By: Molly Force, ND

Balance is the key element when it comes to cortisol, a hormone produced in your adrenal glands. Cortisol performs many vital functions, including:

• Reducing inflammation
• Regulating blood pressure
• Metabolizing glucose
• Assisting with circadian rhythm regulation
• Formulating memories

Many of these tasks contribute to cortisol’s role in controlling the “flight or fight response.”  When your body senses danger, cortisol kicks in with the physiological responses that enable you to either flee the danger or fight it. Your heartbeat increases, blood flows to your major ...