Specific biomarkers

This test measures the salivary cortisol, a bioavailable component of total cortisol, through a saliva sample. Cortisol is known as the stress hormone. When we are confronted with a threat, cortisol targets the central nervous system, the metabolic system, the immune system and the cardiovascular system, with the aim of releasing energy to allow us to deal with the stressor and not waste precious resources elsewhere. Cortisol fights inflammation during stress. As such, it is in and of itself a helpful hormone for the body to secrete. However, too much cortisol, or for too long periods without time to recover, cortisol can in fact lead to inflammation, weight gain, several autoimmune illnesses, and "adrenal fatigue".