Millions of men and women suffer from adrenal fatigue, also commonly referred to as adrenal exhaustion and named the 21st century stress syndrome by Dr. James L. Wilson in his book by the same name.
Most don't even know what it is or even heard of it, yet adrenal fatigue is driven by a condition most people have heard of known as stress and is a constant challenge in today’s world. Just when you think you’ve got it all under control, along comes another crisis that requires your immediate attention that just can’t wait either, just like all the rest. Sound familiar?
[bctt tweet=”Over 90% of doctor visits today are due to stress, which drives a myriad of health conditions”], most notably stressed adrenals, which is most often overlooked by Western medicine, yet is a key cause of sugar cravings, hormonal imbalances, thyroid dysfunction, and mood disorders.
Simply put, your adrenal glands, which are 3” wide glands that sit on top of your kidneys, produce the fight or flight hormones adrenaline and cortisol. Whenever you experience stress, your mind interprets the event as a life-threatening situation and goes into response mode.
For most people, an irate boss, a bounced check or a looming deadline are common triggers, but it really doesn't matter what it is because your mind doesn't know the difference between a real or perceived threat, and can only react one way, sending cortisol out to your system and pumping blood to your extremities so that you can literally outrun the "threat" and in essence save your life.
Just sitting in traffic waiting for the light to turn red will send your whole body into overdrive!
Excessive amounts of cortisol production over prolonged periods of time will eventually exhaust your adrenal glands, throwing off your entire endocrine system, affecting thyroid and pituitary in addition to adrenals, which are dependent on regular hormone production. The pituitary is the master gland that oversees all endocrine functions, and the thyroid is responsible for metabolizing proteins, carbs and fats, as well as body temperature, and can impact weight too.
So you can easily see how if one is off, they’re all off!
Too much stress sucks your energy too, leading to persistent sugar cravings. Adrenals actually thrive on protein and minerals for maintenance, but when cortisol is in charge nonstop, your body demands whatever source of quick energy it can get, hence it resorts to sugar which is easily absorbed in your mouth versus your gut (which takes longer) so the effects are immediate.
If it isn't already obvious, it’s imperative to maintain healthy adrenal glands, which requires either eliminating the source of stress altogether or implementing better stress management techniques. Try one of these exercises for starters:
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Exercise 1: Five minutes to calm.
A five minute relaxation and meditation session can lower blood pressure, reduce stress hormone levels, raise energy levels, and boost the mood. Sit still in a comfortable position. Focus on your breathing. Visualize a place where you feel completely relaxed like a warm sunny day on the beach perhaps or walking through the woods on a crisp cool day. Notice all the details around you. . . imagine the sun or cool air on your face . . . the sound of the waves or crunching sound of leaves under your feet. . . .focus on the calmness all around you and take this peaceful feeling with you throughout the day.
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Exercise 2: Six-second release.
Anytime you feel stressed or anxious, inhale deeply for two seconds, then exhale for four seconds. Say to yourself, “I’m relaxed”. Let your body release all tension and feel the wave of relaxation flow downward.
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Exercise 3: Try dot therapy.
Place circular stickers (found at office supply stores) wherever you might need a reminder to relax, such as in your car or on your computer at work. Whenever you see a dot, practice the six second release exercise.
There are various stages to adrenal fatigue, each one getting progressively worse the more stressed out you are over time. But don't despair, because there are time-tested solutions that really work, and working to reverse adrenal fatigue at the earliest stages will make the difference between succumbing to more chronic, debilitating illnesses or not.
Oh, and I have one more thing for you! It's my free report on how to stop feeling so tired all the time, which goes hand-in-hand with stress. Just click the button below to get your copy!
Love,
Angela
Angela Minelli is an author, speaker and founder of Angela Minelli International, a heart-based global business serving purpose-driven everyday women and entrepreneurs whose self-image and weight issues are inhibiting their confidence and blocking them from pursuing their life’s passion.
Angela's joy is in taking a stand for women who are living less than ideal lives, stopped by fear and doubt, which prevents them from stepping into their innate power and delivering their God-given genius to the world. Her coaching programs and products are designed for women with busy lifestyles yet allow for powerful transformation to take place within a small segment of time.
As a natural health practitioner and digestive health specialist, Angela specializes in helping people overcome weight and energy issues through holistic, non-invasive protocols that address the root cause of their conditions, including adrenal fatigue, candida, thyroid disorders, and more.
Explore the ideals that are the cornerstorne of her work at angelaminelli.com.
I need help I am told by my chiropractor my adrenal glands are shot. I am exhausted all of the time, I have dizzy spells, blurred vision for 10 minute periods without warning. I am afraid to drive my car. I have kids at home still. I had a cat scan and mri at the hospital. Please tell me one thing I can do to help myself. Thank you very much
Gen, it certainly sounds like you are exhausted! You have a lot on your plate. Adrenal exhaustion is a multi-faceted condition though and there is no one thing by itself that will resolve it. However the root cause is stress so you would need to reduce or eliminate excess sources of stress in your life. I specialize in helping my clients reverse this condition and would be happy to discuss options if you would like to set up a time. You can reply here or e mail us direct at clientsupport@angelaminelli.com. Best wishes.