Eating protein and carbohydrates can lead to lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol by influencing the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.

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Evidence from Studies

Supporting (2)

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Characteristics and correlation analysis of postprandial free fatty acids and cortisol levels in males after different meals: a clinical trial

Randomized Controlled Trial

Human

2026

When people ate meals high in protein or sugar, their stress hormone (cortisol) went down over time, which means these foods might help reduce stress in the body.

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The Combination of a Diversified Intake of Carbohydrates and Fats and Supplementation of Vitamin D in a Diet Does Not Affect the Levels of Hormones (Testosterone, Estradiol, and Cortisol) in Men Practicing Strength Training for the Duration of 12 Weeks

Randomized Controlled Trial

Human

2020 Nov 1

This study found that eating more carbs (like pasta or rice) lowered a stress hormone called cortisol in men who lifted weights. Even though they also took vitamin D, only the group eating more carbs saw this drop, which supports the idea that carbs help reduce stress hormones.

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Similar Assertions

Eating more fat might tell your body to stop producing so much of the stress hormone cortisol, as if it’s hitting a brake on your stress system.

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When your body is under long-term stress, it releases a hormone called cortisol that breaks down muscle and ramps up blood sugar in a way that together makes your metabolism worse over time.

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After eating different types of meals, healthy adult men show different patterns in cortisol levels over time: glucose causes a temporary rise followed by a drop below normal, while protein and fructose cause a steady decline over several hours, suggesting that the type of nutrient affects cortisol dynamics differently.

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