Adrenal Health: Renewing Your Energy Naturally

Suffering from burnout, or a lengthy bout of exhaustion you can't seem to pull out of, but no obvious symptoms? You may be suffering from adrenal fatigue. Here's a little primer on these very important glands and how to treat them right. Our fast-paced lifestyles push these little organs to the limit: Overtaxed by stress, stimulants, sugar and a variety of habits, our body's energy control centers are easily maxed-out, resulting in fatigue, depression and even weight gain. In any natural health, wellness and fitness program, support for the adrenal glands is crucial.

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.

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! It is your adrenal glands job to react to stress in a balanced manner so that one's response is appropriate to the situation.

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 is peace and quite. Take 10 minutes of time to sit in silence at both the beginning and the end of each day. Find a quiet place in your home or outside near a tree or natural source of water. Sit in a comfortable position and gently follow the rhythm of your breath. Allow yourself this sacred quiet time each day as an opportunity to nourish and assimilate, ground and rejuvenate your energy. Adequate fresh air, deep breaths, and movement. Spend time in nature-walking along the ocean, at a park, on a well traveled trail. Take full deep breaths and inhale in the healing power of the natural world. Take time to look at the trees and flower as well as the sky and various birds and so on. Enjoy this time outside as healing and nourishing. All this will give your adrenal glands a break and let them build reserves for future needs.

Diet plays a huge role in any natural health, wellness and fitness program, and is crucial in proper adrenal gland function. You've heard it before, but I'll say it again! Reduce your sugar intake - sugar is a poison to the system, inducing stress whenever eaten. Cut out stimulants to the best of your ability. If you have a caffeine addiction, take it moment to moment, Do you really need that next cup? Will it make you feel better? Often after the first one or two in the morning, the answer is no. And cutting them out all together will give you more energy than you thought possible in a week to 10 days.

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 lavender essential oil to your bath and allow the 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. Other aromatherapy bath salt blends are available for this purpose – just make sure they use all natural ingredients, as synthetic aromatics can actually cause more stress!

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. For a gentle lift, reduce the Black Spruce and Pine to 30 drops each, and add 20 drops each of Cedarwood and Peppermint. Apply twice a day to the lower back for a week or two to help support glandular function – and you'll smell great too!

Finally, get some real deep sleep. The two hours before midnight is consider essential time for sleep for rejuvenating sleep. Start consciously moving your bedtime towards the bewitching hour of 10 pm and notice the shift in health. A couple of drops of Lavender essential oil on your pillow can help with sleep, as been show in many studies. If you need, try an herbal formula to help you rest, or a small dose of melatonin. Try finishing your last meal as early as possible, too, as going to bed on a full stomach lessens the quality of rest.

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!

Article Source: http://www.myaddirectory.com

The author is a natural wellness consultant and owner of www.anandaapothecary.com

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