Better Cope With Stress

With the stress of Covid 19, I am reproducing our blog from August 23, 2018.

The Adrenal Gland
The purpose of our adrenal glands is to help our body cope with stress and survive. They are known as the “stress glands”, and are about the size of a walnut and are located on top of the kidneys. From this central location, they significantly affect the functioning of every tissue, organ and gland in our bodies, and also have an important effect on one’s mood and thoughts.  

The hormones secreted by the adrenals influence all of the major physiological processes in our bodies. They affect how we use carbs and fats, blood sugar regulation, cardio and gastrointestinal function, allergic reactions, they  also affect our propensity to develop certain kinds of diseases, and ability to respond to chronic illness.

When the adrenal glands are over stimulated by too much stress, they looses their ability to function well, and one can develop adrenal fatigue. The American way of life can be very stressful, and adrenal fatigue can easily set in. It is often the cause of our run down feeling and inability to keep up with life’s daily demands.   

By muscle-testing people, most show that their adrenal gland tests weak. Adrenal fatigue is usually caused by some form of stress: physical, emotional, psychological, environmental, infectious, or a combination of these. Each person has a different capacity to handle the total stress load, and this can vary over time.

Often, Adrenal Fatigue is not recognized by the medical profession, so it is often over-looked.  A good book on the subject is Adrenal Fatigue by James Wilson.  Here are some insights he provides:

Signs of Adrenal Fatigue:

• Difficulty getting up in the morning
• Fatigue not relieved by sleep
• Craving for salt
• Lack of energy
• Increased effort to do every day tasks
• Decreased sex drive
• Decreased ability to handle stress
• Increased time to recover from illness, injury or trauma
• Light-headed when standing up quickly
• Mild depression
• Less enjoyment or happiness with life
• Increased PMS
• Symptoms increase if meals are skipped or inadequate
• Thoughts less focused, more fuzzy
• Memory less accurate
• Decreased productivity

Lifestyle Factors that Lead to Adrenal Fatigue

• Lack of sleep & staying up late
• Poor food choices
• Using food and drinks as stimulants when tired (coffee, etc)
• Being constantly in a position of powerlessness
• Constantly driving yourself or trying to be perfect
• Lack of enjoyable activities
• University student
• Mother with two+ small children with little support
• Single parent
• Unhappy marriage
• Extremely stressful and unhappy work conditions
• Self-employed or new business
• Drug or alcohol abuser
• Alternating shift work where sleep patterns are adjusted
• All work, little play
• Unrelieved pressure or frequent crises at work or home
• Any severe emotional trauma
• Major surgery – with incomplete recover or subsequent persistent fatigue
• Repeated respiratory infections
• Serious burns
• Head trauma
• Loss of stable job
• Sudden change in financial status
• Repeated or overwhelming chemical exposure 

With proper care, a good diet, reduction of stress, and helpful herbs, adrenal fatigue can be over-come and a person can enjoy quality life.   Herbs4You carries Dr. Christopher’s Adrenal formula, which has helped many re-gain adrenal strength.

We’re Here to Help YOU!
Amy Willis