Nearly Three Quarters of Americans Suffer From Adrenal Fatigue At Some Time - What Can You Do About It?
Healthy adrenal glands...something we rarely think about, but our fast-paced lifestyles push these little organs to the limit. Overtaxed by stress, stimulants, sugar and a variety of habits, our body's energy control centers are easily maxed-out, resulting in fatigue, depression and even weight gain. In a holistic health, wellness and fitness program, awareness one's lifestyle and its effect on these important hormone regulators is worthy of attention.
The adrenal glands are each no bigger than a walnut and weigh less than a grape. They sit like a tiny pyramid on top of each kidney, their name 'ad' + 'renal' means 'over' or 'above' the 'kidney'. The glands are important control centers for regulation of many of the body's hormones, either secreting directly or controlling the release of cortisol and adrenaline, DHEA, estrogen, and testosterone, which are essential to ones health, vitality, and overall well-being. The adrenal hormones support and affect every tissue, organ, and gland in your body. Their primary purpose is to enable the body and mind to deal with various forms of stress including injury, disease, and other pressures. The adrenals largely determine the energy response of your body to every change in one's internal and external environment, in fact, every cell in your body responds to signals from the adrenals.
An estimated 75% of individuals suffer from adrenal fatigue - the inability of the adrenals to keep up with demand - at some time or another. This occurs when the glands can no longer keep up with the pace of outputting stress hormones, or when they no longer respond to repeated demands that they've heard too many times before. Signs and symptoms may include severe fatigue, lightheadedness upon standing, depression and irritability, lack of sex drive, exhaustion and general malaise. This is often associated with intense or prolonged stress, life crisis, trauma, and chronic illness. Other factors include improper diet, substance abuse, and too little or irregular sleep.
One of the essential functions of your adrenal glands is to draw all your body's resources into "fight or flight" mode by increasing the production of adrenaline and various other hormones. When the adrenals are healthy one's ability to respond to situations appropriately is enhanced. This renewed freedom allows for a whole host of possibilities given a stressful situation. When healthy, your adrenals can instantly increase your heart rate and blood pressure, release energy stores for immediate use, sharpen your senses, slow digestion and various other secondary functions. This function is extremely important in emergency situations - poorly functioning, overtaxed adrenal glands can lessen your ability to deal effectively with crisis situations. Another aspect of healthy adrenals is the ability to endure long periods of physical exertion such as seen in marathon running, swimming, long distance cycling, and similarly, the day to day responsibilities of parenting. When supported by healthy adrenals, one's natural energy supply is balanced. It is your adrenal glands job to react to stress in a balanced manner so that one's response is appropriate to the situation and not injurious.
The adrenal glands signal the storage, release and utilization of carbohydrates and fats, the conversion of fats and proteins into energy, and influence the distribution of fat on the body. Their output is involved in blood sugar regulation, cardiovascular function, digestive function, and in controlling blood pressure. The adrenals are further involved by playing a part in sexual interest and response - so poorly functioning adrenals can really put a damper on things by increasing fat storage on your belly while making you disinterested in the whole process altogether!
Here are a few simple steps to supporting adrenal gland health. Many of these will support your overall wellbeing as well, relieving your body of undue stress, and in turn allowing your adrenals to replenish their stores. First, get an adequate intake of pure, clean water. You needn't drown yourself with it, but always having a bottle around to sip on can really make a difference. So many body processes require adequate amounts of water - and this is likely more than you think. Further, natural aging and other factors can desensitize your thirst sense, so again, you'll likely feel better drinking more often than when you only feel thirsty.
Next is slowing down the pace of things at least a few minutes a day. It's so easy to get wound up in all the day's work, errands and other pressures that we rarely take a moment to sit quietly without distraction and simply release these things from our mind. Take a walk if you can; moderate exercise can be a supportive factor in lowering stress levels. But while doing so, try to 'be present', rather than letting your mind drift to all those tasks ahead of you - this will allow the greatest regeneration.
Diet plays a huge role in any natural health, wellness and fitness program, and is crucial in proper adrenal gland function. You've heard it before, but I'll say it again! Reduce your sugar intake - sugar is a poison to the system, inducing stress whenever eaten. Cut out stimulants to the best of your ability. If you have a caffeine addiction, take it moment to moment, Do you really need that next cup? Will it make you feel better? Often after the first one or two in the morning, the answer is no. And cutting them out all together will give you more energy than you thought possible in a week to 10 days.
As for some soothing treatments, taking time for baths using Epsom salts or apple cider vinegar (a tablespoon of either is sufficient) will help to pull out fatigue and 'acidity' from the your mind and body. Light a candle and read a book or simply soak in the warm water imaging your worries and stress washing away as you renew, strengthen, and 'purify' your energy. Consider adding a few drops of pure Lavender essential oil to your bath and allow the relaxing aroma to help you relax and refresh. A favorite essential oil bath blend: 4 drops Lavender essential oil, 1 drop Rose essential oil. Rose oil is often used for the decreasing stress and depression, while Lavender has a calming and mood lifting effect.
You may also use an essential oil blend that is said to replenish the adrenal glands without stimulation. Mix one ounce hazelnut oil plus 50 drops each of Black Spruce and Pine essential oils. For a gentle lift, reduce the Black Spruce and Pine to 30 drops each, and add 20 drops each of Cedarwood and Peppermint. Apply twice a day to the lower back for a week or two to help support glandular function - and you'll smell great too!
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, do what you can to improve your sleep routine. Getting to bed before 10pm is crucial - the hours between 10 and 12 are thought to be extremely important in rejuvenation. Try finishing your last meal as early as possible in the evening to get better rest, so the body is not spending as much effort digesting your dinner as it is replenishing all your other vital resources. Herbal sleep formulas are effective for many people, and are non-habit forming as some prescription medicines can be. Also, studies have shown that the aroma of certain essential oils in the room can have a dramatic effect on sleep quality - an easy way to experiment is to sprinkle a few drops of lavender essential oil on your comforter before retiring (be sparing, too much can actually be stimulating!)
While the steps addressing lifestyle changes may seem difficult, if you've been suffering from adrenal fatigue, they're certainly worth making an effort at. Properly functioning adrenals are a must for getting the most out of life, and supporting them is essential in any natural health, wellness and fitness program.
The author is a natural health professional utilizing vibrational medicine in her personal and professional practice. she is the co-owner of the Ananda Apothecary, specializing in wildcrafted and organic essential oils and essential oil blends.|The author is a consultant for Ananda Aromatherapy, found at http://www.anandaapothecary.com/essential-oils.html. More resources are available on aromatherapy and essential oil blends through the website.|The author is a natural health practitioner in Boulder, Colorado. she is a regular user of essential oils and consultant to aromatherapy creations at http://www.anandaapothecary.com and http://www.anandaapothecary.com/essential-oil-blends.html.|The author utilizes pure essential oils for aromatherapy and their natural healing properties. More information is available through The Ananda Apothecary at www.anandaapothecary.com.|The author has been a contributor of aromatherapy articles and information around the internet. her websites contain useful information for beginning and advanced aromatherapists alike. More information on therapeutic grade essential oils and essential oil blends is available at the Ananda Apothecary.|More information is available through http://www.anandaapothecary.com.|The author is a co-founder of Ananda Aromatherapy. More information on pure and organic essential oils can be found at The Ananda Apothecary.|The author, manager of The Ananda Apothecary, regularly employs essential oils, essential oil blends and flower essences in her personal natural wellness practice.|The author is the owner of Ananda Aromatherapy, a source for world-classessential oil, therapeutic essential oil blends and aromatherapy accessories. her site includes wonderful collections of essential oils and aromatherapy resources. More can be found at http://www.anandaapothecary.com/essential-oils.html|The author is the co-owner of www.anandaapothecary.com - More aromatherapy resources are available on this site.|For more resources on using essential oil and flower essences therapeutically, visit the Ananda Apothecary.|The author regularly employs aromatherapy oils and flower essence therapy in her practice.|The author is a regular contributor to several sites in the areas of using essential oils and Bach flower essences. she can be contacted at www.AnandaApothecary.com|More information on using essential oil and essential oil blends can be found through www.anandaapothecary.com|The author is a regular contributor to natural health sites and ezines on the topics of essential oils, aromatherapy, and flower essence remedies. she may be contacted through www.anandaapothecary.com
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