Hello everyone ! Have a wonderful and safe day 🙏
“Adrenal Fatigue” is a laymen term which we frequently come across or must have heard often these days. Stress is a common thing these days which we encounter in our everyday life, especially in today’s time. In every aspect, not just in personal and professional lives, but also financial, health-related and not to forget this pandemic time of COVID 19.
Not a medical diagnosis, this term ‘adrenal fatigue’ was coined by a Naturopath named James Wilson. He referred it to a set of unspecified symptoms which arises due to the hypofunction of the adrenals.
When adrenal glands, a small pair of organs which lies above each kidney doesn’t function at an optimal level, there is an imbalance. When the body is in a state of prolonged stress, the adrenals keep secreting hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones are meant to stimulate the sympathetic nervous system during fight or flight response. Without the presence of any potential threat, the person tends to remain in this fight or flight response state due to chronic stress.
So specific symptoms appear like
anxiety,
high blood pressure,
elevated heart rate,
puffy face,
Sleep disturbances
weight gain and fatigue
As a result of the prolonged release of cortisol, the adrenals tend to get fatigued and burn out. Hence, the term adrenal fatigue aptly is referred to such a state.
Cortisol, as such, is not a harmful hormone. This is a useful hormone which, since evolution has been with us, which helps us with our survival instinct to protect us from potential threat or danger. Typically, this hormone is produced at a necessary level to carry out its normal function of helping in the metabolic process in the body. Cortisol is always at a balance with the growth hormone, which is secreted by the pituitary. The growth hormone is an essential hormone for growth and regeneration. But as we age, the growth hormone release decreases. So, there is a somewhat an imbalance of the growth hormone and cortisol balance. That’s where the different troubling symptoms start appearing.
Some ways when cortisol can be lowered in the body naturally:
1.Increase growth hormone release by sleep, exercise like walking.
2. Intake of Vitamine D3 of 10,000IU daily, Vitamin like B1 and B5, which also supports the adrenals. Sun exposure can be beneficial in this aspect.
3. Omega 3 fatty acids are useful for the adrenals—wild fishes like salmon, codfishes, flax seeds, avocado are some sources.
4.Minerals like potassium, magnesium: Banana, soy products like tofu, edamame beans, walnuts, almonds.
5. Herbs like Ashwagandha, Ginseng, Rhodiola.
6. Relaxation methods like mindfulness, meditation, yoga
Specific hormone-like Oxytocin which is also called the love hormone, secreted by the posterior pituitary, helps to balance the cortisol level in the body. Some simple ways to increase or ensure the release of oxytocin in our daily life
1. Take a walk, spend time in nature, or with a pet.
2. Self-love and self-care
3. Laughter
4. Hugging and cuddling
Thanks for reading.
Blessings and much love to all💐