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Social media is awash with advice on lowering cortisol, the stress hormone, often suggesting quick fixes like "cortisol cocktails." However, experts warn that these remedies are misleading and fail to address the root causes of stress. While high cortisol can cause physical changes like weight gain and puffiness, these symptoms can have multiple causes. A woman who tried various social media hacks to lower her cortisol levels experienced burnout and a lupus flare-up, highlighting the need to address underlying stress rather than just the symptoms. Experts recommend focusing on stress management techniques like mindfulness, therapy, and exercise instead of relying on unproven social media solutions.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.