Giving Yourself Balanced Energy Naturally
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 each no bigger than a walnut and weigh less than a grape. They sit like a tiny pyramid on top of each kidney, their name 'ad' + 'renal' means 'over' or 'above' the 'kidney'. The glands are important control centers for regulation of many of the body's hormones, either secreting directly or controlling the release of cortisol and adrenaline, DHEA, estrogen, and testosterone, which are essential to ones health, vitality, and overall well-being. The adrenal hormones support and affect every tissue, organ, and gland in your body. Their primary purpose is to enable the body and mind to deal with various forms of stress including injury, disease, and other pressures. The adrenals largely determine the energy response of your body to every change in one's internal and external environment, in fact, every cell in your body responds to signals from the adrenals.
An estimated 75-80% of Westerners suffer from 'Adrenal fatigue' at some point in their lives. Adrenal fatigue is a described as a collection of signs and symptoms classically known as a "syndrome" that results when the adrenal glands function below the necessary level. Signs and symptoms may include severe fatigue, lightheadedness upon standing, depression and irritability, lack of sex drive, exhaustion and general malaise, loss of appetite, food cravings, and dark circles around the eyes. Most commonly associated with intense or prolonged stress, various other situations contribute to adrenal fatigue including life crisis, trauma, lifestyle, and chronic illness. Other factors that contribute to the depletion of adrenal health include certain lifestyle choices such as improper diet, substance abuse, too little or irregular sleep or rest and increased or other on-going life-style pressures.
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!
The following are some natural suggestions for nourishing and rejuvenating adrenal health: We'll start with an easy one; an adequate intake of water. This is a must in all natural health, wellness and fitness programs as it helps keep the kidney flushed and cleanses the body so it has less toxins to deal with, hence less stress. I use the formula .6 x body weight = ounces of water per day for my clients. This is a number that should be moved towards over time. For example if weigh 150 pounds your daily water intake would be 90 ounces. .6 x 150 = 90 ounces. If you are currently drinking 40 ounces of water per day and your (ideal) daily ounce intake is 90 ounces, increase gently to your ideal ounces of water over the next month or two.
Next, and perhaps most difficult for some of us is slowing down the pace of each day, if only for a few moments. It's quite useful to take a couple of 10 minute breaks where you just let your mind go. If thoughts come up about all your worries and your to do list, let them go. Breathe deeply and relax. Get to a point where you feel you've made a change in your mindset, even if only for a little while - this state will naturally flow in your life for at least a little while once you resume your normal activities, and will have a dramatic effect on your adrenals and nervous system. Incorporating regular moderate exercise is extremely helpful as well, making the body much more capable of dealing with stress. For an added bonus, combine these two and real be present when you're exercising, relaxing your mind while invigorating your body.
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.
For a soothing, regenerating treatment, take an Epsom salt bath pull out fatigue and acidity from body. Again, let your mind go and release the worries of the day, and try to incorporate this into your regular routine. 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. These oils are well known for their uplifting and relaxing qualities.
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. Apply regularly to the kidney/adrenal area 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!)
Your adrenal glands are a crucial part of your health and a positive outlook and approach to your life. By considering these few lifestyle factors and natural remedies, you can significantly improve your adrenal gland health, and perhaps remove yourself from the majority of the Adrenal Fatigue statistic!
The author is a natural health professional utilizing vibrational medicine in her personal and professional practice. she is the co-owner of the Ananda Apothecary, specializing in wildcrafted and organic essential oils and essential oil blends.|The author is a consultant for Ananda Aromatherapy, found at http://www.anandaapothecary.com/essential-oils.html. More resources are available on aromatherapy and essential oil blends through the website.|The author is a natural health practitioner in Boulder, Colorado. she is a regular user of essential oils and consultant to aromatherapy creations at http://www.anandaapothecary.com and http://www.anandaapothecary.com/essential-oil-blends.html.|The author utilizes pure essential oils for aromatherapy and their natural healing properties. More information is available through The Ananda Apothecary at www.anandaapothecary.com.|The author has been a contributor of aromatherapy articles and information around the internet. her websites contain useful information for beginning and advanced aromatherapists alike. More information on therapeutic grade essential oils and essential oil blends is available at the Ananda Apothecary.|More information is available through http://www.anandaapothecary.com.|The author is a co-founder of Ananda Aromatherapy. More information on pure and organic essential oils can be found at The Ananda Apothecary.|The author, manager of The Ananda Apothecary, regularly employs essential oils, essential oil blends and flower essences in her personal natural wellness practice.|The author is the owner of Ananda Aromatherapy, a source for world-classessential oil, therapeutic essential oil blends and aromatherapy accessories. her site includes wonderful collections of essential oils and aromatherapy resources. More can be found at http://www.anandaapothecary.com/essential-oils.html|The author is the co-owner of www.anandaapothecary.com - More aromatherapy resources are available on this site.|For more resources on using essential oil and flower essences therapeutically, visit the Ananda Apothecary.|The author regularly employs aromatherapy oils and flower essence therapy in her practice.|The author is a regular contributor to several sites in the areas of using essential oils and Bach flower essences. she can be contacted at www.AnandaApothecary.com|More information on using essential oil and essential oil blends can be found through www.anandaapothecary.com|The author is a regular contributor to natural health sites and ezines on the topics of essential oils, aromatherapy, and flower essence remedies. she may be contacted through www.anandaapothecary.com
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