Is Cortisol Cleanse Safe for Women Over 40 With Conditions?

Women over 40 experience decline in the sex hormone estrogen which results in symptoms that impair quality of life. One particular area is the increase of stress hormone cortisol.

High cortisol can exacerbate menopause symptoms, ultimately impacting sleep and hormone balance.

To address this, many are turning to cortisol cleanses, a lifestyle overhaul focused on lower cortisol levels. While this sounds suitable for most individuals, many want to know, is it suitable with pre-existing medical conditions.

In this article, we introduce the cortisol cleanse, how it supports hormone balance, and if it’s suitable for thyroid issues, fatty liver, and other medical conditions.

Understanding the Cortisol Cleanse

The cortisol cleanse is a lifestyle program which aims to reduce the cortisol. Below, we discuss its purpose, how it supports hormone balance and reduces inflammation, and why it's adaptable to different health backgrounds.

What the Cortisol Cleanse is and its Purpose in Reverse Health

Cortisol is vital and is shown to mediate the stress response, regulate metabolism, inflammation, immune function, and sleep cycle. However, research shows that long-term elevated cortisol levels can lead to anxiety, depression, cognitive impairment, and is shown to increase cardiometabolic risk factors.

During the 40s, women experience a decline of estrogen and impact stress regulations, resulting in elevated cortisol levels.This can exacerbate menopause symptoms such hot flashes, night sweat, sleep disruptions, weight gain, brain fogs, and mood changes.

Studies show that high cortisol levels are also to cause insulin resistance, leading to metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and metabolic syndrome.

The cortisol cleanse is a nutrition and lifestyle overhaul focused on naturally lower cortisol levels through consuming whole foods, reducing processed food intake, improving sleep, regular, and  exercise, and strengthening social circles.

Reverse Health uses this particular plan, incorporating nutrients, exercise, and mindfulness to lower cortisol lessens the impact of menopause symptoms.

How it Supports Hormone Balance and Reduces Inflammation

Lowering elevated cortisol and returning it to healthy levels can improve insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation, and improve menopause symptoms.

Consuming nutrient-dense whole foods including healthy fats provide hormone support and reduce inflammation. While reducing high-calorie foods which are shown to cause immediate and substantial cortisol response. Within this, foods such as caffeine, refined carbohydrates, alcohol, and sugar that spike cortisol levels are limited.

Improving sleep and lowering stress, balance hormones, and regulate healthy cortisol levels. Studies also indicate that exercise has a positive effect on cortisol, increasing during training, before lowering it, while also improving ongoing regulation.

Meanwhile, mindfulness meditation is shown to lower cortisol levels, and decrease stress, potentially decreasing the risk of disease.

Why it’s Gentle and Adaptable for Different Health Backgrounds

The cortisol cleanse is gentle and adaptable to different health backgrounds because its foundations are set on positive health changes. A focus on quality nutrition, exercise, and sleep are excellent for regulating the body and addressing different health concerns.

The Connection Between Cortisol, Hormones, and Metabolic Health

Cortisol has many functions in the body, two major areas being hormone and metabolic health. Below, we discuss how high cortisol impacts thyroid, liver, and weight. The role of nutrition, and why balancing cortisol improves well-being.

How High Cortisol Affects Thyroid, Liver, and Weight Gain

Studies indicate that high levels of cortisol can negatively affect the thyroid but decrease thyroid hormone production. This may increase inflammation and exacerbate thyroid disorders.

When cortisol levels are high, it can prompt fat accumulation in the liver. Research also shows that high levels of cortisol increases cravings for calorie-dense foods, while increasing insulin resistance, which promotes fat storage around the abdomen and organs.

This type of fat is shown to increase the supply of free fatty acids to the liver, leading to fatty liver disease, which damages the liver and impair function.

The Role of Nutrition, Stress Reduction, and Recovery

Nutrition is vital for stress reduction and recovery. Studies show that reducing processed foods, sugar, alcohol, and caffeine can reduce cortisol spikes.

When these foods are reduced or eliminated and nutrient-dense foods are prioritized. Whole foods containing omega-3 fatty acids such as fatty fish, nuts, and seeds, alongside antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, which are shown to reduce stress and inflammation by neutralizing free radicals.

Food containing complex carbohydrates, omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, magnesium, vitamin C, prebiotics and probiotics can help with the recovery from stress.

Why Balancing Cortisol can Improve Overall Well-Being

As mentioned, cortisol plays an important role in mediating stress response, regulating metabolism, inflammation, immune function, sleep cycle.

Balancing cortisol and sustaining it at healthy levels will help regulate these functions, improving overall well-being.

Doing the Cortisol Cleanse with Thyroid Conditions

Cortisol cleanse can be done with thyroid conditions, but there are a few areas that need to be monitored. Below, we discuss how the program supports metabolism, energy levels, and how to adjust meal timing and nutrition for optimal results.

How the Program Supports Metabolism and Energy Levels

The Reverse Health program supports metabolism and energy levels through a balanced diet. As mentioned, the cortisol cleanse focuses on nutrition, exercise, mindfulness and sleep to bring cortisol down to healthy levels.

Reverse Health’s programs address these areas as they optimize health for women over 40. Each meal in the program contains nutrient-dense ingredients specifically chosen to provide hormone and metabolic support, making them great for lowering cortisol and boosting energy.

Adjusting Meal Timing and Fasting Windows for Thyroid Care

Eating in line with your body’s circadian rhythm has the potential to support metabolism and insulin sensitivity for those with thyroid conditions.

To do this, focus on eating larger meals for breakfast and lunch, while consuming smaller meals in the evening. Alongside this, limit caffeine, processed foods, and sugar in the evening, stopping eating at least 3 hours before bed.

This can be a lot to coordinate, that is why Reverse Health has created a program to track meal timing and set your fasting window for optimal thyroid support.

Foods that Nourish Thyroid Health During the Cleanse

Reverse Health program meals contain ingredients which provide thyroid support. Here is a list of nutrients and foods that nourish the thyroid.

Doing the Cortisol Cleanse with Fatty Liver

Cortisol cleansing can be beneficial for fatty liver. We explore how it reduces liver inflammation, the importance of inflammatory meals, and food to avoid for liver support.

How the Cleanse Helps Reduce Liver Inflammation and Improve Detox Function

As we know, high cortisol levels can prompt fat accumulation in the liver, which causes damage and dysfunction.

Cleansing cortisol on the other hand is shown to return it to normal levels, helping to reduce fat accumulation. This reduces liver inflammation, supports liver regeneration and improves function.

The Importance of Balanced, Anti-Inflammatory Meals

Balanced meals are vital for lowering cortisol and addressing liver damage. Meals containing a balance of complex carbohydrates and protein with a focus on omega-3 fatty acid and antioxidants, provide anti-inflammatory support.

Recommended and Avoided Foods for Liver Support

Here is a list of recommended foods, and foods to avoid for liver support.

Recommended Foods

• Fatty Fish: Mackerel, salmon, herring, and sardines contain omega-3 which can help reduce inflammation and fat build up.
• Nuts: Walnuts, almonds, pistachios, pecan, and brazil nuts are great sources of healthy fats, antioxidants, and vitamin E, which reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.
• Berries: Strawberries, raspberries, and cranberries are rich in antioxidants.
• Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, arugula, collard greens contain fiber and antioxidants which help protect the liver.
• Green Tea: High in antioxidants helps reduce the risk of liver disease

Doing the Cortisol Cleanse with Other Medical Conditions

The cortisol cleanse focuses on healthy habits and makes it compatible with other medical conditions. Below, we explain how to adapt and skip fasting components, how to discuss your program with your healthcare provider, and how to monitor energy, hydrations and symptoms during your cleanse.

When to Adapt Your Plan or Skip Fasting Components

The cortisol cleanse is safe, however, there may be times where your plan and fasting components need adjusting. The foundation of positive health means it is highly adaptable to different dietary requirements and food intolerances.

Meanwhile, those with conditions such as diabetes, a history of eating disorders, low blood pressure, and chronic kidney and liver disease should consider skipping fasting as it may negatively impact these conditions..

The Reverse Health program is flexible, offering the ability to modify eating times and food preferences to meet different needs.

How to Discuss Your Program With Your Healthcare Provider

If you are considering doing the cortisol cleanse but are concerned about it being compatible with your health or a specific illness you recommend speaking to your healthcare professional.

When discussing the program, we recommend sharing any relevant health information to provide a background of your current health status.

This can be followed by the current exercise, nutrition, mindfulness and lifestyle practices within the program.

This will provide them with relevant information to formulate a professional opinion and any modifications to support your cleanse.

Monitoring Energy, Hydration, and Symptoms During the Cleanse

Listening to your body during your cortisol cleanse is essential to ensure your health is on the right track. Below is a list of ways to monitor energy, hydration, and potential harmful symptoms:

• Energy: Identify your current energy levels at the beginning of your cleanse and monitor the changes in those initial weeks. During this time it is natural for energy levels to fluctuate due to lifestyle and nutrition changes.

• Hydrations: Ensure that you are staying hydrated during your cleanse as the body sees dehydration as a stressor. Aim to consume 2,200 ml/day, and to look out for signs of dehydration such as thirst, dry mouth, dark urine, or infrequent urination.

• Symptoms: When cortisol levels drop below healthy levels it can be harmful to your health. If you are experiencing symptoms such as constant fatigue, muscle weakness, headaches, infusion, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, low blood pressure, and salt cravings, stop the program and speak to your healthcare professional.

Medical and Safety Guidelines

The cortisol cleanse's foundation of positive health changes makes it a safe diet. However, some consideration should be made to achieve your results safely. Below, we discuss who should consult their doctor before starting, when to modify your plan, and how to combine medical treatment.

Who Should Consult a Doctor Before Starting

People with pre-existing conditions such as kidney disease, liver disease, thyroid issues, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart conditions, autoimmune disease, and osteoporosis should consult their doctor before cleanse.

They will be able to test cortisol levels and advise if the cortisol cleanse is suitable for each specific condition.

Signs That You Should Slow Down or Modify the Plan

Transforming your routine and implementing strict nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle guidelines can be counterproductive and cause more stress and even lead to symptoms if cortisol levels drop below normal levels.

If you are experiencing fatigue, stress, or anxiety, you need to slow down and or modify your plan. If you are experiencing symptoms related to low cortisol levels, stop your plan and speak to your healthcare professional.

How to Combine Medical Treatment with Lifestyle Support

The Reverse Health cortisol cleanse use of positive changes may make it compatible with medical treatments. However, we recommend speaking to your doctor to determine if it is suitable for your condition.

Getting Support from Reverse Health

At Reverse Health, our members' user experience is our top priority, that is why we have made accessing customer support so easy. Below, explain how to contact the customer support team, how to set medical conditions, and assess our community.

How to Contact Customer Support for Personal Guidance

You can contact customer support through the Reverse Health website and app. Below, we detail the steps for each:

Reverse Health App - Email

1. Open Reverse Health.
2. Tap the “My Profile” icon (top right corner).
3. Go to the “Settings” tab.
4. Selet “Contact”.
5. Select “Help”.
6. Scroll down to "Contact us” until you find the email address

Reverse Health App - Chat

1. Open Reverse Health.
2. Tap the “My Profile” icon (top right corner).
3. Tap the “Settings” tab.
4. Select “Contact”.
5. Tap “Messages”.

Reverse Health Website - Chat

1. Go to the Reverse Health home page.
2. Click on the option menu (top right corner).
3. Click on “Need help?”.
4. Click on the hovering chat speech icon in the bottom right corner.

Using the App’s Settings to Indicate Medical Conditions

If you have an existing medical condition and would like to modify your plan, get in touch with our customer support team. They will be able to customize your plan to suit your condition and healthcare providers recommendations.

Accessing Community Advice and Expert Insights

Community is a major part of the Reverse Health experience. That is why our team has created the Reverse Health community group, a members-only forum where users gather to share their experiences, challenges, and wins.

You can access the Reverse Health Group by taking the following steps:

1. Open Reverse Health.
2. Tap the “Grow” tab (bottom right corner).
3. Tap “Community”.
4. Tap “Let’s go”.

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