Stressed? It’s not YOU, it’s your adrenals!
The fall can be a challenging time of year as new school routines are implemented and the daily flow is shifted from the relaxed summer time pace.
At times you may feel somewhat overwhelmed and worn out by the excess demands of your professional and personal life. Chronic exposure to high levels of stress has an adverse affect on the body. These effects may manifest in a variety of different ways such as:
- Anxiety
- Nervousness
- Food cravings
- Exercise intolerance
- Fatigue, lowered endurance
- Inflammation
- “Mid-day crash”
- Short term memory loss
- Weight gain (abdominal fat)
- Dizziness upon rising
Stress can occur from a variety of sources and can affect individuals mentally, physically and emotionally. It is the adrenal glands that are greatly influenced by stress inputs. These glands sit above the kidneys and control our reaction to stress, through the release of a hormone called cortisol. When cortisol levels change very rapidly, the hormone’s symbiotic relationship with other hormones is affected. Rising cortisol starts a disruptive chain reaction that can impact several other organs and systems. Abnormal adrenal function can manifest in many ways, with the primary manifestation being FATIGUE.
Naturopathic medicine offers many effective and safe means of regulating and balancing the adrenals glands. Diet and lifestyle changes can greatly influence the functioning of these glands. One of the most important things an individual can do for their adrenal glands is to maintain a routine in their life, especially, maintaining a regular sleep schedule as well as eating healthy, non-processed foods that are in their whole, natural state is. Many herbs and supplements are beneficial for the adrenals as and should be used under the guidance of a Naturopathic Doctor.
To schedule an appointment with a Naturopathic Doctor, please call our office at 289-291-0254.
Wendell Wilks
September 27, 2011at12:14 pmI only have one adrenal gland left, as I lost one in 1988 due to a tumor. Thank God it was benign. That is a rare disorder that cause extreme hypertension, and is called “Conn’s syndrome”, a one in a million high blood pressure disorder.
I lead a physically vigorous life. I take hundred km bike rides, and walk daily.
By the way the hypertension totally disappeared immediately following surgery.
I now avoid all sugar usage when possible and work hard to keep a low cholesteral level. My diet conscientously uses loads of daily fresh fruit and vegetables. I carefully monitor my electrolytes with semi annual analysis; with particular care to maintain potassium.
Now all I need is for Dave Ellis to continue his magic to help straighten the cartilage, ligaments, and aging joints that flare from time to time. To stop the exercising is unthinkable, so to me, “no pain equals no gain!”; a healthy motto.