Question

c) Athletes with chronic energy deficit (energy output>energy intake; strenuous exercisers) tend to have high levels of cortisol. Do you expect their immune systems would be better than those who are sedentary?

Answer 1

Cortisol is also called stress hormone . It is released from zona fasciculata layer of adrenal cortex.

Cortisol has anti inflammatory property therefore act as immunity booster in short term .

But if its level remains high for a long time the it causes downregulation of cortisol receptors and hence lowers down the immunity.

In contrast in sedentary lifestyle the level of cortisol always remain too high which makes the person feel more craving for food and lethargy.

Too much raised level ir cortisol leads to suppression of immunity and predisposes to many diseases.

Therefore overall immunity of an athlete is far better than a person with sedentary lifestyle.