Stressful challenges from our environment such as air, water and chemical pollution, the eating of junk “foods”, stressed interpersonal relationships, over- work and anxiety, combined with fears of the unknown future for our family and friends are the signs of our times.
Coping with these physical, mental and emotional stresses tests the limits of our health.
Each and every one of these challenging factors calls upon one or more of the dozens of healthful functions provided by the adrenal glands.
The adrenals are endocrine glands the size of walnuts which are located on top of the kidneys. The outer layers are known to create more than 30 hormones or hormone-like substances which are integrated into virtually every function of the body. The inner part of the adrenal gland is an extension of nerve tissue providing quick jolts of energy to help us handle “emergencies.”
The adrenal glands support us through thick and thin. Unfortunately, our modern lifestyle seems like one emergency after another to our adrenal glands, so they end up getting exhausted, “jumpy” and overworked. And without healthy adrenal glands we suffer. Many of the syndromes, symptoms and diseases of the 21st century are directly related to a lack of adrenal health.
To name a few:
• Chronic fatigue • Immune deficiency • Insomnia • Craving of sweets and caffeine • Weight gain • Depression
Stress Challenges to the Adrenals
Constant stressful stimulation of the adrenals ultimately leads to adrenal exhaustion. Think of the adrenals as if they were muscles. Muscles contract when a need arises and relax when the need passes. Try holding even a small hand weight straight out from your body – it won’t take long for your arm to fatigue and go weak. Similarly, the adrenals respond to stresses but ultimately fatigue if not given an opportunity to “relax” and restore their strength and function. In this way constant stress leads to the loss of healthful adrenal function.
Sources of Stress That Challenge the Adrenals:
Refined carbohydrates – Junk foods – Physical and mental strain – Sleep deprivation – Chemical & heavy metal toxins – Trauma / Injury – Anger – Fear – Worry – Anxiety – Overwork – Noise pollution – Inflammation – Pain – Infections – Malabsorption – Maldigestion – Nutritional deficiency – Food allergies – Low blood sugar.
Meeting the Challenge
As one can see from this list of challenges, in our world the adrenals are constantly stressed. No wonder adrenal fatigue affects virtually everyone from time to time.
Do you suffer dizziness? Headaches? Weakness? Are you tired but wired?
Do you suffer prolonged weakness after colds or flu? Are you suffering nervous or muscular exhaustion?
Do you suffer insomnia? Do you have weight gain around your waist or face only? Decreased libido? Do you experience lightheadedness when standing up quickly?
You are very likely suffering from stressed, and unhealthy adrenals!!
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