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Encyclopedia of Nutritional Psychology

Cortisol

Evidence-informed definition Updated July 23, 2024 How to cite this entry

Cortisol, often referred to as the “stress hormone”, is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands located on top of each kidney. It plays a crucial role in the body’s response to stress and helps regulate various functions, including metabolism, blood sugar, immune response, and the sleep-wake cycle.

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Written by The Center for Nutritional Psychology
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The Center for Nutritional Psychology. (2024). Cortisol. In Encyclopedia of Nutritional Psychology. The Center for Nutritional Psychology.

https://www.nutritional-psychology.org/encyclopedia/cortisol/
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