Foods To Lower Cortisol Levels In Your Body

Jul 21, 2025 Aarushi Bhadury

Certain foods can lower stress

Beyond common methods like self-care, good sleep, and regular exercise, the specific foods you choose to eat play a significant role in helping to manage and decrease your overall stress levels effectively. Credit: Canva

Targets the stress hormone

Some foods are known to help reduce cortisol, which is the primary hormone your body releases in response to stressful situations. By managing cortisol, you can feel calmer. Credit: Canva

Cortisol's dual role

While cortisol is essential for many bodily functions, too much of it over a long period can ironically increase stress and inflammation in your body, creating a vicious cycle. Credit: Canva

Mediterranean diet foods are beneficial

Eating patterns like the Mediterranean diet, rich in fish, poultry, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, provide essential nutrients that are highly effective in promoting stress reduction. Credit: Canva

Focus on anti-inflammatory eating

The most impactful way to lower cortisol is by adopting an anti-inflammatory diet. This means emphasizing whole, unprocessed foods while significantly reducing your intake of highly processed items. Credit: Canva

Reduces body inflammation

The main goal of this dietary approach is to choose foods that actively calm inflammation throughout your body. Lowering inflammation directly contributes to reduced cortisol levels and a calmer state. Credit: Canva

Key nutrients to look for

To combat stress effectively, aim for foods that are rich in Vitamin B, beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, essential magnesium, and adequate protein, all crucial for a balanced mood. Credit: Canva

Complements overall health management

A healthy gut is strongly linked to a healthy mind. Consuming foods that promote a flourishing gut microbiome can significantly contribute to lower stress and more balanced cortisol levels. Credit: Canva

Part of a bigger picture

While powerful, food isn't a standalone solution. These dietary adjustments are most effective when combined with other vital stress management techniques, including consistent exercise and sufficient sleep. Credit: Canva

Supports gut health

Actively managing chronic health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity is also critical. These conditions can trigger body inflammation, making stress management through diet even more important. Credit: Canva

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Foods To Lower Cortisol Levels In Your Body

​Certain foods can lower stress ​

​Targets the stress hormone ​

​Cortisol's dual role ​

​Mediterranean diet foods are beneficial ​

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​Focus on anti-inflammatory eating ​

​Reduces body inflammation ​

​Key nutrients to look for ​

​Complements overall health management ​

​Part of a bigger picture ​

​Supports gut health ​