Adrenal Fatigue

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What and where are the adrenal glands?

The adrenals are two small glands about the size of a walnut that resemble a pyramid. They sit side atop the kidneys.

 Why are they important?
The adrenal gland produces hormones. There are two main sections: the adrenal cortex and the adrenal medulla. The adrenal cortex produces steroid hormones (glucocorticoids) which are essential for life. Cortisol is the most abundant.

What are the functions of glucocorticoids?
  • Protein breakdown 
  • Glucose formation (energy production in the cells)
  • Breakdown of triglycerides (fats in the bloodstream)
  • Resistance to stress
  • Anti-inflammatory effects

How do I know if I might have Adrenal Fatigue?
  • Salt cravings - The adrenals produce a hormone, aldosterone, which regulates sodium and potassium levels. Adrenal fatigue lowers aldosterone levels causing sodium deficiency.
  • Fatigue - even when you have had sufficient sleep
  • Lethargy - can’t get out of bed in the morning
  • Increased effort for simple tasks
  • Difficulty handling stresses
  • Increased PMS
  • Memory problems
  • Fuzzy thoughts
  • Task completion problems
  • Afternoon “droops”- usually around 3:00 pm
  • Recurrent colds, flu, and other respiratory issues
  • Subsequent slower recovery time from these things
  • Depression and possible panic attacks

Causes of Adrenal Fatigue - Stress, Stress & More Stress!
  • Work stresses
  • Unhappy marriage
  • Surgeries
  • Moving
  • Financial
  • Loss of a job
  • Death of a loved one
  • Poor diet - caffeine, white flour, sugar, high fat
  • Insufficient sleep
  • Smoking
  • Type A personality – over achieving, pushing too hard
  • Not enough exercise
  • Substance abuse –drugs (prescription &/or OTC meds)
  • Staying up late when you’re already tired
  • Negative thoughts and actions
  • Fear

How do i Recover?
The good news is, you're in control!

Important Lifestyle Changes
  • Take charge—remove all obvious stresses from your life
  • Change negative  thoughts into positive ones—Louise Hay’s CD: “100 Power Thoughts”… play it in your car - your subconscious will absorb these thoughts and affirmations
  • Read Michael Losier’s book, “Law of Attraction”—to help you through stressful times
  • Don’t hang around negative people
  • Go to bed before 10:00 pm
  • Try alternative solutions instead of OTC’s like non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs which doctors readily prescribe for every ache and pain.
  • Exercise is important (at least 3x per week) . Take a nice walk in the park with a friend
  • Meditate, do yoga or qi gong, tai chi to help with relaxation
  • Look at your diet--- eat 6-8 servings of veggies per day and minimal fruit because of the fruit component
  • Fats - no hydrogenated fats (watch labels as often will be called partially modified palm oil).  These inhibit enzymes for the body’s natural metabolism of fats –they block the body’s natural flow and are toxic.
  • Eliminate white sugar, corn syrup, honey (watch out for evaporated cane juice –it is still sugar),

Why eliminate sugars?
  • Eating sugars elevates your blood sugar! Excess sugar = excess insulin… you may become hypoglycaemic.
  • Avoid white flour - opt for spelt, quinoa, amaranth.
  • Relax while you eat and chew well.
  • Eliminate caffeine: it overstimulates the adrenals, furthers fatigue. Choose herbal teas, or decaffeinated tea of coffee.
  • Avoid dairy products, try alternatives such as almond and rice milk.

Other ways to support the Adrenals
Supplements are necessary for recovery!
  • Vitamin C- best forms are from acerola cherry and camu camu (more than a standard dose)
  • Vitamin E—mixed tocopherols are best (more than RDA)
  • B vitamins
  • Minerals –magnesium very important for the adrenals; calcium and the trace minerals (contact me for more details)
  • Fiber – healthy bowel function helps the adrenals.
  • Adrenal cell extracts necessary to rebuild the adrenals.

If you suspect you have Adrenal Fatique, we can work on a program together to restore you to optimum wellness. Contact me today to find out how!
Carol Carter
Angelica Holistic

403-829-8980

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