What Is Cortisol?
Cortisol is often called the body’s “stress hormone.” Produced by the adrenal glands, it plays a central role in the endocrine system. Cortisol helps regulate blood sugar, metabolism, and immune responses. It also prepares the body to react in stressful situations.
The Effects of High Cortisol
When cortisol levels remain high due to chronic stress, health problems can occur. These may include disrupted sleep, impaired digestion, high blood pressure, and weight gain. Elevated cortisol can also affect the gut, reducing microbial diversity and contributing to issues like constipation or bloating.
At The Sourdough School, our courses emphasise lifestyle interventions as well as breadmaking. Through programmes like the Diploma and retreats, students explore how stress management, nutrition
Cortisol, Gut Health, and Bread
Research shows that long-term stress may weaken the gut lining and alter the microbiome. Diet plays a role in regulating these effects. High-fibre, fermented foods such as sourdough bread can help by supporting microbial diversity and stabilising blood sugar.
The Proven Bread Subscription was designed with this in mind. Each loaf contains 6g of fibre per slice, supporting digestion while forming part of a structured 12-week health-focused course. By combining education with daily bread, it helps people build resilience against stress-related imbalances.
A Holistic Approach at The Sourdough School
At the School, we recognise that health involves more than nutrients alone. Baking and eating bread mindfully can lower stress, improve social connection, and reduce cortisol over time. Students on our 1-day introduction course often describe the process as grounding and restorative.
By connecting soil, farmer, miller, baker, and eater, we create a circular model of food that nourishes both body and mind. Understanding cortisol and its impact helps highlight why lifestyle medicine, supported by bread, is so important to long-term wellbeing.
