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
family-safe home cleaners Lincolnshire ..Remember the old adage, you are what you eat? The... Read More
"All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed.... Read More
The nutritional support in critically ill patients can be explained... Read More
I start from the premise that eating instinctively means eating... Read More
FOOD (Macro-nutrients)One of the most important aspects of hill walking... Read More
In a new study published by the American Heart Association,... Read More
The word 'homeostasis' is made up of two Greek words:... Read More
Herbal teas have long been known to have medicinal benefits... Read More
Fibromyalgia is a chronic and potentially life-altering disorder with symptoms... Read More
Health is the thing. And no matter how many ways... Read More
Eating grain products - breads, cakes, cereals - have long... Read More
The secret of success is knowing how to deal with... Read More
I read a lot about the topics of health and... Read More
It would be fair to assume that almost everyone on... Read More
Strict "no carb" phases of low carb diets have developed... Read More
Omega-3 appear to reduce the risk of heart attack. A... Read More
Food nutrition factsFinding food nutrition facts and dietary nutrition used... Read More
Most of us equate the word diet with calorie reduction.... Read More
Bye Bye HolidaysHoping everyone had a fun, fantastic, exciting and... Read More
Water is a vitally important component of any valuable and... Read More
Spring in New York City is a really magical time.... Read More
Do you know your ph? By getting ph strips at... Read More
For the executive, maintaining the much-needed balance between career, family,... Read More
With the array of different diets and diet foods available... Read More
It seems as if the health of America is failing.... Read More
after renovation cleaning Bannockburn ..Bye Bye HolidaysHoping everyone had a fun, fantastic, exciting and... Read More
When Helen Boardman was still a girlish 99, she fell... Read More
For all I prefer to buy my fresh produce at... Read More
When we think about the benefits of being ensuring a... Read More
How often do you pick up items at the grocery... Read More
In a world where heart disorders and diseases are becoming... Read More
What if there was a combination of foods that were... Read More
Are you concerned about taking care of your body before... Read More
We come from a society where growing organic and just... Read More
Health food or heart attack on a plate? Eggs had... Read More
Cherries?A Supercharged FruitThe little red fruit that has been enjoyed... Read More
The ingredients list found on the back or side panel... Read More
Weight loss plans are almost always trying to get you... Read More
1. Enjoy what you eatWhether someone is following the Atkins... Read More
Remember the old adage, you are what you eat? The... Read More
Tired of having stare-downs with those boxes of Krispy Kremes,... Read More
Can You Lose Weight Through Eating?You get fat when you... Read More
When you take your food next time, take care of... Read More
Magnesium is an important mineral that serves numerous essential functions... Read More
It is a question we must ask ourselves continually if... Read More
The topic of food additives is not quickly addressed in... Read More
Milk is highly underrated. Experts say, America finds itself in... Read More
Do you know the risks to daily intakes of Starbucks... Read More
I would like to dispel some of the myths and... Read More
Biological clockObviously you need biological clock to time and alarm... Read More
Nutrition |