What is DIM?

Diindolylmethane (DIM) is a natural compound found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussel sprouts. With its ability to support hormonal balance, detoxification, weight management, and its possible role in managing cortisol levels, DIM stands out as a key component for better health.

What is Cortisol?

Cortisol is a hormone produced by your adrenal glands. It’s often called the “stress hormone” because it’s released in response to stress, but it also plays a vital role in regulating blood sugar, metabolism, and inflammation.

Why is Cortisol Harmful?

Cortisol can cause belly fat accumulation and other health issues if levels are too high for prolonged periods. Having excess belly fat, irrespective of one’s total body weight, increases the risk of various health issues like high blood pressure, heart disease, high blood sugar, certain cancers, stroke, and fatty liver.

Below are some frequently asked questions about DIM and its potential to help lower cortisol:

How Can DIM Help Lower Cortisol?

While research is still ongoing, DIM may help lower cortisol levels in a few ways:

• Supporting Liver Detoxification: DIM may help your liver process and eliminate toxins. When your body is exposed to toxins, it triggers a stress response, leading to the release of cortisol. This constant stress can create a vicious cycle where high cortisol levels further impair liver function, leading to more toxin buildup and more stress.
• Balancing Hormones: DIM may help regulate oestrogen metabolism, which can impact cortisol production. High oestrogen levels can directly increase cortisol levels by increasing cortisol-binding globulin (CBG) concentration. By balancing estrogens and testosterone, progesterone is also affected positively.
• Reducing Inflammation: DIM has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce stress on the body and lower cortisol levels.

How Do I Take DIM?

DIM is available topically as well as in supplement forms, including capsules, tablets, and powders. The recommended dosage varies depending on the product and your individual needs. Transdermal (topical) DIM is thought to have higher bioavailability since there is no need to pass through the digestive tract or tax the liver.

Can I Use DIM Instead of Other Cortisol Management Strategies?

DIM may be a helpful addition to managing cortisol levels, but it’s not a replacement for other strategies like stress management techniques, exercise, and a healthy diet. For best results, DIM should be combined with these approaches. Saliva hormone testing is the best way to determine your cortisol levels before adding new approaches.

How does sleep affect cortisol levels?

More sleep naturally lowers cortisol because it increases growth hormone levels, which counterbalance cortisol. Get more sleep or do something to improve your sleep for more growth hormone and less cortisol.

If you are looking for a natural way to improve your sleep, Advanced Sleep Formula is a formulated magnesium supplement that comes in easy-to-swallow vegetable capsules that will give you a deep sleep. If sleep has been illusive for some time, consider a melatonin supplement or cream as well. Cortisol should be “low” and melatonin “high”, not the other way around.

What role does sun exposure play in cortisol reduction?

Regular sun exposure of about 15 to 20 minutes every day is a good source of vitamin D which contributes to reducing cortisol.

If it’s cloudy out, make sure to take 10,000 IU of vitamin D3. Gummies Gone Crazy D3 is a delicious way to boost your vitamin D3 levels. Vitamin D-3 & K-2 Complex might be helpful as well.

What dietary changes help lower cortisol?

Foods rich in potassium help maintain electrolyte balance, which is important for a properly functioning nervous system. Salads are a great source of potassium, especially leafy greens like spinach, kale, and romaine lettuce.

Vitamin B1 is essential for the metabolism of carbohydrates, which are the body’s primary source of energy. When vitamin B1 levels are low, it can lead to fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating, all of which can worsen the effects of stress and cortisol.

Consuming foods rich in potassium and vitamin B1 can help support a healthy nervous system, reducing the negative effects of stress and cortisol.

What should be avoided to keep cortisol levels low?

Avoid toxic relationships and high-stress environments, as they can raise cortisol levels, making it harder to maintain a balanced state.

While it’s not always possible to avoid all stressful people and environments, setting healthy boundaries can help minimize their impact. This might involve limiting contact with certain individuals, taking breaks from stressful situations, or creating a calming space for yourself.

So that’s how you lower cortisol.

Take the first step towards a healthier, more balanced life today.

Whole Family Products offers DIM supplements that may help manage cortisol levels. Discuss DIM with a holistic practitioner to determine a gentle approach that is right for you. Below are some options available for you to choose from:

• Chrysin with DIM is a combination of the potent benefits of chrysin, DIM, and the unique properties of Swedish flower pollen. It can restore healthy estrogen and aid in regaining hormonal balance for both men and women.
• DIM 150 is packed with all natural ingredients formulated to restore healthy hormone balance in your body by adjusting the balance of bad estrogens to good estrogens.