|
RISING WOMEN EXPERT ADVICE...
My Physician tells me that I am suffering from adrenal exhaustion.
What can I do to get my health back?
Repetitive stress is one main factor that causes adrenal exhaustion. Our
adrenal glands sit atop our kidneys. Their main role is to regulate our
hormones, however when we are faced with a stressful situation, our adrenal
glands respond by releasing adrenaline and cortisol. Adrenaline makes us
alert and focused, while cortisol, which converts protein to energy and
releases our stored glycogen, fuels our body so we can react quickly. This
is a natural course in “fight or flight” situations, but when we are
inundated with stress on a continuous basis, our adrenal glands are
repeatedly forced to sustain high levels of cortisol which destroy healthy
muscle and bone, slow down healing and normal cell regeneration, impair
digestion, metabolism and mental function, interfere with healthy endocrine
function and weaken your immune system. This also deters the adrenals from
performing hormone regulation causing them to become fatigued because they
are in constant overdrive and out of balance. When this happens our adrenals
become depleted leading to adrenal exhaustion.
Symptoms of adrenal exhaustion include weight gain, fatigue, insomnia,
clouded thinking, depression, cravings and mood swings. And because our
adrenals lose the capacity to produce DHEA in sufficient amounts (a
precursor hormone to estrogen, progesterone and testosterone, and necessary
to moderate the balance of hormones) this also contributes to bone and
muscle mass loss, aching joints, decreased sex drive and impaired immune
function.
When diagnosed with adrenal exhaustion, you will of course be prescribed
drugs, however we all know that pharmaceuticals focus on symptoms rather
than treat the underlying causes. So if you are on the path to make natural
changes as well, address your dietary intake. Start by reducing
carbohydrates and stimulants and seek out high-quality nutritional
supplements such as a good multi-vitamin, essential fatty acids, DHEA,
ginseng, B-complex and adrenal cortical extracts. Consult a reputably
natural health care practitioner, Homeopath or Naturopath for the best
advice on product selection.
And next, you need more than ever to address your stressors, especially
those that are constant. Your lifestyle changes can only be made through
heightened knowledge. Do yourself a huge favour and find a coach, counsellor
or therapist that can shed light and give you tools to change.
For more healthy advice, email our team of Experts at
experts@risingwomen.com
|
