There are several products on the market that claim to block the absorption of carbohydrates and the production of cortisol. In theory, they sound like a good idea; excessive carb consumption can lead to obesity, particularly in insulin-resistant individuals and diabetics. And cortisol is a hormone that tells the body to store fat in the abdominal region – not a good thing.

Unfortunately, science does not support the claims of carb and cortisol blockers. To reduce your carb intake, it’s better to cut out refined sugars and white flour products, and replace them with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. To reduce the amount of cortisol in your body, reduce your stress level by exercising regularly, getting plenty of sleep, and practicing yoga and other relaxing techniques.