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Age Better with Liz Earle

Age Better with Liz Earle

The surprising truth about cortisol in midlife – with Dr Erin Kinney

Oct 2, 2026 · 52m

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About this episode

We often think of cortisol as the big, bad stress hormone we need to keep as low as possible. But what if too little is just as bad for your health? Naturopathic doctor Erin Kinney joins Liz to explain why cortisol is an essential hormone for energy, focus, inflammation and resilience – and why our levels can become depleted in midlife. They discuss how chronic stress can leave us stuck in a cycle of using up more cortisol than we can replenish, and how this can impact everything from sleep and mood to digestion and weight loss. Erin also shares practical ways to support a healthy cortisol rhythm, including morning sunlight, regular mealtimes and learning to activate our 'relaxing muscles'.…