Here is some more information on reducing cortisol.
There are also several supplements that have been shown to possibly reduce cortisol levels:
Acetyl-L-carnitine (This supplement may help prevent the decline in testosterone that occurs during and after an intense resistance training session.),
L-Glutamine ( One study actually showed that
glutamine directly prevents the cortisol-induced degradation of
muscle contractile proteins.(3) ,
Vitamin C (,Zinc (This vitamin, which is often times used for healthy skin function, may also minimize cortisol levels according to Dr. Sapse. He suggested this in an abstract he presented at the 1997 conference on cortisol and anti-cortisols. (4)), Vitamin A,Gingko Biloba,DHEA,
A good post workout drink that spikes insulin levels have been shown to help. Insulin actually interferes with cortisol and may enhance cortisol clearance from the body. Spiking insulin levels after a workout (by consuming a high-glycemic index
carbohydrate) may help minimize excessive cortisol levels since cortisol levels are elevated significantly post resistance training.
This study examined the short-term effects of the daily ingestion of ascorbic acid (1,000 mg/ d) on resting and postexercise
concentrations of serum cortisol (Cort), testosterone (T), and the
testosterone : cortisol ratio (T:C) in 17 junior elite weightlifters.
Subjects were assigned to one of two groups equated for body mass and weightlifting total. GAA received ascorbic acid each day. GP received a placebo similar in appearance to the ascorbic acid supplement.
Subjects participated in a competitive, high volume, high intensity
training program. Blood (fasting) was drawn 5 times: baseline, Day 16 preexercise, immediate post, 1-hr post, and 24 hrs post. Exercise consisted of typical large-muscle-mass exercises familiar to all subjects and was standardized based on relative intensity (% 1-RM). ANCOVA, using preexercise ascorbic acid concentrations as the covariant, showed a significant difference (p = 0.02) for cortisol at 24 hrs post. Testosterone or the T:C ratio did not differ between groups at any point.
You could also try Phosphadytylserine
FaCk :]