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Ep. 648 High and Low Cortisol Explained with Dr. Erin Kinney
Description
Today, I’m delighted to connect with Dr. Erin Kinney. She’s a naturopathic medicine doctor and the founder of the Kinney Clinic, which focuses on hormone replacement therapy, nutrition, adrenal health, thyroid, and lymphatic system issues. Dr. Kinney is also the stress reset expert and author of The Cortisol Cure.
In our conversation, we explore cortisol debt, how to recognize it through self-assessment, and why Dr. Kinney believes we need to change the narrative around stress. We discuss ways to modulate the autonomic nervous system, specifically the parasympathetic, the true drivers of low cortisol, including sleep and circadian rhythm disruption, overtraining without adequate recovery, nutrient depletion, chronic or stealth infections, and unresolved trauma. Dr. Kinney explains how Lyme disease, Epstein-Barr virus, and mold and mycotoxin exposure can contribute to more pronounced stress responses, and we examine the influence of caffeine, alcohol, and stimulants; calming supplements for stress and sleep; the gut-brain axis and gut immune dysfunction. Dr. Kinney also shares her preferred strategies to regulate cortisol easily and effectively.
Stay tuned for a truly enjoyable conversation with the delightful Dr. Kinney. Her book, The Cortisol Cure, is a great resource for anyone suffering from multiple stress-related issues.
IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN:
What “cortisol debt” means
The value of short, intentional periods of rest for training the “relaxed muscle”
How low cortisol can involve both external and internal stressors
How early trauma can train the nervous system to stay activated
Why alcohol may lead to disrupted sleep and anxiety
How caffeine and stimulants can increase your energy debt
Why supplements cannot replace foundational practices that support stress-response regulation
Dr. Kinney’s preferred supplements for calming the autonomic nervous system
How a poorly functioning gut can impact immune cells, thyroid-hormone conversion, and the body’s immune response
Dr. Kinney shares three repeatable practices to begin regulating cortisol
Bio:
Dr. Erin Kinney is a naturopathic doctor, author, and speaker specializing in hormonal health and the effects of chronic stress. She is the creator of the “Cortisol Bank Account” framework, the foundation of her book The Cortisol Cure, which breaks down complex stress and hormone science into a simple, accessible approach that helps readers understand what’s happening in their bodies and how to start feeling better. She founded The Kinney Clinic in Annapolis, Maryland, where she helps high-functioning men and women get to the root of fatigue, hormone imbalance, and chronic health issues so they can reset their stress response, boost their energy, and feel better than ever.
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