Monday, October 21, 2013

Adrenal Fatigue

Burnout is common up here in Fort McMurray. Its not hard to extrapolate one of my most common complaints is lack of energy. The medical term for this is adrenal fatigue. The Adrenal glads are a small sac that sits on top of each kidney. They are responsible for secreting several important hormones including testosterone, adrenaline, DHEA, progesterone and cortisol. They perform crucial functions like maintaining fluid and electrolytic balance, production of energy and regulate fat storage. The hormones produced in this gland are also responsible for maintaining a powerful immune reaction and normalizing blood sugar and blood pressure levels.

When the glands get overtaxed because of high demand the adrenals get "fatigued" and don't work properly. Symptoms of adrenal fatigue are morning fatigue, drowsiness, depression, energy burst during strange times of the day, 3 pm decrease in energy, increased allergies, inability to handle stress, food longings and light headedness, and craving salt. Women could also experience heightened menopausal or PMS symptoms.

One way to treat this is by using herbs, which help restore and support the adrenal glands, instead of stimulating us or giving us bursts of energy (such as coffee, caffeine and nicotine). Useful herbs are:

Rhodiola rosea: Mood depressant, anti-anxiety and protecting against stress related fatigue.

Eleutherococcus: Helps increase stamina, mental clarity, immune health and supports bone reworking.

Astragalus root: Improves the immune system and improve insulin sensitivity.

Licorice root: Improves energy, endurance, help recovery from adrenal fatigue.

Cordyceps: Balances inflammation so helping stabilize blood sugar to rest the adrenal glands.

Lifestyle changes are just as important! Consider getting at least 8 to 10 hours of sleep each day, drinking herbal tea, modifying your exercise plan to enhance your energy, eating healthy and often, engaging in social activities and practicing stress reducing strategies like yoga or meditation.

1 comment:

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