Combating Adrenal Fatigue & Stress

When a person endures intense or prolonged stress, the body reacts negatively by overworking the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands are two small glands that sit on top of the kidneys. These glands, also known as “stress glands” house several hormones that regulate different functions in the body – from handling stress, producing energy, digesting food, sleeping, maintaining normal moods and weight, menstrual cycles, fertility, sex drive and even handling pain. These glands also evoke the “fight or fight” response, which is the body’s reaction to any perceived threat, danger, change or stressful experience a person has to “survive” or overcome. When the brain perceives a threat, it activates an internal alarm system that trips this “fight or flight’ response. This response is a series of hormonal reactions in the body which tense up the muscles and draws blood away from the skin (causing you to feel chilly and goose bumps) and other organ systems your body isn’t using at the time (like reproductive or digestive organs) and redirects as much blood as possible to your muscles to help you fight harder or run faster. A “stressor” is the stimulus that elicits this “fight or flight” response. Examples of stressors include poor dietary choices, overwork, getting a bad grade on an exam, being unable to pay rent, being late for work, being unable to find your keys, a fight with your spouse, your child being sick, losing your job, losing a loved one and trying to avoid a car accident on the freeway.

 

Chronic stress or “distress” is when a person experiences so much stress over time without relief or without learning how to properly manage stress. With each stressor that comes your way, you may not even realize this “fight or flight” response is happening because your alarm system is going off so much that it stays on! Now the body always thinks it is in “fight or flight” mode. This is dangerous because over time the adrenal glands produce excess cortisol, the stress hormone. Excess levels of cortisol negatively affects the immune system, blood sugar levels, blood pressure and other functions in the body and ultimately wrecks havoc on your health. Eventually chronic stress and excess levels of cortisol in the body can render the adrenal glands unable to keep up with the pace and demands of the “fight or flight” response, which is also known as “adrenal fatigue.”

 

The main symptoms of adrenal fatigue are: fatigue (that is not relieved by sleep), mild depression and a general feeling of low energy. People suffering from adrenal fatigue often need to drink coffee, sodas, energy drinks and other stimulants to start their day and maybe even throughout the day.

 

Symptoms of stress are physical, mental, emotional and behavioral. These symptoms include depression, irritability, anger, aggression, weight gain (especially in the abdomen), difficulty concentrating, feelings of being overwhelmed, headaches, indigestion, constipation or diarrhea, chronic minor ailments, odd aches and pains, palpitations and lethargy. You may also find yourself craving foods or sweets, being less social, unable to make decisions, procrastinating at work or avoiding responsibilities, wanting to cry, losing patience with loved ones and developing addictive behaviors or a pessimistic or negative outlook on life.

Solutions to Combat Stress and Avoid Adrenal Fatigue:

 

It is important to recharge, and do something or be with someone who inspires or rejuvenates you on a daily basis. Re-evaluate your life, make some changes to your daily schedule and try to better manage the stress in your life.

 

Make dietary changes:

 • eat leafy greens daily or make green smoothies

• add more vegetables and fruits to your diet
• eliminate refined and processed foods, especially
• avoid fast foods
• drink more water
• eliminate caffeine and nicotine (stimulants that overwork the adrenal glands)

 

Balance your life:

• walk at the ocean
• meditate
• schedule time for a massage
• take a yoga or tai chi class
• spend time with someone you love or admire
• exercise daily
• treat yourself at the spa

Aromatherapy for adrenal fatigue:

  A blend of essential oils of spruce, pine and rosemary in a carrier oil of grapeseed oil can be massaged over the lower back for energy.

 

 A blend of nutmeg, lavender, sweet orange and valerian in a base of jojoba oil can help you get a good night’s sleep.

 

 Essential oils of lemon, basil and clary sage can be diffused at your workstation or in your home to help you concentrate better.

 

Founder & Clinical Aromatherapist Linda-Anne Kahn is happy to create a custom blend to strengthen your adrenal glands. Book an 80-minute aromatherapy session with Linda-Anne and receive a consultation, oil blend, lymph massage, reflexology and guided imagery. (Receive a $20 discount with a copy of this newsletter.)

 

Other Stress Reduction Professionals Beauty Kliniek – Medical Wellness Kliniek:

 

o Naturopathic Practitioner Dr. Gena McClure, Ph.D. can assess how stress is affecting your body by using a state-of-the-art biomeridian diagnostic tool and will develop a program to get you back to peak health. Call for a complimentary health evaluation and consultation today. ($120 value)

 

o Stress Management Specialist Kimberly Wolfe can also help you with an individualized program to relieve the stress in your life and get you back to living a more fulfilling life. Kimberly's diverse training and practice modalities include Clinical Hypnotherapy, Mind-Body communication, Neurolinguistic programming, EMDR, Brainspotting and Interactive Guided Imagery. She has worked extensively with people suffering from physical, emotional and psychological blocks giving them the insight and tools for leading balanced, healthy and happy lives. Call today to make a complimentary introductory consultation with Kimberly. ($120 value)

 

o Acupuncturist Steve Sterling, L.Ac. will remove the blockages in your body caused by prolonged emotional and mental stress and improve blood flow to your adrenal glands and other body systems. Proper blood flow provides nourishment of oxygen and vital nutrients to all your glands, organs and muscles to synergistically ensure proper functioning and optimal health. Call today to book a complimentary health evaluation and consultation. ($120 value)