You're eating as usual - but your stomach thinks it needs to stock up for the end of the world?

What's really behind the infamous menopausal swimming ring (and why cortisol is the secret mastermind)

We are all familiar with stress.
Whether you're in the middle of your career, raising children or trying to juggle everything somehow - stress is like a secret roommate who has simply moved in with you without being asked. And it did so years ago.

But did you know that your body is not only annoyed when you are stressed, but also releases a hormone that has a profound effect on your metabolism?

This hormone is called cortisol.
It's produced in the adrenal cortex - two small glands that sit on top of your kidneys - and it's like your built-in alarm system. As soon as your body senses stress, cortisol is released.

What does that mean in concrete terms?

- Your heart rate goes up.
- Your blood sugar rises.
- Your digestion is throttled (because "escape" is more important than "digesting food").
- Your body switches to survival mode.

That's totally clever in evolutionary terms - if you encountered a sabre-toothed tiger in the Stone Age.
But today there are no more tigers lurking. Today, constant stress is our problem.
We rush through the day, sleep badly, think too much, eat a cookie in between, scroll through our cell phones at night - and wonder why we are constantly tired, irritable or exhausted.
The truth is: our body is constantly under stress. And cortisol has long been out of control.

And now it's getting exciting - or to be honest: unpleasant.

This is because a permanently elevated cortisol level has many effects that you may already be aware of but have never associated with stress hormones:

- You gain weight more easily on your stomach, even though you hardly eat any more.
- You wake up at night and can't go back to sleep.
- Your hair becomes thinner, your skin drier.
- You feel like you're being remote-controlled.
- And your cycle does what it wants - or has stopped altogether.

Cortisol can permanently slow down your thyroid, weaken your immune system, mess up your blood sugar and even affect your brain power.

And that's the point where many women - especially over 40 - think: "I'm just not functioning properly anymore."
But you know what? You are functioning. Your body is only doing what it has learned to do: Survive.
It protects you.
But now it's time to show him that there's no more alarm. That you are safe. And that he can drive down.

How?
By giving him what he needs.
And that's where a few very specific nutrients come into play -

Taming cortisol the smart way - with your holistic Natura Vitalis combination

"Sure, you could start doing yoga at 6 a.m. again, incorporate intermittent fasting and take cold showers afterwards - but who says you have to work for freedom when you can treat yourself to it?"

If your stress levels regularly leave you feeling flat and you notice that your body no longer feels like yours, this is often due to cortisol levels getting out of hand. And here comes your natural answer:

1. thyroid complex - your inner reset button

Includes: ashwagandha, ginseng, L-tyrosine, algae, zinc, selenium, manganese
Why? Because ashwagandha has been scientifically proven to lower cortisol levels, while tyrosine & co. boost your energy metabolism. Your body gets the feeling again: I'm taken care of. I can slow down.

2. magnesium citrate - the nerve-soothing mineral

Pure, bioavailable, taken in the evening = better sleep, less brooding.
Why? Studies have repeatedly shown that magnesium lowers cortisol levels. And honestly - without magnesium we all get annoyed a bit faster, don't we?

3. omega-3 - the cell whisperer

Top-quality EPA/DHA for brain, heart and hormone balance
Why? Studies show up to 20 % cortisol reduction - plus effect on mood, inflammation, focus. No other fat has such a subtle effect on your stress system.

4. b-complex - your stress brake

All B vitamins in active form (incl. B6 & B12)
Why? The B-family is like your invisible support team - they get your nervous system back into flow and help you to think more clearly instead of being stuck in constant loops.

5. lactoflora probiotics - gut feeling for the brain

With 12 bacterial strains + vitamin D + inulin
Why? Your gut is your second brain. And the place where cortisol is also influenced via the gut-brain axis. If you calm your gut, you often calm your head too.

Extra love: Aqua Go Strong for anyone who feels "bloated"

Slightly draining, metabolism-activating, connective tissue-friendly.
Why? Not all weight gain is fat. Stress water, inflammatory storage, hormonal congestion - all of these are often overlooked.

And when you're on the go: Happy Gums with CBD

18 % CBD in soft gums + vitamin D + C + B12
Why? Because not every panic attack can be tamed with valerian. CBD works gently but reliably. And you can take it discreetly on the go.

Your plan: 30 days of inner peace

Instead of blindly dieting, give your body what it really needs:
- Hormonal balance
- Stress detox
- Cell nutrition
- Intestinal stability

This is not a lifestyle - this is a return to yourself.