Hi guys

I've been on these forums for about two years and suffer with EC. I've a done bit of research recently and am keen to contribute. What do you guys make of it?

Through alot of detailed reasearch and hard work from you guys you've established that excessive cortisol is the main culprit behind EC. I thought to myself, what caused these excessive levels in the first place? and are there any ways we can reduce our cortisol levels to help with healing the lips? (particularly though diet and lifestyle changes)

Keep in mind that my scientific knowledge of the condition is very limited so if the information is irrelevant than please say lol.



http://askville.amazon.com/foods-supplements-naturally-safely-reduce-cortisol...


This small article talks about 'essential fatty acids' and how they can help bring a balance to the body's cortisol levels.



http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0NAH/is_7_33/ai_107637377/pg_1


Although this article relates cortisol to weight loss, it still contains some useful advice to reducing cortisol levels. Its worth skim reading to pick up on a few tips.

"Choose Whole Foods. Eating refined carbohydrates sets off a chain reaction that leads to the release of more cortisol"

"Emphasize Protein. Very high-carb diets that don't include enough protein, fat, and fiber will make your body crank out even more cortisol."

"Supplement Wisely. Anti-stress nutrients like magnesium and the B vitamins help you relax and boost your mood. Take 400 to 600 mg of magnesium and at least 100 percent of the B vitamins every day. If your multi doesn't provide that amount, add a magnesium supplement and a B-50 complex"

"consider adding the herb holy basil (Ocimum tenniflorum), which reduces cortisol levels and helps your body adapt to stress. LaValle suggests taking 400 mg of holy basil two or three times daily"



http://www.nutrition4health.org/nohanews/NNSp05Harding.htm


This may seem quite long but its well written and very readable. It relates cortisol to sleep patterns and how cortisol patterns can be disrupted within the body.

"Cortisol is produced in a cyclic fashion with the highest levels being released in the morning and the lowest at night. This 24-hour cycle is called the circadian rhythm, and an abnormal circadian rhythm of adrenal hormones can adversely affect multiple critical functions in the body, including energy production and immune surveillance. Any disruption in this rhythm can result in a tendency toward fatigue, easy bruising, infection, osteoporosis, low sex drive, infertility, migraine headaches, adult acne, abdominal bloating, and either low or high blood pressure. "



http://www.hussmanfitness.org/html/TLRagingMetab.html


A few people on here say they work out on a regular basis. This article links link cortisol levels to exercise.

"Cortisol is one of the main catabolic hormones in the body. It is responsible for triggering the breakdown of protein (such as muscle tissue) into building blocks called amino acids. It also inhibits glucose from getting into the cells, causing a further wasting of muscle."

This may be relevant to people who have said they find it difficult to bulk up their bodies even through regular training.



http://healthequip-store.stores.yahoo.net/core.html


This product may have been posted before, to be honest I am not sure how it works or what it specifically does to the body.

Hopefully these are methods that can help bring cortisol levels back to normal, although like I said, my scientific knowledge is very limited. What do you guys think?

I know it would be optimistic to think that simply changing your diet or lifestyle will cure EC but surely we would see improvements?

Anyway I will continue to research the area and hopefully come up with some more stuff.