The adrenal or "stress glands" are small, triangular shaped glands located on the top of the kidneys. Their function is to prepare the body's resources to run or fight through the releasing of specific hormones. When this primitive, instinctive response is activated, blood is diverted from digestive system while our blood pressure, pulse, blood sugar levels increase. At the same time, our pupils dilate and the speed of reflexes increases. All of this happens as a way to ensure our survival.
In modern times, we don't' have to worry about becoming dinner for a hungry tiger or being trampled by a herd of buffalo. Our bodies, however, automatically respond the same way when we are under physical, emotional or mental stress. Many of us live in a state of constant stress that strains our bodies to the point of exhaustion. Over time, and through repetition, this can impact the way the adrenal glands function, causing us to experience adrenal insufficiency or "burn-out".
If you think about it, our adrenal glands can be likened to the batteries in a flashlight. They are filled with a charge that is used to run the body and give us that extra edge in times of need. Each time we use our flashlight, we drain some of the charge from our batteries. Fortunately for us, our batteries are automatically recharged when we eat healthy and get lots of rest. If, on the other hand, we use our flashlight all of the time, and don't recharge our batteries regularly, it is only a matter of time before the light starts to dim and eventually goes out all together.
Technically speaking, adrenal insufficiency refers to the inability of adrenal glands to produce the proper quantity of hormones needed to run the body. It should not to be confused with Addison's disease, which is when the adrenal glands fail to produce hormones or shutdown completely. The most common symptom of adrenal insufficiency is fatigue. Other symptoms include: not feeling rested after sleep, inability to deal with life stressors, poor memory, a low sex drive, frequent infections due to a suppressed immune system, inability to concentrate, depression, mood swings, irritability, weight gain, weakness and hormonal imbalances.
There are a number of reasons why people experience adrenal insufficiency. It can be from a genetic or congenital abnormality, but the most common one is stress. Some of us force our bodies to run or fight all the time. Life challenges, financial pressures, relationship issues and unresolved emotional concerns will eventually deplete your adrenal glands. Internal stressors such as allergies, physical disease, nutritional deficiencies, food and environmental toxins can also put pressure on the body's natural reserves. In addition, stimulants, such as sugar, white flower, caffeine, as well as constant exposure to loud music, loud noise or EM radiation can take a toll on our adrenal glands.
Recommendations For Wellness
First and foremost, stop forcing yourself to keep going and start listening to your body. It will tell you what it needs. If it is tired, try closing your eyes and taking a few deep breaths. Taking a break, even a short one is a great way to let your body rest.
Just let it go. Allow your body to let go of any resentment, blame, guilt, worries or fears that can paralyze the adrenal glands.
Learning relaxation techniques such as biofeedback, meditation guided imagery can help you cope with stress better.
Try taking a hot bath with lavender or neroli oil at night. These oils can help to calm frazzled nerves, promote a feeling of calmness and bring about a restful nights sleep.
Siberian ginseng is an adaptogenic herb that supports the adrenal glands making it a great tonic to help the body deal with stress.
Found in the rainforest of South America, the herb suma has been reported to help increase energy levels and rejuvenate the spirit. It has been found to be useful in restoring glandular function and balancing the endocrine system.
Licorice Root has traditionally been used to support the adrenals. This herb is very sweet and is not recommended if you are diabetic.
Pantothenic Acid, vitamin B5, is vital for adrenal hormone production and is recommended in supporting the adrenal glands.
Nature's Sunshine's Energy-V Capsules and Nervous Fatigue Formula are a collection of stimulating & adaptogenic herbs which can help the body adapt to stress.
DHEA is a hormone precursor produced by the adrenal glands. Leading health experts to believe that after the age of 25, the body's ability to produce DHEA declines and supplementation can help increase energy and counteract the effects of stress.
Supplements made from bovine adrenal glands provide nutritional support for proper adrenal gland function. Only use this supplement for short periods of time as to not disrupt the normal function of the adrenal glands.
? Copyright Body, Mind & SoulHealer 2005. All rights reserved. Naturopathic Physician, Dr. Rita Louise, Ph.D. is the author of the books "Avoiding the Cosmic 2x4" and "The Power Within". It is her unique gift as a medical intuitive and clairvoyant that illuminates and enlivens her work. Let Dr. Louise help you bring health healing and wholeness back into your life. Medical Intuition & Energy Medicine Certification training classes are now forming. Visit http://www.soulhealer.com for more information
elite cleaning services Mundelein ..Incorporating these fat loss tips will improve your nutrition program.... Read More
I'd like to explain an important concept that most online... Read More
There are so many topics to discuss which affect our... Read More
I would like to raise a question: Is Rejuvenation possible... Read More
Despite the fact that accurate nutrition information can be accessed... Read More
Vitamins, minerals and other nutrients are essential to the development... Read More
The nutritional support in critically ill patients can be explained... Read More
Dieters who dejectedly complain they are figuratively "stuck" with their... Read More
With the array of different diets and diet foods available... Read More
The reason I remember the first time I was served... Read More
Liquid vitamin mineralThe liquid vitamin mineral dietary supplement is a... Read More
Endurance Sports are like music concerts. They start at a... Read More
What ancient tribes and people of the Amazon have known... Read More
Many people complain that organic foods are more costly than... Read More
Scandinavian fishermen are a healthy bunch. It had long been... Read More
Nutrition is extremely important for any young person, especially an... Read More
Eating healthy and taking care of yourself is essential to... Read More
Here's a conundrum: While experts agree that high cholesterol and... Read More
We come from a society where growing organic and just... Read More
Coconut oil is less known compare to olive oil, corn... Read More
Numerous reports have recently appeared in both the lay and... Read More
Fats (triacylglycerols) ...Some basic terminology ...fat or fatty acid ...In... Read More
The most incredible thing you can do for yourself is... Read More
Most of us are "regular" people. We don't eat the... Read More
This is usually the forgotten element of most mass programs.... Read More
Airbnb cleaning service Mundelein ..Beans. Legumes. Pulses. Whatever you call this plant group, they... Read More
In large part, you're in control of your health, not... Read More
Eating grain products - breads, cakes, cereals - have long... Read More
PROTEIN DEFICIENT? CHANCES ARE YOU ARE!Did you know that 9... Read More
Having a large amount of such "visceral fat" is associated... Read More
Bye Bye HolidaysHoping everyone had a fun, fantastic, exciting and... Read More
I start from the premise that eating instinctively means eating... Read More
Cholesterol finds its way into our bodies in two main... Read More
Do we really need a home water filter? Can't we... Read More
Because of consumer demand, the food industry focus is on... Read More
Glowing skin comes free of charge to you. Our simple... Read More
Being vegetarian is one of the greatest things in the... Read More
The key to better health is learning the difference between... Read More
Here's food for thought! Did you know the average restaurant... Read More
Heart disease remains the number one cause of death in... Read More
You wouldn't judge a book by its cover, would you?You... Read More
Since the beginning of time, everyday fruits have been known... Read More
There are a number of common food mistakes that costs... Read More
Fats have been unfairly lumped together as being all bad... Read More
For a natural and tasty way to improve your health... Read More
Almost every woman suffers with premenstrual syndrome at one time... Read More
Today's tip is on hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).Hypoglycemia affects both... Read More
This is usually the forgotten element of most mass programs.... Read More
They're not only good for you, but they taste good,... Read More
When it comes to the topic of sports nutrition there... Read More
Nutrition |