Cortisol is a unique glucocorticosteroid produced by the adrenal glands. One of the stress hormones. This substance helps the body quickly rebuild the work of physiological systems in order to actively resist stress.

Also, the uniqueness of cortisol lies in its powerful anti-inflammatory effect. In the form of injections, it is used to treat serious injuries, asthma, allergies and other diseases.

In bodybuilding and fitness, where the emphasis is on building muscle mass and specific body composition, athletes use cortisol blockers to suppress the negative effects of stress hormone.

The effect of cortisol on the body, muscles

Many hours of physical activity, nervous tension, work for a high result - a colossal professional athlete. Intensified training inevitably leads to an increase in cortisol levels., and this hinders the achievement of results in sports. The negative effect of stress hormone is manifested in the form of:

• destruction of muscle tissue;
• accumulation of fatty deposits in the abdomen;
• increase in blood glucose;
• increased appetite;
• increased blood pressure;
• accumulation of fluid in the body;
• decrease in the functioning of the immune system;
• migraines;
• night sleep disorders.

About cortisol blockers

The network of sports nutrition and pharmacology outlets has a wide range of drugs, supplements that are cortisol inhibitors. They reduce its secretion, inhibit biological activity, the manifestation of negative effects.

In the sports environment, another name for these substances is common - anti-catabolics. Catabolism is the process of breaking down complex organic substances into simpler ones. For athletes, this biochemical process is associated with muscle breakdown.

Anti-catabolics help achieve several goals at once:

• reduce the intensity of catabolism after training;
• maintain muscle mass after a course of steroids;
• protect muscles from the action of cortisol during the "drying" period (work on relief);
• normalize testosterone levels.

natural cortisol blockers

For people involved in strength sports, it is important to consider a number of additional stressors that cause an intensive production of cortisol and hinder the achievement of results:

1. Cardio workouts are highly catabolic and should be limited to 1-2 hours.
2. Stagnation, weight loss are associated with a lack of night sleep.
3. Wrong diet.
4. Combining training with hard physical work or other sports.
5. Intense mental stress.
6. Taking corticosteroid medications to treat certain chronic conditions.

In all these cases, cortisol will act on muscle tissue and trigger catabolic reactions in order to obtain additional amounts of glucose, amino acids, and provide the body with additional energy for stress resistance.

To help reduce stress hormone levels:

• soothing, relaxing techniques;
• proper nutrition;
• refusal of coffee and other stimulants;
• limiting the duration of training to 45-60 minutes;
• daily regime.

There are natural cortisol blockers:

• healthy omega-3 fats;
• glucose;
• vitamin C;
• Whey Protein;
• leucine;
• amino acids.

For athletes, the organization of a complete balanced diet is a top priority. It provides an anti-catabolic effect. The basis of the diet should be proteins, carbohydrates. It is important to include foods containing healthy fats in the menu. Omega-3 is found in large quantities in sea fish, flaxseed oil, sesame, walnuts and other foods.

It is better to buy glucose and vitamin C in pharmacies, since the concentration of these beneficial substances in pharmacological preparations is much higher than in food. Protein, free amino acids are sold in sports nutrition stores, are dietary supplements. It is better to take natural cortisol blockers in the morning, when the maximum natural increase in the hormone is recorded. They are also effective after strength training.

Medicines

The use of cortisol blockers is a common practice for athletes whose power loads exceed the allowable limits. In pharmacies, these drugs are often presented in tablets. The most popular cortisol blockers are:

• Clenbuterol;
• A growth hormone;
• Agmatin;
• Insulin;
• Hydroxymethylbutyrate;
• Phosphatidylserine;
• Anabolic steroid.

Sports supplements:

• Lean FX by Anabolic Xtreme;
• CortiShed by Higher Power;
• Cort-Bloc by Muscle-Link;
• Thermoloid from Goliath Labs;
• Cortislim;
• Cortiburn;
• Cortidrene.

Contribute to the activation of the synthesis of nutrients. Growth hormone reduces the secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone, which in turn reduces the secretion of cortisol. Phosphatidylserine has an anti-catabolic effect, increases endurance, improves brain activity, and helps to avoid muscle pain after training. Each of the cortisol blockers has a specific mechanism of action, so These substances must be taken as directed by a physician..

There are a large number of sports supplements and pharmacological preparations that suppress the negative effects of cortisol. Give preference to natural substances. Cortisol blockers, which are pharmacological drugs, have side effects. Before taking these substances, it is important to assess all possible risks.