Stress Hormone Cortisol Linked to Certain Foods, Experts Warn

Health experts in Serbia and Belarus caution that diet can raise cortisol, the body’s stress hormone, alongside psychological stress. Frequent consumption of sweet breakfasts, sugar‑laden cereals, fast‑food meals and refined carbohydrates such as white bread may trigger rapid spikes in blood glucose, prompting the body to release cortisol to stabilize sugar levels. Chronically elevated cortisol is associated with fatigue, sleep disturbances, weight gain and persistent tension.

Nutritionists recommend replacing sugary or heavily processed foods with high‑fiber options like whole‑grain cereals, fruits, vegetables, protein‑rich foods and healthy fats. Examples include oatmeal with nuts and berries or Greek yogurt with seeds and fruit. Influencer Glukoza Godes and the portal Real Simple echo these guidelines, advising that breakfast be salty, protein‑rich and fiber‑dense to avoid glucose‑induced cortisol surges. Occasional fast‑food intake is not deemed harmful if kept rare, as ultra‑processed foods can also promote metabolic stress and inflammation that elevate cortisol over the long term.