Fighting Burn-out: Natural Help For Stress, Fatigue and Adrenal Insufficiency by Dr. Rita Louise

The adrenal or “stress glands” are small, triangular shaped glands located on the top of the kidneys. Their function is to prepare the body’s resources to run or fight through the releasing of specific hormones. When this primitive, instinctive response is activated, blood is diverted from digestive system while our blood pressure, pulse, blood sugar levels increase. At the same time, our pupils dilate and the speed of reflexes increases. All of this happens as a way to ensure our survival.

In modern times, we don’t’ have to worry about becoming dinner for a hungry tiger or being trampled by a herd of buffalo. Our bodies, however, automatically respond the same way when we are under physical, emotional or mental stress. Many of us live in a state of constant stress that strains our bodies to the point of exhaustion. Over time, and through repetition, this can impact the way the adrenal glands function, causing us to experience adrenal insufficiency or “burn-out”.

If you think about it, our adrenal glands can be likened to the batteries in a flashlight. They are filled with a charge that is used to run the body and give us that extra edge in times of need. Each time we use our flashlight, we drain some of the charge from our batteries. Fortunately for us, our batteries are automatically recharged when we eat healthy and get lots of rest. If, on the other hand, we use our flashlight all of the time, and don’t recharge our batteries regularly, it is only a matter of time before the light starts to dim and eventually goes out all together.

Technically speaking, adrenal insufficiency refers to the inability of adrenal glands to produce the proper quantity of hormones needed to run the body. It should not to be confused with Addison’s disease, which is when the adrenal glands fail to produce hormones or shutdown completely. The most common symptom of adrenal insufficiency is fatigue. Other symptoms include: not feeling rested after sleep, inability to deal with life stressors, poor memory, a low sex drive, frequent infections due to a suppressed immune system, inability to concentrate, depression, mood swings, irritability, weight gain, weakness and hormonal imbalances.

There are a number of reasons why people experience adrenal insufficiency. It can be from a genetic or congenital abnormality, but the most common one is stress. Some of us force our bodies to run or fight all the time. Life challenges, financial pressures, relationship issues and unresolved emotional concerns will eventually deplete your adrenal glands. Internal stressors such as allergies, physical disease, nutritional deficiencies, food and environmental toxins can also put pressure on the body’s natural reserves. In addition, stimulants, such as sugar, white flower, caffeine, as well as constant exposure to loud music, loud noise or EM radiation can take a toll on our adrenal glands.

Recommendations For Wellness

First and foremost, stop forcing yourself to keep going and start listening to your body. It will tell you what it needs. If it is tired, try closing your eyes and taking a few deep breaths. Taking a break, even a short one is a great way to let your body rest.

Just let it go. Allow your body to let go of any resentment, blame, guilt, worries or fears that can paralyze the adrenal glands.

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BIO:

© Copyright Body, Mind & SoulHealer 2005. All rights reserved.
Naturopathic Physician, Dr. Rita Louise, Ph.D. is the author of the book “Avoiding the Cosmic 2x4”. It is her unique gift as a medical intuitive and clairvoyant that illuminates and enlivens her work. Let Dr. Louise help you bring health healing and wholeness back into your life. Visit http://www.soulhealer.com for more information

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