Busting Myths about Cortisol with Beth Skwarecki

In this episode, Greg and Lyndsey sit down for a discussion about cortisol with Beth Skwarecki, the senior health editor at Lifehacker. The dangers of high cortisol are a persistent topic of content on social media content, so the discussion focuses on the types of claims that are being made, the dubious methods of self-diagnosis and “treatment” being recommended, and the potential risks and dangers associated with letting social media convince you that you’re basically an endocrinologist.You can read Beth’s article on this topic here: TikTok Myth of the Week: All Your Problems Are Due to High Cortisol TIME STAMPS What is cortisol? (00:02:52)Epinephrine vs. AdrenalineBasic cortisol physiologyLow cortisol and adrenal crisis 'Normal' cortisol levels (00:18:44)Reference range for normal cortisolVariability in cortisol awakening responseCortisol awakening response poorly associated with total daily cortisol AUCEarly childhood stress (with family income as a proxy) associated with either elevated or depressed cortisol awakening responseCortisol discourse on TikTok (00:33:56)Representative examples of TikTok cortisol content:https://www.tiktok.com/@brittwd/video/7263934911432707374?_r=1&_t=8gQo2Q04An4https://www.tiktok.com/@mallorymh/video/7242431357446556970https://www.tiktok.com/@xomgitsbunnie/video/7272557452095376686https://www.tiktok.com/@liv.ingwell/video/7263106370696695083Cortisol vs other social media trends (00:47:48)The Endocrine Society on adrenal fatigueRepresentative examples of TikTok adrenal fatigue content: https://www.tiktok.com/@clairethenutritionist/video/6964559576985308421?_r=1&_t=8gY2Pf0iBPnhttps://www.tiktok.com/@begreatwithnate/video/7191220532862356778?_r=1&_t=8gY2YIPYDDGhttps://www.tiktok.com/@ambitiousandcaffeinated/video/7201977016571202821?_r=1&_t=8gY2fS0vaRPhttps://www.tiktok.com/@ghallfitness/video/7190694428586151170?_r=1&_t=8gY2uaAaGvShttps://www.tiktok.com/@thewellnesswaylargo/video/7254966223329398058?_t=8gY34NUrjRO&_r=1Cortisol and menstruation (01:07:41)Cortisol and trauma (01:11:32)Representative example of movements claimed to reduce cortisol associated with traumaTapping: https://www.thetappingsolution.com/Cortisol and exercise (01:15:55)Cortisol and overtraining (most notably, Figure 3)Impact of exercise intensity on cortisol responseCortisol levels return to normal very soon after exercise endsHackney review on exercise and cortisolSpecific claims about high cortisol (01:38:30)Cortisol, caffeine and sleep (01:45:39)Plenty of things cause you to wake up at nightSpiritual meaning of waking up at 3AMCaffeine and cortisolCaffeine’s effects on cortisol are attenuated within 5 days of consumptionCoffee intake is associated with plenty of positive health outcomes (hard to square with the idea that caffeine spikes cortisol in a manner that’s deleterious to your health)Real ways to regulate cortisol (01:55:49)Self-diagnosis (02:03:08)Cortisol disorders can cause real disease (story Beth referenced about woman with tumor)Other things that can cause Cushing-like symptomsTakeaways (02:08:13)Where to find BethCheck out Beth’s writing on LifehackerBeth’s 510 Dinnie DeadliftBeth’s books: Outbreak! and Genetics 101Follow Beth on Twitter MORE FROM THE SBS TEAMWork with a Stronger By Science coach: Get personalized training and nutrition plans and ongoing support from one of our expert coaches.Join the Research Spotlight newsletter: Our newsletter is the easiest way to stay up to date with the latest exercise and nutrition science.Join the SBS Facebook group and Subreddit.RECOMMENDED PRODUCTSTry MacroFactor for free: Use code SBS to get a 14-day free trial of our nutrition app MacroFactor. MacroFactor has the fastest food logger on the market and its smart nutrition coach adapts to your metabolism to keep you on track with your goals. Download it today on the App Store or Google Play.BulkSupplements: Next time you stock up on supplements, be sure to use the promo code “SBSPOD” (all caps) to get 5% off your entire order.MASS Research Review: Subscribe to the MASS Research Review to get concise and applicable breakdowns of the latest strength, physique, and nutrition research – delivered monthly.