Cortisol Blockers

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What Are Cortisol Blockers?

To understand what cortisol blockers are, we must first understand what cortisol is. Cortisol or hydrocortisone, is a steroid hormone that is the major circulating hormone of the outer layer of the adrenal gland. Cortisol is classified as a glucocorticoid (a hormone that predominantly affects the metabolism of carbohydrates. It also affects fats and proteins to a lesser extent. Glucocorticoids are made in the outside portion (the cortex) of the adrenal gland, cortisol is the major glucocorticoid). In addition, it stimulates liver glycogen formation while it decreases the rate of glucose utilization in the cells. Furthermore, a main effect of cortisol is to reduce the reserves of protein in all cells except cells of the liver and gastrointestinal tract. Finally, it also makes fatty acids available for metabolic use.

Stimulated By Stress

Cortisol is synthesized and secreted by the adrenal cortex, and in response to the stimulating substance adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). It is released in response to stress and is considered a major catabolic hormone. Catabolic means a tearing down process, it actually increases the loss of protein in the body. A “catabolic state” usually refers to the state in which you are burning protein instead of burning other types of fuel, such as carbohydrates. This is the exact opposite of what you want as a bodybuilder, athlete or fitness enthusiast!

Cortisol is released in response to stress. This includes the physical stress of training! After all, training is a stressful, catabolic event! One of the key factors to building muscle is to maintain an anabolic state. This is referred to as staying in a positive nitrogen ( or protein) balance. So it’s clear that the release of cortisol can have devastating effects on muscle growth. So then cortisol blockers are a rather limited category of products that will limit or block the production of the hormone cortisol.

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Benefits Of Cortisol Blockers

The reported negative effects of cortisol are, as stated above, increased protein breakdown. Additionally, it counteracts insulin ( remember that insulin is an anabolic hormone) and to an extent causes memory problems. The benefit of cortisol blockers are:

  • Prevent muscle protein breakdown after your workout.
  • Often sold as a diet or fat loss aid, they may help burn body fat.
  • They are also sold as a memory aid.
  • Reduces stress levels.

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Cortisol Blocker Supplements, Timing and Dosage

This is really a limited category with only a handful of products available. However, the main ingredient in most of these products is Phosphatidylserine or PS for short. PS is classified as a phospholipid. Phospholipids are fats that are in every cell of the body. Phosphatidylserine is in high concentrations in the brain. It is responsible for keeping cell membranes fluid and ready to process essential nutrients.

PS is also an important support chemical for nerve tissue. As a support to the nervous system, PS aids proper release and reception of neurotransmitters in the brain. PS helps memory-related pathways function smoothly. PS is a stand-alone product. It’s a memory aid and comes from soy.

Fat Loss & Muscle Growth Formulas

Of the cortisol blocking products to choose from, most are marketed as fat loss formulas. There is only one that I could find marketed as having positive effects on muscle growth. These products come in tablets and capsules. In each case, each one presents different nutrients in the formula. Additionally, the only constant in many of them is the use of PS or a PS complex.

As is the case with many fat loss products, some of these contain caffeine. This helps speed up the metabolism so you burn more calories. For me, a cortisol blocker should be geared more towards the muscle growth aspects. I would pick one with that benefit. Timing of a product like this will depend on the type of product. Is it a fat loss formula or a true cortisol blocking formula? For fat loss, take as directed on the label for both timing and dosage. As a cortisol blocking agent, I would take the suggested dosage about an hour before workouts. On off-days, take it later in the evening. Finally, always read the label carefully before using.

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