What Chronic Stress Can Do To Your Adrenal Glands…
Do you feel exhausted, worn out and notice symptoms such as lightheadedness, dizziness and body aches? Then your adrenals (tiny glands that sit right above your kidneys) may have reached a point where they are no longer functioning properly. Due to factors such as physical and emotional stress that can take on many forms, the 50 plus hormones that the adrenals normally produce can become imbalanced. These hormones are responsible for bodily functions such as: energy production, carbohydrate, protein and fat conversion, fluid and electrolyte balance, and proper fat storage.
Some simple diet changes you can make to help…
Temporarily remove any stimulants, such as caffeine, sugar and alcohol. Unfortunately, these foods will just place further stress on the adrenals.
If you have any food sensitivities or allergies, please remove these from your diet altogether. Unfortunately, each time you invoke an immune system response this only places further stress on the body and your adrenal glands.
Drink at least 3 liters of water daily. This will help to flush out any excess unused hormones and harmful toxins from the body.
Add salt to your diet. The iodine in boxed salt will help to support your thyroid which is often the secondary gland affected by adrenal fatigue. Go ahead, this is a time when you can give into those cravings for salt!
Focus on foods such as: ground flaxseed, coconut oil, leafy green vegetables, any foods rich in Omega 3’s such as fish and walnuts or foods high in natural probiotics such as yogurt, kefir or kombucha.
Always eat breakfast. You need to ensure your body is getting the energy it needs to fuel itself for the day and to maintain balanced blood sugar levels. Also, ensure you do not go hungry throughout the day.
It is important to note that your adrenal glands will not heal overnight. Unfortunately, it has taken time for your body to place the amount of stress it has on your adrenals, and so it will also take time to heal from it. Being more aware of when your body has reached its maximum will aid in reducing the amount of stress on your adrenal glands. Essentially, know when to say “No”. It is also critical to sleep as much as you can; 8 hours minimum.
Adrenal fatigue is unfortunately becoming more common among our society because people are forgetting to include that much needed down time in their schedules. To heal from it, you must take the time for YOU.
Interested in learning more nutritional tips to help heal from adrenal fatigue? Book an appointment by calling 604-479-0777 with Kirsten Janz, RHN, today!
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