Instalab ResearchCortisol is your body’s built-in alarm system. Released by the adrenal glands during stressful events, it helps provide the fuel to fight or flee. In short bursts, cortisol is beneficial. But when stress becomes chronic, whether from work, poor sleep, financial pressure, or other sources, cortisol can start to take a toll. Long-term elevation has been linked to weight gain, anxiety, heart disease, weakened immunity, and even memory loss.
That is why many people and wellness brands are focused on keeping cortisol in check. While reducing cortisol may sound like a straightforward health goal, the reality is more complex. Not all stress is harmful, and not every attempt to lower cortisol is automatically beneficial. Balance is the key, and stress relief gummies aim to help achieve that.
Most stress relief gummies include ingredients believed to support relaxation and reduce physiological stress. Common active components include:
Some formulations also add melatonin (for sleep support) or cannabidiol (CBD) for additional stress relief. These ingredients are included with the goal of lowering stress hormones like cortisol and improving mood and energy over time.
Human trials offer some intriguing findings, though few studies have focused directly on gummies themselves.
One well-structured trial on a supplement blend called Cortitrol demonstrated clear reductions in serum cortisol during both physical exercise and resting conditions. The supplement also lowered markers of oxidative stress, suggesting that it may provide more than just hormonal benefits.
Interestingly, the act of chewing gum, even without active ingredients, has shown some effectiveness in reducing cortisol in stressful situations. In controlled lab settings, participants who chewed gum during multitasking challenges had lower salivary cortisol levels and better mood and performance compared to those who did not chew gum. These effects were most noticeable in the afternoon and under moderate stress levels.
However, results have been mixed. In some studies, gum failed to reduce cortisol when the stressor was extremely frustrating or socially stressful, such as when participants faced unsolvable puzzles. In those cases, chewing did not appear to buffer the psychological toll of stress.
Flavor also plays a role. One study found that unflavored gum had no impact on cortisol levels, while gum with strong flavoring did. This suggests that the sensory experience (taste and smell) may enhance the relaxation effect, possibly through brain regions involved in pleasure and emotion regulation.
Herbal extracts like ashwagandha, Bacopa monnieri, and Ocimum sanctum have also shown cortisol-lowering potential in smaller human and animal studies. Adaptogens like these are thought to help regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which governs the body's stress response. Still, most of the research involves high-dose capsules or tinctures, not chewable supplements.
The mixed results are not surprising, considering the complexity of both stress and human physiology. The type of stress matters. Psychological stress may respond differently to supplements compared to physical stress from exercise. The delivery method, whether through gum, pills, liquids, or gummies, can also affect absorption and efficacy. The timing of cortisol measurement adds further variability, given that cortisol levels naturally fluctuate throughout the day.
And while some products clearly lower cortisol for a few hours, it is still unknown whether this leads to long-term benefits. Most studies track participants for only a few hours or days. As of now, no study has shown that regular use of stress relief gummies leads to long-term reductions in cortisol or improvements in major health outcomes.
There is a theoretical basis for the claim that reducing cortisol might improve healthspan. Chronically high cortisol has been associated with inflammation, poor metabolic control, and immune suppression. All of these contribute to the development of age-related diseases. In animal studies, high cortisol levels can accelerate biological aging and cognitive decline.
Human observational studies have shown that abnormal cortisol patterns, such as consistently high levels or a flattened daily rhythm, are linked to worse sleep, fatigue, and mood disorders. These issues could, in turn, affect longevity and quality of life.
But translating that into a practical intervention is tricky. Lowering cortisol might improve some of these outcomes, but the effect would depend on how much cortisol is reduced, how long the reduction lasts, and what else the person is doing to manage their health. There is no direct evidence showing that gummies or similar products add years to life or even reduce the risk of disease.
Stress relief gummies can, in some cases, help reduce cortisol levels temporarily. This may improve calmness, focus, and perceived stress, especially during predictable or mild stressors. Some ingredients, such as ashwagandha and L-theanine, have shown benefits in clinical studies. Chewing gum itself may offer small benefits as well.
However, the evidence does not yet support the idea that these gummies reliably reduce chronic cortisol over the long term or improve healthspan in a measurable way. They may be helpful as part of a broader toolkit for managing stress but are unlikely to make a significant difference on their own.
If you decide to try stress relief gummies, look for products with clinically supported ingredients, preferably with standardized extracts of herbs like ashwagandha. Choose brands with transparent labeling and third-party testing.
More importantly, do not rely on gummies alone. The most effective stress management still involves proven strategies like physical activity, meditation, healthy sleep habits, therapy, and strong social support. Gummies may help take the edge off in a stressful moment, but lasting improvements in health and resilience require a more holistic approach.
