Adrenal Health
By Lisa Black
The adrenal glands produce hormones such as adrenaline, cortisol and DHEA, which help our body adapt to stress, triggering the “fight or flight” response.
The increase of adrenaline level in our bloodstream causes our body to slow down our digestion, and repair and maintenance of other normal functions to channel energy into handling stress. Prolonged stress – which means a prolonged increase in adrenaline level – can lead to premature aging, digestive issues, and hormonal imbalance. Increased levels in stress hormones can also upset thyroid balance, calcium balance, and sex hormone balance.
Symptoms of adrenal fatigue include: chronic fatigue, insomnia, sleep disturbance, feeling overwhelmed, craving for salty and/or sweet foods, sensitivity to light, low stamina, slow recovery from illness or injuries, brain fog, poor digestion, poor concentration, low immune function, low blood pressure, menopause symptoms, sensitivity to cold, allergies, anxiety and irritability, depression, poor memory, low libido, panic attack and short temper.
The adrenal works much harder during times of stress, and prolonged stress can cause the symptoms described above. During stressful times – physical, mental or emotional, increase the intake of vitamins B3, B5, B12, and C to support adrenal health.
To support adrenal health, avoid foods that contain caffeine, theobromine, theophylline or nicotine, including tea, coffee, chocolate and cigarettes. They stimulate the release of adrenaline, which create more “work” for the adrenal gland. Also avoid sugar and any stimulant, which cause blood sugar fluctuations and trigger the release of adrenal hormones. I know it’s hard to say goodbye to coffee and chocolate for a little while, but feeling better is so worth it!
To maintain adrenal health, develop tools and routines to help you reduce and manage stress on a day-to-day basis. Getting enough rest and physical activity, as well as having a support system that you can turn to, can help the body deal with stressful situations.
Read More:
6 Hormones You Need to Know
Fix Your Fat Fighting Hormones: Cortisol
Lisa Black is a personal friend of mine. Read more about her tips as a fit grandma here. Lisa is a certified health, wellness, nutrition, fitness & fat-loss coach who has been battling adrenal issues and recovering the natural way. That’s why I knew she’d be perfect to share on this topic. She’s also the creator of Healthy Balanced Bodies, a fitness business she started because she wanted to help busy women find time for themselves and create an eating and exercise routine that feels effortless and is sustainable for life.
As a busy wife, mother and grandmother herself, Lisa knows what it’s like to be on the go all the time, putting yourself last, feeling run down and having little to no energy. She’s here to help you get out of being in a funk and start living a healthier lifestyle, one that you want and deserve!
Ready to get started? Want to learn more about what’s throwing your hormones off? Get more tips on how to fix your fat fighting hormones and bust through weight loss plateaus like never before. Join Lisa, myself, and thousands of other women worldwide in our BeyondFit Life Club!
