In today’s fast-paced world, stress is no longer the exception.It is now a daily companion for most adults. When you juggle work deadlines, manage family responsibilities and do your best just to keep up with everything that the world throws at you, your body reacts to all of those things and many more.
And at the hub of this reaction stands a hormone of which you may have heard much: cortisol.
Cortisol is commonly known as the “stress hormone,” It is produced by the adrenal glands as a response to getting stressed. It governs the metabolism, regulates blood sugar, supports immune function, and manages circadian rhythms.
However, high cortisol levels for long periods of time—courtesy chronic stress—become a major impediment to your health.
Not all supplements are equal creations. There’s a small set of science-backed formulas out there that still might help place those cortisol levels back in order without ever touching anything artificial or dangerous.
Whether you’re suffering from burnout, trying to get better sleep or overcoming that last bit of stubborn body fat, proper cortisol support means a world of difference.
We’ll walk you through:
- How to manage cortisol levels naturally
- 4 of the best cortisol support supplements
- Key ingredients that work
- What to look for (and avoid) in a cortisol supplement
- Final thoughts to keep your stress in check and energy optimized
Let’s start by understanding how you can manage cortisol effectively before we get into the top supplements on the market. And guiding you through it all is Balanced Living—your go-to resource for holistic, functional wellness.
Keep reading!
How to Control Cortisol Naturally
There is no need to depend on drugs alone. Or wait till the stress presses you to death. There are proven ways of regulating cortisol naturally which can actually increase your body’s ability to handle stress. Here are some of the most effective:
1. Sleep More (7–9 Hours)
One of the most rapid methods of boosting your cortisol levels is rising from a bed prematurely. Work toward maintaining a regular schedule for sleep, curbing your exposure to all artificial light sources in the evening and creating an environment that can help your body recover.
2. Stabilize Blood Sugar
Cortisol and blood glucose go hand-in-hand. Avoid high-sugar foods, refined carbohydrates, and particularly caffeine on an empty stomach. Instead, concentrate on well-balanced meals rich with fiber as well as protein and healthy fats which won’t drop your blood sugar levels, and then quickly undergo a corresponding increase of cortisol from those lows.
3. Exercise, but Not Too Much
Moderate exercise (such as walking, yoga or strength training) can lower cortisol levels. But excessive high stress exercise, with recovery time certainly disputable in the case of very strenuous exertion! – can increase cortisol even more.Pay attention to your body & don’t overtrain
4. Paying Attention and Deep Breathing
Meditation, deep breathing exercises and mindfulness practices like journaling are all effective for calming the nervous system and thus significantly reducing cortisol levels. Just 5-10 minutes a day can make a noticeable difference.
5.Adaptogens & Herbal Support
Natural herbs like Ashwagandha, Rhodiola Rosea, Holy Basil and Green Tea Extract have been clinically proven to lower cortisol levels and improve stress response. These ingredients are frequently merged into top cortisol-balancing supplements
Best Cortisol Support Supplements of 2025
1. Life Extension, Cortisol-Stress Balance, 30 Vegetarian Capsules
- Rating : 4.6 out of 5 stars
- Price: $33.75 (or $27.00 with autoship)
- Based on: 1,133+ customer reviews
Product Description:
Life Extension’s Cortisol-Stress Balance is a highly rated, plant-based supplement designed to help manage stress by maintaining healthy cortisol levels. This once-daily capsule features natural extracts—particularly from green tea—to support a balanced stress response and promote a calm mood. With its Gluten-Free and Non-GMO LE Certified formulation, it’s a safe and convenient option for daily cortisol regulation.
This product works by targeting the physiological pathways involved in stress and hormonal balance. The green tea-derived compounds and other proprietary plant extracts help your body maintain a healthy response to both psychological and physical stressors—something that millions of Americans struggle with daily.
If you’re experiencing symptoms like irritability, fatigue, poor sleep, or weight gain potentially linked to high cortisol, this supplement could be a part of your wellness toolkit. It’s crafted to be non-habit-forming and suitable for ongoing use as part of a long-term stress management routine.
- Pros:
- Made with natural plant-based extracts, `including green tea
- Promotes a healthy cortisol response to environmental stress
- Supports mood, sleep quality, and hormonal balance
- Non-GMO, Gluten-Free, and once-daily dosage
- No synthetic additives or harsh chemicals
- Cons:
- Slightly higher price point compared to similar supplements
- Not intended as a standalone solution for chronic stress disorders
- May take several weeks of consistent use to notice benefits
Suggested Use:
Take one (1) capsule daily, or as recommended by your healthcare provider. Read the full label and follow all directions before use.
2. Terry Naturally, Cortisol Rescue, 60 Capsules
- Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars
- Based on: 94+ customer reviews
- Price: $23.16 (or $18.53 with autoship)
Product Description:
Terry Naturally’s Cortisol Rescue is a targeted vegan supplement designed to support stress resistance, healthy hormone balance, and daily mood stability. With its formula built around premium bioactive B vitamins and Vitamin C, this product replenishes essential nutrients that chronic stress tends to deplete. The result? More energy, better blood sugar control, and a greater sense of calm.
Unlike many generic stress supplements, Cortisol Rescue focuses on both physical and emotional resilience. The B6, B12, and folate are in forms that do not require conversion by the liver—meaning your body can use them immediately. This is a huge plus for anyone with methylation issues or sluggish detox systems.
Vitamin C plays a key role too: the adrenal glands depend on it to regulate cortisol output, making this supplement particularly effective for those with fatigue, burnout, or mood swings.
Whether you’re dealing with weight gain, low energy, or hormonal imbalances due to stress, this formula helps bring your system back to equilibrium—without artificial ingredients or stimulants.
- Pros:
- Features highly bioavailable B vitamins (B6, B12, folate) for energy and mood
- Supports adrenal health with critical Vitamin C
- Helps regulate cortisol, hormones, blood sugar, and stress response
- Vegan, non-GMO, lab-tested for purity and quality
- Designed for both men and women
- Cons:
- May require 2–3 capsules daily for noticeable results, depending on gender
- Not suitable for those sensitive to high doses of B vitamins
- Doesn’t include herbal adaptogens like Ashwagandha or Rhodiola
Suggested Use:
- Women: 1 capsule, 1–2 times daily
- Men: 1 capsule, 1–3 times daily
Always follow label directions and consult a healthcare practitioner if needed.
3. Protocol for Life Balance, Adrenal Cortisol Support with Relora, 90 Veg Capsules
- Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Based on : 240+ customer reviews
- Price: $32.00 (or $25.60 with autoship)
Description:
Protocol for Life Balance’s Adrenal Cortisol Support with Relora is a botanical-based supplement tailored for those struggling with daily stress and its common side effects—particularly emotional eating, fatigue, and poor adrenal performance.
The standout ingredient here is Relora™, a patented blend of two traditional herbal extracts—Magnolia officinalis and Phellodendron amurense—both known for their calming and stress-reducing effects. This proprietary formula has been clinically studied for its ability to reduce cortisol levels, support adrenal function, and even regulate stress-induced cravings.
Unlike other adaptogen-heavy formulas, this one targets the connection between cortisol and appetite, making it a great choice for those who tend to overeat or snack more under stress. It also promotes stable energy and mood by supporting normal adrenal output throughout the day.
This supplement is entirely vegetarian/vegan and free of common allergens, making it accessible for those with dietary restrictions.
- Pros:
- Clinically studied Relora™ blend to reduce cortisol and manage stress
- Supports healthy adrenal response and appetite regulation
- Vegan and allergen-friendly (no gluten, dairy, soy, or artificial additives)
- May help with emotional eating and nervous appetite
- Backed by strong user reviews for calmness and mood regulation
- Cons:
- Requires 3 capsules daily for optimal effect
- Not ideal for those seeking a stimulant-based energy boost
- Relora™ may cause mild drowsiness in some users
Suggested Use:
Take one (1) capsule three times daily, or as directed by your healthcare practitioner. Consistency is key for full benefit.
4. Revive, Cortisol Support, 90 Vegetarian Capsules
- Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Based on : 9+ customer reviews
- Price: $49.99 (or $39.99 with autoship)
Description:
Protocol for Life Balance’s Adrenal Cortisol Support with Relora is a botanical-based supplement tailored for those struggling with daily stress and its common side effects—particularly emotional eating, fatigue, and poor adrenal performance.
The standout ingredient here is Relora™, a patented blend of two traditional herbal extracts—Magnolia officinalis and Phellodendron amurense—both known for their calming and stress-reducing effects. This proprietary formula has been clinically studied for its ability to reduce cortisol levels, support adrenal function, and even regulate stress-induced cravings.
Each batch of Revive Cortisol Support is 3rd-party tested and manufactured under strict GMP guidelines. It’s gluten-free, vegan-friendly, and free of artificial colors or preservatives—making it a clean, high-potency choice for health-conscious users.
While priced higher than average, it delivers comprehensive support for anyone experiencing burnout, brain fog, or stress-related fatigue.
- Pros:
- Premium formula with clinically backed ingredients (Rhodiola, PS, L-Theanine, Magnesium)
- Designed to improve both physical and mental response to stress
- Gluten-free, vegan, preservative-free, and 3rd-party tested
- Physician formulated and GMP compliant
- Ideal for professionals, athletes, and individuals under chronic stress
- Cons:
- Higher price point ($49.99 retail) compared to competitors
- Requires 3 capsules daily (may not be convenient for all users)
- Low number of customer reviews (as it’s a newer product)
Suggested Use:
Take one serving (3 capsules) once daily, or as directed by a healthcare practitioner. Best taken consistently for long-term results.
Cortisol & Appetite: The Missing Link
When you’re stressed out, have you ever found yourself going for snacks even though you’re not really hungry? That’s not merely a matter of framing–it’s science. Cortisol is extremely important in which direction and what rate our bodies use nutrients; lack f it has been seen to cause wasting and death.
But when cortisol levels rise too high (as they do under chronic stress, for instance), then the body gets ready for what might be either one of two bad scenarios. It raises blood glucose by putting it straight into the bloodstream, and turns on hunger.This is your body’s way of powering up for a perceived threat, even if it’s only a stressful Zoom call or an packed schedule.
This behavior of eating due to pressure is bad for health:
- Increased desires for high sugar and fat foods that bring you a moment of pleasurable feeling.
- A slowing metabolism and more stored fat (especially around the abdomen)
- Decreased insulin sensitivity, making it harder to keep your blood sugar where it should be
- Disrupted sleep that increases cortisol levels and results in greater appetite
Therefore stress → increased cortisol → stimulated appetite → gaining weight → even more stress.
While some of the finest cuts in the category of cortisol supporter supplements could be found in Adrenal Cortisol Support with Relora they picked stress management as well as grace to deal with one’s neuropathy course on the way to healthy adrenal function regain.
By creating balance between your levels of cortisol, you’re not only lifting mood and energy. You’re also decreasing hunger pangs and supporting better eating habits.
Anyone who’s serious about being at their best is well aware that keeping weight under control is absolutely essential. Cortisol is always the missing piece of this puzzle. It’s what can help you break through stubborn plateaus for good and retake your body’s controls.
Final Thoughts
As in all things hormonal, balance is essential for cortisol. When cortisol levels remain too high for too long, it can take away your sleep, metabolism, energy levels, concentration, and fat-burning ability.
But with a little help from adaptogen oxidants and nutrients, plus the right lifestyle habits and good quality merchandise made in house laboratories. It is completely feasible that your cortisol can once again be yours.Here is the gist of what we have said: Daily de-stress you can achieve through rest, movement, mindfulness and health eating .
Natural ingredients such as Rhodiola, Ashwagandha, B vitamins, and Relora are good for providing nourishing support to your adrenals.
Choosing a supplement that targets your specific symptoms—whether it is mood swings, energy crashes, cravings, or burnout.
Remain persistent: natural cortisol balance is not a fast remedy, but with regular care, your body can re-establish without
You’re just starting your stress management journey or you’re trying to stabilize your hormone health, these supplements are excellent ways from which you can remain calm, keep up your energy and remain on top of things.
This blog will give you the scoop on the four new products that contributors are using to add flair and functionality in their fitness-promoting lifestyles. Balanced Living is your guide on this journey to reclaiming your energy, clarity, and calm.
