Or maybe you find that when you stand up from a laying down position you get dizzy or light headed? (How fun!)
Or is it getting harder and harder to handle stress?
Or maybe you have a difficult time getting out of bed in the morning and when it’s time to head to bed at night, you feel wired like you are just waking up?
All of these experiences can be tied to your: ADRENALS
Yep. Adrenals are those important little glands that sit on top of our kidneys that are vital to our health.
These little guys are integral to management of our blood pressure, production of hormones (cortisol, cortisone, adrenaline, norepinephrine, aldosterone, androstenedione and DHEA) and overall are essential to our body function and life.
The adrenals are directly tied to STRESS. If we are chronically stressed this can take its toll on our adrenal glands which are continually pumping out adrenaline and cortisol (stress hormones), which can have negative health effects. Lifestyle, an unhealthy diet, lack of sleep, extreme stress, chronic stress and exposure to environmental toxins can all take their toll on our adrenals.
Have you heard of flight or fight mode?
Back in the cave man days if a lion was chasing us, our adrenaline would kick in and we would get a surge in energy, strength and psychological changes designed to help us avoid danger. Luckily these days the lions are not chasing us (let’s hope), yet we are often chronically stressed, which can stimulate our adrenals to produce more adrenaline and cortisol. (not good).
Over time, our adrenals can tire out and become fatigued (as per the above mentioned factors)
Some signs of tired adrenals:
- Lethargy or fatigue
- Tired in the morning
- Dizziness
- Recurrent infections
- Low blood pressure when first standing
- Headaches
- Food cravings (hello caffeine, salty foods and sweets!)
- Allergies
- Scare easily
- Blood sugar disorders
What can you do?
I will try and keep it short and actionable!
3 easy ways to support your adrenals
De- stress yo self before you wreck yo self:
This is why self care and de-stressing techniques are INTEGRAL. If you are chronically stressed, it’s going to catch up with you in a big way.. From fatigue, a frazzled nervous system to complete burnout. Try doing more of what helps you to relax and ignite the parasympathetic system (rest and digest system). Low intensity exercise is a great method as it also stimulates the adrenals, reduces stress and can increase mindfulness.
Eat well:
Foods containing plenty of B vitamins are highly supportive of the nervous system. Try to eat lots of leafy greens, colourful veggies, fruit, whole grains, nuts/seeds, legumes and wheat germ. A whole foods diet that is high in fibre, healthy fats and low in sugar and processed junk will help to support your adrenals.
Avoid sugary foods, alcohol and caffeine, all which add stress to the adrenal glands
Rest and work on your health:
Try to create a consistent sleep schedule and sleep more if you need too. Your adrenals need REST in order to renew. (7-9 hours a night minimum!)
Try to keep negative self talk under control and surround yourself with positive people and fun experiences that lift you up, lower your stress and bring some joy into your life!
BONUS: Try this yummy Maca smoothie to help you re-energize and support your health ?
Maca:
A root which is grown in the mountains of Peru and can be found in your health food stores sold commonly as Maca powder. It has been called the “Peruvian ginseng” and is considered a supplement, an additional food ingredient and a superfood. Macca is amazing as it is an adaptogen and can help our body “adapt to stress”.
It is full of vitamins/minerals, it helps increase energy, it can support our moods, skin and even our hormones!
*Maca should not be taken everyday, so use it occasionally within your routine and ease into using maca. Start with 1 tsp and increase as you go. Although Maca is believed to be safe, pregnant or lactating women may want to avoid it along with those with high blood pressure issues.
You Maca Me Crazy – Maca Blueberry Smoothie
- ½ – ¾ cup frozen blueberries
- 1-2 Tbsp dried Maca powder
- 1-2 frozen bananas
- 1-1.5 cups nut milk (add more for desired consistency)
- Dash of cinnamon
- 1-2 tsp organic vanilla extract
- splash of maple syrup
- 1 Tbsp flax seed or hemp seeds
- Pinch of sea salt
Blend and enjoy!
Sometimes if our adrenals are out of whack there can be a root issue that may need further support as well.
If you would like to dive deeper to the root of your health concerns then feel free to get in touch for a free discovery call with me ?
As always I hope you enjoyed today’s blog – please share this blog if you know someone who may also enjoy it!
Keeping stress down and adrenals happy,
