We’re always on the lookout for the best cortisol supplement on the market. Given how high levels of it can wreak havoc on your hormone levels (through adrenal fatigue or adrenal insufficiency), it’s important to always keep it in check.
This is what makes it imperative to supplement with substances that can naturally balance your cortisol levels – something that can serve as a cortisol manager. And, for that, we took a look at some products and here’s the list of the best we’ve tried so far:
Best Cortisol Supplements Comparison Table
Picture | Product | Brand | Ingredients |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Natural BioScience (Nugema Research Brands) |
| |
 | Havasu Nutrition |
| |
 | BulkSupplements |
| |
 | ORGANIC INDIA |
| |
 | Sports Research |
|
A Quick Look at the Best Cortisol Supplements
This product contains 100 milligrams of phosphatidylserine (PS) in each capsule. It’s free of soy and allergens, as well as contains three forms of PS: phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, and phosphatidylinositol.
It combines 120 milligrams of Ginkgo biloba and 100 milligrams of phosphatidylserine in a single capsule. ISO-certified third-party laboratories test the product for potency and content integrity.
Each serving of this product contain 750 milligrams of Choline with 300 milligrams of it as Choline DL Bitartrate. It’s free of dairy, sugar, soy, gluten, yeast, and additives.
These are capsules containing USDA-certified organic herbs grown on sustainable land. Each capsule contains 800 milligrams of organic Ashwagandha root, and is kosher and Halal certified.
It contains 200 milligrams of Sports Research’s patented L-theanine sourced from black and green tea. It contains organic virgin coconut oil and organic beeswax to promote improved l-theanine absorption.
Reviews of the Best Cortisol Supplements
This adrenal fatigue supplement offers great value for money. We’ve liked how it’s just purely phosphatidylserine and there’s nothing else in the product. This makes it convenient to take at any time of the day without disturbing sleep or waking hours.
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
We like that the ingredient combination makes it a convenient supplement for managing elevated cortisol levels. However, with the increased risk of clotting disorder, we don’t recommend it to people with any form of ailment.
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Things We Didn't Like
We liked that it’s in powdered form as it means we can vary the dosage according to our needs. However, it would be better if it wereL-choline bitartrateand contained inositolfor improved management of the body’s stress response (aka fight-or-flight response).
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
We liked how well it works within minutes of taking it. It doesn’t hurt that the ingredients are all-natural and certified organic, but keep in mind that the main ingredient can make you fall asleep – much like other adaptogenic herbs (including holy basil).
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
This product works wonders – we’ve felt relaxed and those with anxiety were relieved from it. If you’re someone who has ADHD or any anxiety disorder, this is worth looking into.
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
How to Choose Cortisol Supplements
1. Look for the Right Ingredients
For supplements to control your cortisol levels, they utilize ingredients that keep the steroid hormone in check. Here are a few good examples of ingredients you should look for:
According to studies, Phosphatidylserine (PS) reduces cortisol levels by up to 40%.
- Phosphatidylserine (PS)
It’s a phospholipid composed of fatty acids and amino acids.
It does this by purging excess cortisol and protecting nerve cells. This results in reduced stress for your system (especially the adrenal gland), which makes it effective in preventing fatigue or chronic stress.
- Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract
This is used in traditional Chinese medicine. Tests show that it inhibits cortisol production in individuals, even when they have been exposed to mental and physical stress.
It also improves mental cognition and protects the brain from oxidative damage.
- Choline Bitartrate
It is a nutrient that can be obtained from eggs, dairy, and meat, or synthesized by your body. Deficiency from this nutrient can increase the chances of increased cortisol, prolactin, beta-endorphines, and adrenocorticotropic hormone.
- Ashwagandha (KSM-66)
Also known as the Indian ginseng, it’s a herb used to promote healing and relaxation in Ayurvedic medicine. It increases resistance to cortisol’s effects.
However, not all ashwagandha herbs have this same effect. Only the KSM-66 strain of the herb has the desired effect of lowering cortisol.
- L-Theanine
It’s an amino acid abundantly found in tea lives. It reduces the effects of stress on an individual through moderation of blood pressure increase and reduction of anxiety.
However, its benefits are more consistent and evident among children and young adults.
2. Be Aware of Any Side Effects
There’s always such a thing as too much, even in taking supplements. Supplements can also induce side effects when taken past certain amounts.
Be aware of these amounts and compare them with the dosage of the supplement you’re considering for purchase. Even if the dosage is acceptable, you must still keep these side effects in mind as some can be fatal in both the short term and in the long run.
3. Be Aware of Any Drug Interactions
Chemical substances from food, supplements, and medicine can induce reactions in the body when they interact with certain substances. These interactions can vary, from reducing the effects of medicine to inducing side effects.
For example, phosphatidylserine can decrease the effects of select anti-histamines and increase the effects and side-effects of Alzheimer’s disease medications.
So, when choosing supplements, you have to check for any interactions if you’re taking any medication or when you’re going to take any kind of medication.
4. If Possible, Choose Brands with FDA Approval
Supplements do not need to be approved by the FDA. However, when a supplement says it is FDA approved, it means that it has been tested by the agency for safety.
Unfortunately, FDA approval on supplements doesn’t have anything to do with effectiveness.
Our Recommended Supplement
We recommend Natural BioScience Phosphatidylserine for its good value and benefits. It contains only one ingredient which makes dosage control and consumption easier and safer.
Compared to the other ingredients meant to reduce cortisol, phosphatidylserine has more proven benefits based on actual clinical trials. It also doesn’t keep the stress hormone from serving its key functions (phosphatidylserine simply prevents high cortisol levels even during stressful situations).
Furthermore, various studies have seen its benefits on symptoms of chronic mental ailments and athletic performance. So, you’re not only getting a supplement for controlling cortisol levels but also a supplement for your mental health and physical performance.
With these in mind, it shouldn’t be surprising that this was our choice as the best cortisol supplement.
Image credits: Amazon.com
