cortisol
Meaning: A steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands in response to stress, often called the 'stress hormone,' which regulates metabolism, immune response, and blood pressure.
Cortisol follows a natural daily cycle, peaking in the morning and declining throughout the day. While essential for survival, chronically elevated cortisol levels — caused by prolonged stress — are linked to weight gain, weakened immunity, high blood pressure, and mental health problems. The term has become common in health and wellness media.
Examples
- Chronic stress keeps cortisol levels elevated, which can lead to weight gain and weakened immunity over time. 慢性压力使皮质醇水平持续升高,可能导致体重增加和免疫力下降。El estrés crónico mantiene elevados los niveles de cortisol, lo que puede derivar en aumento de peso e inmunidad debilitada con el tiempo.慢性的なストレスはコルチゾールのレベルを高いまま維持し、時間の経過とともに体重増加や免疫力の低下につながりうる。만성 스트레스는 코르티솔 수치를 높은 상태로 유지시켜 시간이 지남에 따라 체중 증가와 면역력 저하를 초래할 수 있다.
- Cortisol levels naturally peak in the early morning, helping to wake the body and prepare it for the day ahead. 皮质醇水平在清晨自然达到峰值,帮助身体苏醒并为一天的活动做好准备。Los niveles de cortisol alcanzan su pico natural a primera hora de la mañana, ayudando al cuerpo a despertar y prepararse para el día.コルチゾールのレベルは早朝に自然にピークに達し、体を目覚めさせ一日の準備を整える。코르티솔 수치는 이른 아침에 자연적으로 최고치에 달하여 신체를 깨우고 하루를 준비하도록 돕는다.
- Meditation and deep breathing exercises have been shown to lower cortisol levels and reduce the physical effects of stress. 研究表明,冥想和深呼吸练习可以降低皮质醇水平,减轻压力的身体影响。Se ha demostrado que la meditación y los ejercicios de respiración profunda reducen los niveles de cortisol y atenúan los efectos físicos del estrés.瞑想や深呼吸のエクササイズはコルチゾールのレベルを低下させ、ストレスの身体的影響を軽減することが示されている。명상과 심호흡 운동은 코르티솔 수치를 낮추고 스트레스의 신체적 영향을 줄이는 것으로 밝혀졌다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: medical, media, academic
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From cortex (the outer layer of the adrenal gland, from Latin cortex, bark) and -ol (indicating a chemical compound). The hormone was first synthesised in 1944.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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