By Kaley Burns EBS COLUMNIST
“Adrenal fatigue” can have numerous impacts on health.
The adrenal glands are located on top of each kidney and play a key role in regulating metabolism, immune response and blood pressure, especially during times of stress. When we experience stress, the adrenal glands release cortisol.
Perhaps you’ve been feeling not quite well. Maybe you feel extremely fatigued, unmotivated or overly anxious, have digestive difficulty, or even find it difficult to get a good night’s sleep. If you have been constantly going through stressful situations lately or chronically, you might be experiencing what some refer to as “adrenal fatigue.” This is when the adrenal glands are essentially overworked and unable to produce the correct balance of hormones.
In today’s fast-paced society, burnout has become increasingly prevalent. Characterized by chronic physical and emotional exhaustion, burnout often arises from prolonged stress. Adrenal health is essential to addressing burnout, as the adrenal glands play a vital role in the body’s response to stress. When we experience chronic adrenal fatigue, it’s the equivalent of keeping a car at full rev all the time. There’s no let-up, and no space and time for us to reset and obtain physical and emotional balance.
What we eat influences the amount of cortisol circulating in the body. Several studies have correlated high intake of simple carbohydrates and sugars with sustained cortisol elevations throughout the day. Consuming excessive sugar can lead to dysglycemia, which has been found to heighten perceived stress. Therefore, one of the most important nutritional strategies for adrenal support is balancing blood sugar.
Many micronutrients important for adrenal health—including B vitamins, vitamin C, magnesium, and zinc—are at risk of depletion when the body is exposed to chronic stress. Following a nutritional regimen that promotes eating a diverse range of fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes and proteins helps support adrenal balance and an improved stress response.
Helping your body adapt
Adaptogens are a class of herbs that exhibit stress-modulating properties, play a significant role in supporting adrenal health and aid in recovery from burnout. Ashwagandha and Rhodiola, for instance, have been shown to reduce cortisol levels. The adrenals have one of the highest concentrations of vitamin C. Stress and adrenal stimulation leads to a vitamin C-dumping effect, increasing the risk of vitamin C inadequacy and deficiency. Studies have shown that vitamin C supplementation improves stress responses and cortisol recovery.
IV therapy can also support adrenal health. IV vitamin therapy, or infusions, have been shown to help individuals recover from the symptoms of adrenal fatigue.
Often when we lead a stressful lifestyle, it is possible we are neglecting to do the things which maintain our overall health and wellness. This is where IV vitamin therapy can assist, by delivering an ideal combination of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients to aid in reversing any deficiencies.
Another great way to support the adrenal glands is acupuncture. Acupuncture treatment helps relax the nervous system, and enables the body to enter a state in which it is able to heal naturally in a more efficient way.
If you’re looking to help your adrenal balance, our holistic team at Big Sky Natural Health is here to help.
Dr. Kaley Burns is a licensed Naturopathic Physician providing a wide range of services for her clients, including: Naturopathic Medicine, IV Nutrient Therapy, Regenerative Injections, Rejuvenation Therapies, Vitamin Shots, and Nutrition Counseling. She embraces a natural approach to health and aims to similarly inspire and guide others on their health journey.
