Are you one of the many who suffer from a common condition known as adrenal fatigue? 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.”
Unfortunately, our busy lifestyle seems like one emergency after another
to our adrenal glands, so they end up getting exhausted and overworked. And
without healthy adrenal glands we suffer.
Think of your adrenals as if they were muscles. Muscles
contract when a need arises and relax when the need passes. Constant stressful
stimulation of the adrenals ultimately leads to adrenal exhaustion. Try holding
even a small hand weight straight out from your body – it won’t take long
before your arm will fatigue. Similarly,
the adrenals will respond to stress and fatigue if not given an opportunity to
“relax”, rand restore function. In this way, constant stress leads to the loss
of normal adrenal function.
How can your diet support healthy adrenal function? You can first focus on eliminating or
reducing the triggers that are counter supportive to healthy function. These include: refined carbohydrates – junk
foods – physical and mental strain – sleep deprivation – environmental toxins –
trauma / injury – anger – fear – worry – stress/anxiety – overworking – noise
pollution – Inflammation – infections – nutritional deficiencies – food
allergies – low blood sugar.
Take positive steps
to support and nurture your adrenals by
- Eating fresh whole foods and plenty of dark green vegetables
- Learning how to breathe properly
- Getting to bed early and enjoying a deep, restful sleep
- Purifying your body of toxins as they build up in your body systems
- Correcting any allergies or food sensitivities
- Enjoying regular, gentle exercises like stretching and walking
- Taking time to relax and meditate every day
- Eating your food slowly and intentionally
- Regularly scheduling downtime or “mini-vacations” on your calendar
Contact me to find out more about these action steps toward
wellness. Email debi@debifarley.com
