Mumbai surgeon Dr Manan Vora says ‘cortisol is not the enemy’; shares why it is important and when it becomes a problem

Dr Manan Vora, a Mumbai orthopaedic surgeon, explains cortisol is essential for regulating metabolism, blood sugar, blood pressure, immune response, and stress handling.

Cortisol is produced by adrenal glands above the kidneys and is described as 'not optional' for survival.

Chronic stress keeps cortisol elevated, leading to problems like disrupted sleep, appetite changes, reduced physical activity, and fat accumulation.

Short-term cortisol release helps by releasing stored energy and spiking glucose, but long-term elevation harms health.