Feel your best by reducing cortisol and join us for our first monthly wellness challenge!
Welcome to the April edition of the Sweat Ethic newsletter! This month, we're focused on helping you feel your best by reducing cortisol and bloating. We’re also introducing our first monthly wellness challenge!
Chronic Cortisol
Emily had been feeling drained for what seemed like forever. No matter how much sleep she got, the next day she felt a constant, low-grade fatigue that followed her around everywhere she went. On top of the fatigue, or perhaps as a result of it, Emily noticed she wasn’t looking quite as trim as she did a year ago and her pants were feeling a bit tighter. She used to workout regularly, but due to the lack of energy had found her daily workouts had slipped to only once or twice a month.
So, she decided enough was enough and figured pushing through the fatigue and working out might solve both issues. Emily joined a crossfit gym as it was something she always wanted to try. The workouts were intense and seriously draining, but Emily was determined. After two months of attending three crossfit sessions per week, Emily was beginning to see some physical results, but her fatigue seemed to be worsening. On top of that her, she noticed that she was having increased digestion issues. That’s when she began doing some research and came across an article about cortisol.
Emily learned that Cortisol is a hormone that our body produces in response to stress. High levels of cortisol have been linked to fatigue, weight gain, anxiety, digestion issues, increased inflammation, and other health issues.
Controlling Cortisol: Why It’s Important and Simple Ways to Do It
The good news is that cortisol levels can be reduced naturally through exercise and diet. Exercise helps to reduce stress and anxiety, which can in turn lower cortisol levels. However, high-intensity workouts, like the cross fit Emily began doing 3x a week, may actually increase cortisol levels, especially in females. In order to not spike cortisol, aim for 30 minutes of low-impact or moderate-intensity exercise, such as Pilates, brisk walking or cycling.
In terms of diet, it's important to eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of real, unprocessed foods. Avoid skipping meals or going long periods without eating, as this can cause cortisol levels to spike. Limiting the intake of caffeine, sugar, and ultra-processed foods is also important, as these can contribute to higher cortisol levels.
You can also super-charge your fight against cortisol by adding a supplement like Sweat Ethic’s Total Balance. Total Balance utilizes clinically studied herbal extracts that have been proven to boost libido, support hormone balance, reduce cortisol levels in the body, and improve overall wellbeing. The powerhouse ingredient in Total Balance is KSM 66® Ashwagandha. A clinically studied herbal extract which has over 22 published clinical trials on its effectiveness to boost libido, strength, and improve overall hormone balance.
Another awesome supplement for cortisol control is Sweat Ethics Pure & Lean. It contains natural sleep aids such as GABA and 5-HTP to help relax your nervous system, reducing cortisol. Pure & Lean also contains key herbal extracts and probiotics to improve digestive health and metabolism.
The best approach to reducing cortisol is to address it from several angles. Finding the right low-impact exercise routine, supplements, and diet habits, along with other simple stress reduction activities like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga, can reduce your cortisol levels and get you back to feeling your best.
Say ‘Bye-Bye’ to Bloating
No one likes feeling bloated. It’s uncomfortable feeling like you’re carrying a ‘food baby’. The good news is there are plenty of simple things you can do to say goodbye to frequent bloating.
Bloating can be caused by a variety of factors, including diet, stress, and certain medical conditions. To reduce bloating, the quality of food in your diet is imperative. Avoid processed foods high in sugar, while focusing on eating plenty of green vegetables that are rich in fiber. Also, focus on eating more slowly, thoroughly chewing your food, and eat smaller meals more frequently.
In addition to improved diet, there are supplements that are great for aiding in digestion and reducing bloating. One of our favorites is Sweat Ethics Vita Greens. Containing key digestive enzymes and prebiotic fibers, taking Vita Greens helps ensure your food is easily broken down allowing you to utilize calories more effectively and efficiently. The improved digestion also means no bloating.
Monthly Wellness Challenge
We're excited to announce our first monthly wellness challenge! We believe that small, sustainable lifestyle changes can lead to big improvements in our overall health and wellbeing. Each month, we'll be issuing a new challenge to help you incorporate healthy habits into your daily routine. This month's challenge is all about hydration - we challenge you to drink at least 64 ounces of water every day for the entire month of April. And if you’re looking for a delicious alternative to stay hydrated check out one of our most popular products - Hydrate’D! An electrolyte mineral powder, Hydrate’D is an all-natural hydration powder that features zero artificial colors, sweeteners, or flavors.
Join us on social media using the hashtag #SweatEthicChallenge to share your progress and cheer on your fellow challengers.
Thank you for being a part of the Sweat Ethic community. We're committed to helping you live your healthiest, happiest life, and we hope this newsletter provides you with the tools and inspiration you need to do just that!
Best, The Sweat Ethic Team