Amy Shapiro said cortisol follows a normal 24-hour cycle and should not be “eliminated,” pushing back on social media claims that frame the hormone itself as inherently harmful.
Chronic stress is the real problem, she said, because persistently high cortisol can contribute to anxiety, sleep problems, weight gain, frequent illness and burnout.
Shapiro warned that caffeine on an empty stomach, late-night high-intensity exercise, ultraprocessed foods, high sugar intake, poor sleep and inactivity can all drive unnecessary spikes.
Balanced meals, less processed food, daytime movement and daily stress-management habits can help keep levels in check, while suspected imbalances should be confirmed through saliva or blood tests ordered by a doctor.