Cortisol Addiction: Understanding, Managing, and Overcoming the Stress Hormone Imbalance
Cortisol addiction happens when the body becomes dependent on chronically high cortisol, the stress hormone. While small amounts are vital, consistently elevated levels can harm sleep, immunity, weight, and mental focus. Diet plays a major role: knowing what foods increase cortisol—like caffeine, refined sugar, and processed meats—helps you avoid unnecessary spikes. Many people also ask, what are cortisol triggering foods? These include fried foods, alcohol, and simple carbs that disrupt blood sugar and fuel stress cycles. On the flip side, certain foods and habits can rebalance hormones.