[quote=watchthestarsfall;1333189]"Actually cortisol is an anti-inflammatory. Cortisone injections into chronically inflammed and painful joints is a treatment for some things, and hydrocortisone cream on ezcema or skin irritations help relieve that."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Cortisol produced in normal amounts aren't damaging to the body. But if a person is chronically stressed, cortisol is produced in larger amounts which are damging to the body. Cortisol shouldn't be confused with 'cortisone injections or cortisone cream' which reduce inflamation. But there are other explanations for inflamation in the body. Here's more information on cortisol damage:
Higher and more prolonged levels of cortisol in the bloodstream (like those associated with chronic stress) have been shown to have negative effects, such as:
- Impaired cognitive performance
- Suppressed thyroid function
- Blood sugar imbalances such as hyperglycemia
- Decreased bone density
- Decrease in muscle tissue
- Higher blood pressure
- *Lowered immunity and inflammatory responses in the body, slowed wound healing, and other health consequences *
- Increased abdominal fat, which is associated with a greater amount of health problems than fat deposited in other areas of the body. Some of the health problems associated with increased stomach fat are heart attacks, strokes, the development of metabolic syndrome, higher levels of “bad” cholesterol (LDL) and lower levels of “good” cholesterol (HDL), which can lead to other health problems!