Issue link: http://cp.revolio.com/i/820827
What do you do when you're late for work, you didn't get enough sleep, and the world is against you? Easy, you bite the head off your spouse, throw back some caffeine and sugar, and you're off. If that's your current strategy, you're suffering from exhausted adrenal glands and are in need of an intervention. Every day in my practice I see patients with unrelenting fatigue. They report waking up exhausted, feeling unmotivated, irritable, and have often lost the joy in daily life. Activities that once gave them pleasure don't anymore, and most feel inundated with the slightest amount of stress. It's as if their body's coping mechanisms are completely exhausted. These patients also have an incredibly hard time losing weight. Even though they may exercise and eat healthy, they just can't seem to shed a pound! Do these symptoms sound familiar? If so, you might have what's called "Adrenal Fatigue." The adrenal glands are the body's main stress responders. The body typically responds to physical and emotional stress by producing adrenal hormones such as epinephrine, norepinephrine, and cortisol as a coping mechanism. When we trigger the stress response too often, problems arise as the stress hormones are continuously pumped out and the body becomes depleted and exhausted. The good news is that there are key steps you can take to help optimize your adrenal function and alleviate the deteriorating effects of adrenal fatigue. Here are a few tips I recommend to combat the effects of adrenal fatigue. 1. Drink 8 (8-ounce) glasses of clean, filtered water daily. 2. Exercise daily. You won't believe what a difference 15 minutes will make. 3. If you sit at a desk, stretch for a few moments several times each day. 4. Avoid refined sugars, high fructose corn syrup, and all boxed, processed foods. Make better choices – choose fresh, ripe fruit and natural foods. 5. Reduce your exposure to pesticides and chemicals. And, don't think pesticides and chemicals are only found in the garden. Check labels on common items in your bathroom, like soap, deodorant, lotion, and shampoo. Visit the Environmental Working Group at ewg.org and search your favorite brands to see how they score. Another great organization that believes in prevention and reducing chemical exposure in the home is the Breast Cancer Fund at breastcancerfund.org. 6. Buy and eat organic whenever possible. 7. Limit alcohol and caffeine. Moderation is the key. Take supplements like WomenSense® AdrenaSense®, a Natural Factors® product designed to nourish tired adrenal glands. It combines natural, well-researched ingredients like rhodiola, suma, Siberian ginseng, schisandra, and ashwagandha. I recommend AdrenaSense to help reduce stress, promote energy and metabolism, balance hormones, and support a restful night's sleep. Straight Talk about Stress and Sleep Marita Schauch, ND Abby's Magazine - Volume 5 Issue 3| Page 3