Cortisol also a steroid hormone. It is synthesized by the adrenal glands (two glands that sit on top of your kidneys) and released into the bloodstream in response to stress signals from the brain. It has various functions including normalizing blood sugar through gluconeogenesis, opposes actions of and protects cells against too much insulin, regulates blood pressure, has an anti-inflammatory effect, strengthens heart contractions, helps regulate WBC’s from causing tissue damage, regulates sodium and potassium and fluid levels, plays a role in brain and the CNS system (mood, thoughts, memories, focus, etc.) and more. Too low or too high of cortisol can be detrimental to health. Prolonged cortisol secretion leads to muscle wasting, hyperglycemia, suppresses immune system, and increases belly fat.