These glands sit on top of your kidneys and are responsible for the activation of the “flight or fight” response. In our society we are now living in a state of chronic stress which sees our adrenal glands working over time.
Genetically, these glands were designed to get us out of trouble (ie. facing down a mammoth) and then turn off. Unfortunately, this “turning off’ is simply not happening. The result is that the energy driving this state of constant arousal could be better spent in healing or immune defence.
Common symptoms of adrenal burnout include weight gain, sugar cravings, inability to sleep or “turn off” and recurrent coughs / flu/ infections. If left unchecked this level of physical and mental stress can result in increased blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, heartburn, reflux, gastrointestinal dysfunction and insomnia.
The take home message is that stress really does kill and it’s your adrenal glands that are responsible for dealing with your stress levels.
Protect your adrenals by better time management and taking time out. Organise things as soon as you get a chance and be on top of daily tasks. Where you can, delegate chores to other family members and don’t push yourself to achieve too many things in a day. If you can’t change your stressors, change how you respond to them – have a sense of humour. If you don’t laugh, you cry and honestly, laughing is better for you and burns off more calories!
When looking at supplements, look for a good quality B complex with high amounts of iron and vitamin C. Magnesium is also fantastic for relaxing tight and sore muscles. A good soak in a hot bath with Epsom salts will do wonders for your body and mind after a stressful day. Throw in a glass of nice wine and a little bit of dark chocolate and you’ll feel your stress levels drain out with the bathwater.
