Do you ever wonder why some people seem to have boundless energy and are able to handle a greater amount of stress? The reason for the difference in our energy levels and stress coping capacities is due in large part to the functioning of our body’s adrenals. These are the two walnut-sized glands that sit like little hats on top of both kidneys. Our energy, stamina, immunity and even sex drive depends upon the proper functioning of our adrenal glands.
In Chinese medicine, the adrenals are called “The Root of Life”. They function as batteries which store our life energy and are also responsible for our immunological resilience. When undisturbed by stress, the adrenal glands secrete minute, yet precise and balanced quantities of cortisol in response to every day changes in our circuitry. Cortisol affects all the major physiological processes in our bodies - the utilization of carbohydrates and fats, regulation of blood sugar levels, maintenance of blood pressure, and the production of sex hormones. In general, how well we feel really depends on how well these glands are functioning.
Any number of factors can interfere with the finely tuned balance of adrenal hormone production and can lead to an increased output of adrenal hormones, or adrenal fatigue. It’s estimated the up to 80% of adult Americans suffer some level of adrenal fatigue at some time during their life; yet, it continues to remain one of the most under-diagnosed conditions.
Adrenal fatigue is caused by everyday stress in all forms - whether it is physical, mental, emotional, or even environmental. Stresses such as illness, poor diet, environmental toxicity, financial stress, relationship issues, and work-related pressure have a cumulative effect on adrenal gland function. The body responds to all of these stressful events in the same manner - by secreting adrenal hormones. The repetitive cycle of stress causing adrenal hormone secretion eventually leads to depletion of our adrenals. We begin to suffer from reduced output and fatigue.
Adrenal fatigue is a collection of symptoms, some of which include: low energy, a general sense of feeling unwell, reduced libido, ringing in the ears, increased premenstrual symptoms, subfertility, decreased immunity, and insomnia. People with poor functioning adrenal glands may not have obvious signs of illness, yet live feeling unwell, often using coffee and other stimulants to get through the day.
Poor adrenal function can lay the foundation of other more serious illnesses such as: fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, type II diabetes, and auto-immune disorders. Adrenal fatigue can be difficult to recognize, because a lot of times our bodies don’t “tell” us we are under stress. We have an incredible capacity to rise to the occasion without even realizing what pressure we are putting ourselves under.
Anyone is susceptible to stress, but some primary components leading to adrenal fatigue are: lack of sleep, increased stress of any type, poor foods choices, using foods and drinks as stimulants when tired, lack of rest and rejuvenating activities. Poor adrenal function can even begin at birth - children born to mothers already suffering from adrenal fatigue or who experience stress in the womb typically have lower adrenal function.
If you think you are suffering form adrenal fatigue, there are several things you can do to support adrenal gland function:
1-Limiting stress. Recognize and make every effort to reduce stressful situations and people who create stress in your life. These are very depleting forces which will make it hard for you to recover optimal adrenal gland function no matter how good you treat yourself.
2-Rhythm. Getting minimum of 8 hours of sleep at night, getting to bed as early as possible, and retiring and waking at approximately the same time daily (give or take 30-60 min). This helps to establish a more optimal circadian rhythm, and supports the pineal gland’s production of melatonin, both of which are essential for optimal functioning of our endocrine system. The pineal gland produces twice as much melatonin before midnight so sleep is that much more restful and restorative at this time.
3-Quit caffeine and other stimulants (including sugar). Caffeine causes a surge of cortisol 200x that of normal levels and as a result puts a strain on our adrenal glands.
4-Adequate protein intake throughout the day to stabilize blood sugar. A diet high in refined carbs and sugar causes wide sugar fluctuations which our adrenal glands have to compensate for.
5-Exercise. Regularly participating in an enjoyable form of exercise will not only increase energy level, but will help to improve cellular function by accelerating exchange of nutrients and oxygen and will normalizes level of various hormones including cortisol, insulin, glucose and thyroid levels.
