What is cortisol?
Cortisol is the main glucocorticoid hormone produced by the adrenal glands. It is essential for life but becomes problematic when chronically elevated.
Normal Functions
- •Regulates metabolism and blood sugar
- •Modulates immune response
- •Supports wakefulness and alertness
- •Part of the stress response (HPA axis)
Chronic Elevation
- •Suppressed immune function
- •Impaired digestion and peristalsis
- •Reduced HRV
- •Anxiety, sleep disruption
- •Metabolic dysfunction
In ONDA Life
ONDA does not measure cortisol or any hormone, and makes no claim that its practices change cortisol levels. Level 1 practices use slow breathing and HRV feedback; HRV is an indirect signal of autonomic state, not a cortisol reading. Cortisol can only be measured with a lab test (blood, saliva or urine).