SELF HELP
DR . SERGE GREGOIRE , PH . D , CCH Functional Medicine Doctor Mind and Body Solutions
ADRENAL FATIGUE AND HOW TO BEAT IT
Adrenaline and cortisol are two hormones manufactured by the adrenal glands . They also secrete androgens , estrogens , and progestins . Cortisol is the most abundant and important of the many adrenal hormones . Cortisol helps you handle long-term stressful situations .
In addition to helping you handle stress , these two primary adrenal hormones , adrenaline , and cortisol , along with others similarly produced , help control body fluid balance , blood pressure , blood sugar , and other central metabolic functions .
In the heightened nervous state of adrenal burnout , the body overproduces adrenaline , cortisol , and other stress hormones . Constant stress and poor nutrition can weaken the adrenal glands . Eventually , this causes the adrenal glands , the front line in the stress reaction , to show wear and tear and become depleted . This frequently leads to impairment in the thyroid gland , which can cause a further decline in energy level and mood and is one of the reasons why many people have thyroid glands that don ’ t work well .
When stress continues over prolonged periods of time , the adrenal glands can deplete the body ’ s hormonal and energy reserves , weaken the immune system and inhibit the production of white blood cells that protect the body against foreign invaders .
Adrenal dysfunction can disrupt the body ’ s blood sugar metabolism causing weakness , fatigue , and a feeling of being run down . It can also interfere with normal sleep rhythms and produce a wakeful , unrelaxing sleep state , making a person feel worn out even after a full night ’ s sleep .
Other symptoms are low body temperature , hair loss , nervousness / panic attacks , irritability , depression , inability to concentrate , a tendency towards inflammation , poor memory , alternating diarrhea and constipation , osteoporosis , lightheadedness / dizziness , palpitations , low / high blood pressure , insomnia , PMS ( premenstrual symptoms ), craving for sweets , dry skin , and headaches .
If you start each morning with a good breakfast and “ graze ” healthfully every two to four hours , your blood sugar will remain steady throughout the day . You ’ ll feel more rested and energetic . Eat protein with every meal . Avoid sugar , junk food , white pasta , white rice , and white bread .
Absolutely NO sodas or energy drinks that overstimulate your adrenals , and they deplete important B vitamins . Exercise to relax : walking , yoga , deep breathing , meditation , or stretching . No vigorous or aerobic exercise , which depletes the adrenals . Avoid alcohol , processed foods , and tobacco . Nicotine in tobacco initially raises cortisol levels , but chronic use results in low DHEA , testosterone , and progesterone levels . Reduce stress ; learn relaxation techniques such as deep breathing , visualization , and progressive muscle relaxation .
Nutrition Response Testing can tell us the health state of your adrenals and what needs to be done to restore their function . If you have any of these symptoms or know anyone dealing with adrenal fatigue , use this letter as a complimentary consultation to obtain your health plan .
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