BEAUTY KLINIC

Adrenal fatigue. You’ve probably heard the term, and may feel like it’s something happening to you. Suffering from burnout, or a lengthy bout of exhaustion you can’t seem to pull out of, but no obvious symptoms? Here’s a little primer on these very important glands and how to treat them right.

The adrenal glands are small pyramid shaped organs that sit atop each kidney in the lower back. The adrenals release their own ’stress hormones’ in response to certain situations or environmental conditions, and control the release of many other important hormones in the body such as DHEA, estrogen and testosterone. Their primary function is to prime the system to deal with life-threatening, stressful, or pressure-filled circumstances. They largely determine the energy level available for the necessary response.

In our fast paced western culture, an estimated 75% of individuals suffer from adrenal fatigue some time in their lives. This occurs when the glands can no longer keep up with the pace of outputting stress hormones, or when they no longer respond to repeated demands that they’ve heard too many times before. Signs and symptoms may include severe fatigue, lightheadedness upon standing, depression and irritability, lack of sex drive, exhaustion and general malaise. Adrenal fatigue is often associated with intense or prolonged stress, life crisis, trauma, and chronic illness. Other factors include certain lifestyle choices such as improper diet, substance abuse, and too little or irregular sleep.

One of the essential functions of your adrenal glands is to draw all your body’s resources into ‘fight or flight’ mode by increasing the production of adrenaline and various other hormones. When the adrenals are healthy one’s ability to respond to situations appropriately is enhanced. This renewed freedom allows for a whole host of possibilities given a stressful situation. When healthy, your adrenals can instantly increase your heart rate and blood pressure, release energy stores for immediate use, sharpen your senses, slow digestion and various other secondary functions. This function is extremely important in emergency situations - poorly functioning, overtaxed adrenal glands can lessen your ability to deal effectively with crisis situations. Another aspect of healthy adrenals is the ability to endure long periods of physical exertion such as seen in marathon running, swimming, long distance cycling, and similarly, the day to day responsibilities of parenting. When supported by healthy adrenals, one’s natural energy supply is balanced. It is your adrenal glands job to react to stress in a balanced manner so that one’s response is appropriate to the situation and not injurious.

The adrenal glands signal the storage, release and utilization of carbohydrates and fats, the conversion of fats and proteins into energy, and influence the distribution of fat on the body. Their output is involved in blood sugar regulation, cardiovascular function, digestive function, and in controlling blood pressure. The adrenals are further involved by playing a part in sexual interest and response - so poorly functioning adrenals can really put a damper on things by increasing fat storage on your belly while making you disinterested in the whole process altogether!

Here are a few simple steps to supporting adrenal gland health. Many of these will support your overall wellbeing as well, relieving your body of undue stress, and in turn allowing your adrenals to replenish their stores. First, get an adequate intake of pure, clean water. You needn’t drown yourself with it, but always having a bottle around to sip on can really make a difference. So many body processes require adequate amounts of water - and this is likely more than you think. Further, natural aging and other factors can desensitize your thirst sense, so again, you’ll likely feel better drinking more often than when you only feel thirsty.

Next is slowing down the pace of things at least a few minutes a day. It’s so easy to get wound up in all the day’s work, errands and other pressures that we rarely take a moment to sit quietly without distraction and simply release these things from our mind. Take a walk if you can; moderate exercise can be a supportive factor in lowering stress levels. But while doing so, try to ‘be present’, rather than letting your mind drift to all those tasks ahead of you - this will allow the greatest regeneration.

As for dietary recommendations, decrease (or preferably eliminate) intake of processed sugars and increase intake of natural earth sugars from root vegetables such as yams, carrots, turnips, and beets. Processed sugars truly poison the body every time they are eaten and causing stress to the system. Sweets are a hard habit to break, but you’ll notice a significant increase in balanced energy when you’re able to reduce their intake. Next, ingest adequate amounts of essential fatty acids. Various sources include fish oils, evening primrose oil, borage oil, hemp oil, coconut oil, and flax oils. Research which sources are best for your needs. Essential fats are precursors to many hormones in the body and will support your overall well-being. Finally, do your best to cut out caffeine from all sources. Even green tea, which is wonderful for you in moderation, can upset sleep patterns and add pressure to an already stressful lifestyle. Coffee is high in other stimulant compounds which seem to truly aggravate those already in tense situations, and cola and so-called ‘energy’ drinks may be the worst contributors to adrenal fatigue of all with their combination of processed sugars and refined caffeine.

As for some soothing treatments, taking time for baths using Epsom salts or apple cider vinegar (a tablespoon of either is sufficient) will help to pull out fatigue and ‘acidity’ from the your mind and body. Light a candle, read a book or simply soak in the warm water imaging your worries and stress washing away as you renew, strengthen, and ‘purify’ your energy. Consider adding a few drops of pure Lavender essential oil to your bath and allow the relaxing aroma to help you relax and refresh. A favorite essential oil bath blend: 4 drops Lavender essential oil, 1 drop Rose essential oil. Rose oil is often used for the decreasing stress and depression, while Lavender has a calming and mood lifting effect.

You may also use an essential oil blend that is said to replenish the adrenal glands without stimulation. Mix one ounce hazelnut oil plus 50 drops each of Black Spruce and Pine essential oils. For a gentle lift, reduce the Black Spruce and Pine to 30 drops each, and add 20 drops each of Cedarwood and Peppermint. Apply twice a day to the lower back for a week or two to help support glandular function - and you’ll smell great too!

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, do what you can to improve your sleep routine. Getting to bed before 10pm is crucial - the hours between 10 and 12 are thought to be extremely important in rejuvenation. Try finishing your last meal as early as possible in the evening to get better rest, so the body is not spending as much effort digesting your dinner as it is replenishing all your other vital resources. Herbal sleep formulas are effective for many people, and are non-habit forming as some prescription medicines can be. Also, studies have shown that the aroma of certain essential oils in the room can have a dramatic effect on sleep quality - an easy way to experiment is to sprinkle a few drops of lavender essential oil on your comforter before retiring (be sparing, too much can actually be stimulating!)

Taking care of your adrenal glands is an important consideration in any health, wellness and fitness program when you want to feel your best and be prepared for any situation. Allowing them to replenish will help brighten your outlook on life and give you the energy you need for the things you love to do.

Tags: adrenal fatigue, alternative health, aromatherapy, disease, essential oils, Fitness, healing, health, illness, massage, natural health, spirit, wellness, women

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