Healthy Cortisol Levels

2. Hormones That Can Prevent Weight Loss
Cortisol (stress hormone)
Thyroid hormones
Estrogen
Testosterone
DHEA
Nutrients too (even though they aren't hormones) 

3. Achieving Weight Loss 
Even small increases/decreases in these can prevent weight loss
Today we will focus in on cortisol - the stress hormone - and what you can do it about it to achieve weight loss 

4. All About Cortisol
When cortisol is too high or low it can prevent weight loss or even cause weight gain
High stress levels can lead to high cortisol levels long term
Can increase appetite, increase abdominal fat and slow metabolism 

5. Important Note
This is for people that your blood work doesn't reveal an adrenal tumor, Cushing’s disease, Addison’s disease or some other major reason for your cortisol levels to be abnormal beside stress

6. What Your Blood Cortisol Levels Mean
Blood cortisol levels in the normal range doesn’t automatically mean everything is okay
Best to have them in the optimal range

7. "Mine are optimal and I'm still can't lose weight!"
Possible that your cortisol levels are not going up and down as they should during the day and night
Even though they were within the optimal range when tested
Best to do a 24 hour saliva cortisol test

8. 24 Hour Saliva Cortisol Test
Can be done in the comfort of your home
No painful blood draws necessary 
See The Other Tests Bonus Report to read about that test in the hormone saliva test section

9. How Do I Get Tested?
Ask your doctor to write an order for you to get tested at your local lab 
Or order a test online (from zrtlab.com or other websites)

10. "My Cortisol Is Off...What Now?"
If your cortisol levels are abnormal there is a lot that can be done.
Of course, you could try the following suggestions even if you don't know what your cortisol levels are.
But it is best to check first so you can check again later to see if/how much  they have improved.
You may have already read suggestions in the Improving Abnormal Results Bonus Report. 
Before going into those, let's understand the problem.

11. What's Controlling Your Cortisol Levels?
(And Controlling YOU!)
Your adrenal glands are directly
responsible for the delivery of 
cortisol into your body.
Located above the kidneys.

12. What's Controlling Your Cortisol Levels?
(And Controlling YOU!)
There is a master regulator of your adrenals located in a part of your brain known as the hypothalamus.

13. About The Hypothalamus
The hypothalamus is often referred to as "the brain of the brain" 
It's responsible for:
Autonomic function
Endocrine homeostatic function (temp., cardiovascular, etc)
Endocrine hormone levels
Sensory processing
Metabolic processing

14. It's More Important What You DON'T DO When It Comes To Hypothalamus Health
What's going to utterly destroy your hypothalamus function and throw your body into a state of chronic stress are:
Fluoride and fluoride byproducts (shown to cause significant adverse effects of the hypothalamus)
Aspartame (shown to cause glandular lesions)
MSG
                    

15. How To Nourish And Protect Your Hypothalamus
Here are a couple of things to nourish and protect your hypothalamus:
Curcumin
Gingko Biloba
Maca (from a non-contaminated source)
Bioavailable mineral-rich foods
Again, AVOIDING the hypothalamus damagers
Now on to other ways to optimize your cortisol levels!

16. Supplements

17. Cordyceps A Chinese mushroom used to support the adrenals
Rich in antioxidants 
Improves  sexual health and the function of the liver, heart, and immune system   
Cortisol rises as testosterone drops.  Studies show that low levels of testosterone are normalized with cordyceps. 

18. Reishi Tonifies and nourishes the adrenals
Used especially for adrenal fatigue
The triterpenes in Reishi are precursors to steroid hormones
A powerful adaptogen and alkalizer

19. Licorice
May help to block the breakdown of cortisol in the liver to increase levels in the blood
This allows the adrenal gland to rest

20. Chamomile
Shown clinically to reduce anxiety and anxiety-related symptoms (including a clinical trial for GAD) 
Excellent anti-inflammatory and provides systemic relief from stress

21. Blue-Green Algae
One of the highest sources of PEA (phenylethlamine) - an adrenal and brain chemical   PEA controls and regulates appetite 
60%+ protein
High in chlorophyll and essential fatty acids

22. Phosphatidylserine A healthy fat important for cell membranes
Found in high levels in the brain
Studies show that it helps reduce the cortisol response to stress
Possibly by regulating communication between the pituitary and adrenal glands

23. Pregnenolone Precursor to many adrenal and sex hormones
May help boost natural adrenal function

24. Astaxanthin
Proven to be one of the most powerful antioxidants in the world
Has the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and protect the nervous system against oxidative stress
Shown to increase strength and recovery aiding in weight loss

25. Rhodiola Rosea
Found in studies to reduce stress-induced weight gain

26. Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus)
Helps the body adapt to stress 
Support adrenal glands when they are overworked

27. Vitamin B complex
Especially vitamin B6 and B5 (pantothenic acid) are critical to the pathways involved in adrenal hormone production
Many people don't get enough B vitamins

28. Royal Jelly 
One of the highest sources of natural pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) 
Provides other B vitamins, plus magnesium, zinc, iron, etc.  
Also noted as being effective in treating glandular and hormonal imbalances

29. Vitamin C 
Can attenuate the cortisol elevation and blood pressure increase that are normally observed in response to stress
Thought to be a result of its anti-inflammatory properties
The highest natural vitamin C sources that test higher than synthetics are camu camu berry and acerola cherries

30. Diet Changes

31. Foods Good For Adrenals
Foods rich in B vitamins 
whole grains
bananas
legumes
eggs
lean meats
liver (from grass-fed, hormone-free beef)
Foods rich in tyrosine 
seeds
nuts

32. Exercise

33. Stress Relief