​FEELING DRAINED?

Do you feel as if you have been up all night? You can’t seem to get going in the morning, or regain your energy no matter what you do?

This is the first sign that you could be suffering from adrenal fatigue. This condition occurs in both the “unhealthiest” and in the “healthiest” people.

Anyone can experience adrenal fatigue at some point in his or her life. Nutrient deficiencies, inadequate rest, a demanding job, an extremely mental job, a life crisis, or too many pressures, can all drain the adrenals of even the healthiest person.

Adrenal glands are part of the endocrine system. They produce estrogen, progesterone, cortisol, cortisone, adrenalin, epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine. Our adrenals help us cope with everyday stress and survival and are involved in the recovery of chronic diseases, energy levels, and endurance. The quality of our health depends on the optimum functioning of our adrenals.

Symptoms indicating your adrenals may need some TLC:

• Chronic fatigue (lack of energy even after a full nights sleep)
• Lightheaded and dizzy
• Anxiety
• Both low and high blood pressure
• Brain fog and forgetfulness (where are my glasses?) on your head
• Poor immunity; allergies, colds, slow recovery from infections
• Craving salty and sugary foods for stimulation and energy
• Unexplained hair loss
• Morning nausea (and you’re not pregnant!)
• Depression
• Decreased sex drive
• Insomnia and/or restless sleep

“When your body is under stress – physical stress from infection, illness, or disease and/or emotional stress – the adrenal glands respond by stepping up cortisol production. 

Cortisol helps your body deal with stress and curbs inflammation.  Without enough cortisol, you may experience increased infections, nausea, and changes in blood pressure and blood sugar. Adrenal gland syndrome results when your adrenal glands can no longer meet your body’s demands for cortisol.”

And, if too much cortisol is circulating in your system, the opposite can happen – you can experience anxiety, restlessness and an inability to sleep.
Many foods, substances, and other factors can exacerbate adrenal stress:

• Refined sugars and simple carbohydrates, soda and sweet drinks
• Pesticides, additives, and artificial sweeteners (endocrine disruptors)
• Excessive amounts of caffeine
• Drug abuse – both prescription drugs and street drugs
• High glycemic dried fruits that can spike blood sugar levels
• Carbohydrate meals without adequate protein and fat to slow sugar absorption
• Candida overgrowth, digestive disorders, cancer and chronic illnesses
• Over-exercising
• Constantly on the “go” without rest
• Pregnancy and breast feeding – adrenal fatigue results if the mother does not eat enough nutrient dense foods and/or iodine rich foods
• Thyroid disease*

*Compromised adrenals put the body in a state of catabolism (break down). When this happens, the thyroid naturally slows metabolism, leading to hypothyroidism and/or Hashimoto’s. If the adrenals are properly supported, the thyroid naturally balances itself.

To reclaim our energy it’s imperative to reduce stress, get adequate sleep, and support the body with wholesome foods.

Adrenal recovery can take anywhere from three months to three years depending on the severity of the condition.

Don’t panic… as long as you are alive and breathing you can improve any condition. We need to learn how to be patient with our beautiful machine, built by our maker. It self heals, but at a pace that is not accepted by modern society – slowly. But as the saying goes, “slowly but surely, wins the race”.

Some tips to begin your healing process:

• Eat breakfast that includes some protein and fat. Examples: oatmeal with full fat yogurt, (I make my own with cashews as I am vegan), eggs with butter and whole grain bread, (if you are not vegan and gluten free if you are gluten intolerant) or polenta with greens and sausage.
• Snack on protein & carbohydrates (trail mix, egg salad, avocado, tomato and vegie balls
• Eat vegetables and fruits (both cooked and raw) with sea salt to balance sodium/potassium levels.
• Eat protein and fat from naturally raised animals to help support hormone and glucagon production. (If you are a meat eater).
• Drink home made bone stocks  for deep nutrition!

Remember lifestyle behaviours
 play a huge part in your health. It can support you or drain you.

Avoiding stress producers like unhealthy relationships, or learning how to deal with those people more effectively would be a good idea, too. Eliminating on workloads that can be avoided. (I am a workaholic and don’t know when to stop sometimes.) I am learning.

Adrenal Fatigue indicates a “deficiency.” Just like your daily diet, your body, mind and emotions may be running on empty. Where do you need to fill up?

Begin asking these questions:

1. Is my diet working for me? Am I deficient in any nutrients?
2. Does my daily work fill me with energy or does it deplete me?
3. Are my relationships with other people, and with myself, in harmony?
4. Am I enjoying life and refueling myself with things I love to do?

If you need more information and guidance please contact me.