Are you experiencing constant fatigue, insomnia, food cravings, mood swings and/or weight gain? Do you know that these symptoms are all related to a single factor? Would you like to be able to restore balance to your life and in turn add fulfillment and years to your lifespan?
Adrenal stress has become an everyday part of our fast paced lifestyle. Our bodies were designed to be physically active and thus be able regulate itself and the hormone levels such as adrenaline that are released as a natural part of our ‘fight or flight’ response. In today’s society many of us are faced with a great deal of stress that has no physical release. This stress causes our heart rate to increase, we begin to breath faster, become more alert and focussed, muscles tense and digestion slowed to allow more energy available to other muscle groups.
Without a physical release for this response we become a bundle of nervous energy. In some ways we feel great, are able to accomplish more in a short period of time, think faster and respond to others quickly and decisively. Unfortunately, we cannot operate this way for long and soon our adrenals become depleted and the down side of this response kicks in. During a period of adrenaline release cortisol is also released which converts protein to energy and stored sugar is also released. Glycogen gives our bodies instant fuel needed to respond to external threats with physical force.
Somehow, this energy needs to be restored in our bodies. Because we haven’t exerted physical energy we don’t have the musculature to rebuild and so our body responds in unhealthy ways.
Food Cravings and Weight Gain
Because our body has released these hormones and readied itself for superhuman physical activity, when it returns to a more normal state it wants to restore some of the stored energy that it released. This is where the body craves food and it craves food that is high in fat and carbohydrates so that it can replenish the sugar that was released. This of course leads to weight gain and the additional stress that accompanies it thus beginning a vicious cycle that can lead to obesity. The prevalence of processed and high fat foods that we have access to only magnifies this problem.
Constant Fatigue and Insomnia
The constant activation of these ‘fight or flight’ hormones also bring on two very damaging results.Chronic fatigue is one result as the body tries to recover from the over-hyped energy that has no release. As this energy dissipates it results in the body entering a state of fatigue that it has no easy way to recover from.
Because the body is not in a state of hormonal balance another result is Insomnia. This insomnia adds to the stress levels and causes a self perpetuating cycle that continues to spiral out of control.
Mood Swings and Irritability
The constant swing of hormones also cause mood swings and general irritability. This irritability results in unhealthy relationships with friends, family and those in your work environment. As these relationships deteriorate you become even more stressed and the cycle continues.
Most people have depleted energy reserves and describe their day as running on empty. Having enough energy to lead a happy and productive life is missing for most people.
Every physical action and both emotional and mental actions expend energy. When energy is used, it must be replenished. The stress of living drains our energy resources.
The adrenal gland is the final leg of the body’s stress response system. This system is the HPA axis or the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis. This system was designed to deal with stresses that we experience each day. It should turn on, then turn off.
The Stress Response System Must Turn-On, Then Turn-Off
Unfortunately, for many people, it rarely turns off so it has no chance to recover and heal. The adrenal gland has two parts: the medulla which secretes adrenaline. This is the well-known fight-or-flight hormone. Quick acting, it prepares us to fight or flee from imminent danger.
The adrenal cortex secretes cortisol which acts more slowly and is the primary hormone involved in dealing with chronic stress, such as war. Medical studies of the chronic and extreme fatigue syndromes have implicated the HPA axis as being involved.
The idea that deficient cortisol output led to fatigue developed in the late 1800′s. There is, however, little consensus among the medical people about the level of involvement of adrenal fatigue syndrome as a causative factor in chronic fatigue.
The primary reason for the lack of a definitive answer about adrenal fatigue syndrome is due to the wide range of variations in measuring adrenal output. People with adrenal insufficiency are at risk for adrenal crisis, usually caused by a major stress, such as severe infection or surgery.
Most People Suffer From Sub-Clinical (No Diagnosis) Fatigue
Few people are diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), but a large percent of the population suffers from undiagnosable chronic and extreme fatigue. Because medical work-ups cannot find any specific dysfunction, this does not make the fatigue any less weakening to the individual.
Current investigations have shown that the HPA axis is involved and that the primary defect is a reduced output of cortisol from the adrenal gland. Studies have shown that adrenal gland size is reduced by about half in those diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome showing a functional reason for less cortisol output.
This surely suggests that adrenal fatigue syndrome due to shrinking of the adrenal gland is likely involved in all chronic and extreme fatigue individuals. Unfortunately, these studies have not led to the development of any effective medical therapies.
In the field of alternative medicine, however, nutritional supplementation plans, such as the use of DHEA, and more complex programs involving exercise, diet, vitamin/mineral complexes, and the judicious use of specific herbal formulations suggest that adrenal fatigue syndrome can be dealt with effectively.
This, of course, occurs outside of mainstream medicine, and without its approval. This creates a difficult environment for individuals who most often rely on their doctor’s guidance and are unwilling to take health care into their own hands. Yet, surveys show that many people are now turning to alternative medicine because their doctors offer no effective strategies for dealing with the ever-increasing epidemic of fatigue in our modern times.
There are two little glands above you kidneys called adrenals. These little guys keep many chemicals balanced in your body and when they get tired your body starts to do funny things. These funny things are no laughing matter and can cause serious health issues. One of them is depression. Read further to see some of the other symptoms that adrenal stress can cause.
These little 3 to 5 gram glands perform vital functions, but they can get over worked and create imbalances that lead to other problems.
What are the symptoms
- Depression – is the minds inability to cope. This is one of the problems that occurs when your adrenals are not performing properly. The chemicals that are produced are not produced and distributed correctly. This can be a reason for your depression.
- Lack of energy – when your adrenals are weak your body doesn’t get the glucose production it needs and you just feel weak. This translates to an attitude of “I just don’t care”.
- Headaches – due to the imbalances of electrolytes a whole slew of problems begin which eventually culminates in a headache, a sever headache. This can compound a depressive mood, a negative attitude and just plain feeling lousy.
As you can see your adrenals are very important and if not taken care of can cause you numerous problems.
Depression can be feed by many channels and is a complex issue, but testing your adrenals is inexpensive and easy so why not eliminate them as a source. If you find your adrenals are weak there are some supplements and diet changes that will help.
The underlying cause of depression can be lost due to the layers of issues that accumulate over time. If you find your depression is one of a chemical imbalance due to adrenal stress, then lifting the burden of depression can be swift.
Go to the Health Hub for more information on this subject. Find out what tests are available and some of the other facts about your adrenals. It’s time to take back your Health. It’s time to enjoy life again and it’s your time to find out about all the choices you have for Good Health.
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The adrenal glands sit on top of the kidneys and weigh approximately 5 grams each. Per gram of tissue the adrenals have one of the highest rates of blood flow and the highest concentration of vitamin C. There are actually two parts to the adrenal gland. The cortex produces the steroid hormones cortisol, DHEA and aldosterone while the medulla (inner portion) produces adrenaline and noradrenaline.
The adrenals actually function based on a circadian rhythm with the greatest amount of hormones produced early in the day and then decrease as the day progresses. An abnormal adrenal rhythm can wreak havoc on many functions of the body.
Excess cortisol and adrenaline production by the adrenal glands can increase body fat storage around the mid-section of the body. Chronic stress spikes cortisol and adrenaline levels which in turn raises blood sugar levels. This excess sugar is designed to help you escape from a saber-tooth tiger but if you are sitting at a desk or watching television the sugar will be stored as fat. In addition, your pancreas must release insulin to handle the excess blood sugar that is floating around. Unfortunately, insulin shuts down fat burning in each cell. Dehydration, blood sugar imbalances, chronic infections, anemia, skipping meals and eating too many refined carbohydrates such as cereal, bread, pasta and desserts can all contribute to adrenal stress.
Too much cortisol can also affect the function of your thyroid gland. Thyroid hormone is required for energy production from fat and sugar metabolism. This is why those with low thyroid function have difficulty losing weight. Cortisol actually inhibits thyroid hormone at the cellular level so stress can lead to low thyroid function. If you have hypothyroidism or the symptoms of hypothyroidism it could be an adrenal gland problem. These include: fatigue, low body temperature, depression, inability to lose weight, dry skin, low sex drive, constipation and brain fog.
DHEA is another hormone produced by the adrenal glands that is involved in fat metabolism. DHEA not only has powerful effects in the body but it also converts to your sex hormones including testosterone, estrogen and progesterone. Sex hormone balance is also very important for weight control and exercise performance.
Treatment of adrenal dysfunction requires adequate testing of cortisol and DHEA. Once the exact levels of adrenal hormones during your circadian rhythm are known, proper vitamin, mineral, herb and natural hormone supplementation can be implemented. Optimize your body’s ability to burn fat by balancing your adrenal glands.
Dr. Nikolas Hedberg is a holistic physician specializing in thyroid disorders, hormone imbalances, allergies, chronic fatigue, digestive disorders and fibromyalgia. His truly unique and innovative practice is in Asheville, NC where patients travel from all over the world to seek his services. Dr. Hedberg uses state-of-the-art scientific laboratory diagnostic testing to uncover the underlying causes of disease. He utilizes a variety of natural medicines, nutrition and lifestyle modifications to correct the imbalances found on testing. His goal with each patient is to find the underlying cause, correct it without harmful drugs and teach each patient how to maintain an optimal state of health and well-being.
Dr. Hedberg has appeared on television, radio and has been published in many journals, magazines and newspapers distributed all over the world. To find out more visit http://www.drhedberg.com or call 828-687-2344.
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“I don’t feel well. I’m tired all the time. I have so many problems, but my blood and other tests are okay. I don’t know what’s wrong.”
This is a common occurrence in an applied kinesiologist’s office. These patients have been to every doctor under the sun and nobody can give them an answer to why they are feeling so terrible.
Adrenal stress disorder is very, very common. It may not seem like it, but our bodies are put to the test every day. Electrical pollution, toxins in the air, water, and food, the drastic drop in nutrients in our food, low grade chronic infections, and the mounting emotional stress from trying to do so many things in a fast paced world.
It’s taking a toll.
Our bodies can’t handle it so they start to break down. Name a disease or symptom and the person having it probably has some form of adrenal stress. So what are the adrenals and what do they do?
Glad you asked.
The adrenals are small glands that sit on top of the kidneys. Involved in the fight or flight reactions, they send powerful signals out to the body in times of stress.
There are four main functions of the adrenal glands:
1. Glucocorticoids: These are the hormones involved with converting protein and fats for use as sugar in the body. Blood sugar needs to be balanced in the body for optimal function. When balanced, these hormones are also anti-inflammatory. Very important for injuries and preventing such diseases as rheumatoid arthritis, sinusitis, asthma, and inflammatory bowel disorders.
2. Sex corticoids: These are the male and female hormones of the body. In particular for a woman to make a smooth transition to menopause, the adrenals must be healthy and strong.
3. Mineralcorticoids: The hormones that play an important role in the mineral balance of the body. They also help balance the inflammatory processes.
4. Epinephrine & Norepinephrine: Epinephrine is commonly known as adrenaline. Regulates the fight or flight mechanism and is very important in the autonomic nervous system (the nervous system not under our conscious control).
Okay, so that being said, here are the 3 stages that a person will go through as their body become more and more “stressed”. This is based on the work of Dr. Hans Selye who researched the general adaptation syndrome (GAS) in the 1920′s and 1930′s.
Alarm Reaction: Under any form of stress be it emotional, injury, biochemical or others, the adrenal glands ramp up and start producing more hormones. This is done to enable the person to fight off the stress.
Resistance: Here we have started down the road to dysfunction. The original stress has not been dealt with and the body is trying to brace itself for the long term. The adrenal glands actually swell in size, the immune system starts to atrophy and we begin to notice digestive problems such as ulcers. Another common symptom is chronic low back pain, along with knee and ankle pain. Some athletes will tend to keep re-spraining ankles.
Exhaustion: In this stage, the body has had enough. This is where we start to see the big nasty “diseases” and conditions. The body can only adapt for so long before it gives out. These patients are usually labeled as hypochondriacs or depressed, and are given anti-depressants.
It’s important to note that pretty much any condition can be listed here. Common symptoms include low energy, dizziness upon arising, and eyes sensitive to light. Respiratory symptoms include asthma and emphysema. As alluded to earlier, musculoskeletal symptoms include lower back/pelvis, knee or foot pain. And emotionally, common symptoms are anxiety, depression, apprehension, and irritability.
Depending on what stage the person is in, the rebuilding phase can take some time. The more accurately you follow the recommendations based on the AK testing, the faster a correction will be obtained. Ideally, the entire family should be checked, even the young children to avoid the problem to begin with. We routinely find young children with some aspect of adrenal stress.
If you have a chronic disease or are fatigued all the time, make sure to see an Applied Kinesiologist [http://drlarsen.com/applied-kinesiology] to be tested for Adrenal Stress Disorder. It will be one of the best investments you ever make in yourself. Dr. Brant Larsen is an Applied Kinesiologist located near Minneapolis, MN and specializes in helping people with chronic conditions.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brant_Larsen
