SELF HELP
DR . SERGE GREGOIRE , PH . D , CCH Functional Medicine Doctor Mind and Body Solutions
ADRENAL FATIGUE AND HOW TO BEAT IT
Your adrenal glands are two tiny pyramidshaped pieces of tissue situated right above each kidney . Their job is to produce and release , when appropriate , certain regulatory hormones , and chemical messengers . Adrenaline is manufactured in the interior of the adrenal gland , called the adrenal medulla . Cortisol , the other chemical from the adrenal gland , is made in the exterior portion of the gland , called the adrenal cortex . The cortex also secretes androgens , estrogens , and progestinsCortisol helps you handle longer-term stress 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 , the adrenal glands can deplete the body ’ s hormonal and energy reserves . The overproduction of adrenal hormones caused by prolonged stress can 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 .
Common Causes of Adrenal Stress
• Anger
• Chronic inflammation
• Fear / Worry / Anxiety
• Chronic infection
• Depression
• Chronic pain
• Guilt
• Temperature extremes
• Overwork / physical or mental strain • Toxic exposure
• Excessive exercise
• Malabsorption
• Sleep deprivation
• Maldigestion
• Light-cycle disruption
• Chronic illness
• Going to sleep late
• Chronic-severe allergies
• Surgery
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Trauma / injury Associated Symptoms and Consequences of Impaired Adrenal Functioning
• Low body temperature
• Weakness
• Unexplained hair loss
• Nervousness / Panic Attacks
• Difficulty building muscle
• Irritability
• Mental depression
• Difficulty gaining weight
• Apprehension
• Hypoglycemia
• Inability to concentrate
• Excessive hunger
• Tendency towards inflammation
• Moments of confusion
• Indigestion
• Poor memory
• Feelings of frustration
• Alternating diarrhea and constipation
• Osteoporosis
• Auto-immune diseases / hepatitis
• Lightheadedness
• Palpitations [ heart fluttering ]
• Dizziness that occurs upon standing
• Poor resistance to infections
• Low blood pressure
• Insomnia
• Food and / or inhalant allergies
• PMS
• Craving for sweets
• Dry and thin skin
• Headaches
• Scanty perspiration
• Alcohol intolerance
Eat protein with every meal . Eat Complex carbohydrates such as brown rice . Avoid sugar , junk food , white pasta , white rice , white bread .
Absolutely NO Caffeine . Coffee / Sodas over stimulates your adrenals , and they deplete essential B vitamins . Coffee does not give you energy ; coffee gives you the illusion of energy . Coffee actually drains the body of energy and makes you more tired because of vitamin and adrenal depletion .
Exercise to relax . Walking , Yoga , deep breathing , meditation , praying 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 , progressive muscle relaxation .
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