Adrenals and Stress - 30 Days Wellness Challenge

Good Morning and Happy Monday sweet sister! Today, as I shared on Friday, we are going to continue learning more about our brain, stress and how it effects our adrenal glands.

Did you know that chronic stress can affect your body’s ability to recuperate from physical, mental, or emotional stress? This is likely why most people have dealt with adrenal fatigue at some point in their lives. Many proponents of this condition estimate that almost every person can experience adrenal fatigue, also known as hypoadrenia, to some degree at a particularly stressful point in his or her life.

Because the adrenals influence many parts of the body, symptoms of adrenal fatigue can mimic a number of disorders and aren’t always easily recognizable. Adrenal fatigue symptoms, like brain fog, moodiness and trouble sleeping, can be indicative of many disorders and are often overlooked by doctors. But more and more people are starting to realize that a combination of these health issues often indicates the onset of adrenal fatigue.

Stress and your Adrenals! What Is Adrenal Fatigue?

A relatively new term, “adrenal fatigue” was proposed as a new condition in 1998 by Dr. James L. Wilson, a naturopath and chiropractor. His assumption was that an overstimulation of the adrenal glands (or “adrenals”) by long-term stress could lead to an inconsistent level of cortisol (the stress hormone) in the bloodstream. In addition to this overload or improper stress hormone levels, people with adrenal fatigue often don’t have enough DHEA, the “parent hormone” responsible for the creation of many necessary hormones in the body.

Dr. Wilson describes the unique progression of adrenal fatigue throughout the day as follows:

You wake up and are unable to function without a significant amount of caffeine.

You finally feel a boost of energy during the early part of the day.

Then your energy levels crash around 2 p.m., rise around 6 p.m. and fall again around 9 p.m.

Your energy finally peaks again at 11 p.m.

What Are Your Adrenal Glands?

Your adrenal glands (adrenals) are two thumb-sized organs that sit above your kidneys and are part of the endocrine system. Also known as the suprarenal glands, they’re involved in producing over 50 hormones that drive almost every bodily function, many of which are essential for life. The adrenal glands work closely with the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland in a system known as the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis).

Every bodily function is affected, and as adrenal hormone levels ebb and flow abnormally, even the normal “get-up-and-go” you get from them disappears. Studies indicate that adrenal fatigue symptoms include:

• Autoimmune conditions

• Chronic fatigue (always feeling tired)

• Brain fog

• Hair loss

• Hormone imbalance

• Weakened stress response

• Insulin resistance

• Lightheadedness

• Decreased sex drive/libido

• Moodiness and irritability

• Depression

• Muscle or bone loss

• Skin ailments

• Sleep disturbances/sleep apnea.

• Weight gain

• Sweet and salty food cravings

• Loss of appetite

As you can see, there are several symptoms that might be related to other underlying disorders, including some very common women’s health issues. Fortunately, the ways to combat these issues are very similar and benefit your overall health. If you’ve experienced any of these adrenal fatigue side effects, take heart, for there are now many natural ways to treat and support your adrenal system.

Adrenal fatigue is a condition in which the body and adrenal glands can’t keep up with the tremendous amount of daily stress many people experience. Sometimes misunderstood as an autoimmune disorder, adrenal fatigue can mimic some precursors to other common illnesses and diseases.

Wellness doctors and practitioners believe that an episode of acute stress or prolonged (especially for over a year), ongoing stress can cause adrenal glands to become overloaded and ineffective, then improperly release cortisol. They believe that hypoadrenia can be caused by:

• Stressful experiences like death of loved one, divorce or surgery

• Exposure to environmental toxins and pollution

• Prolonged stress due to financial hardship, bad relationships or work environment, and other conditions that entail feelings of helplessness

• Negative thinking and emotional trauma

• Lack of quality deep sleep (7-8 hours)

• Poor diet (including crash diets and inconsistent nutrition)

• Excessive or lack of exercise

• Smoking

• Infections - acute and chronic

• Physical pain

• Food sensitivities

• Adverse events in childhood

• Surgery

• Reliance on stimulants like caffeine or energy drinks

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• Diabetes/impaired glucose levels

Can stress cause extreme fatigue? Yes, it absolutely can. As you see below our hormones affect every function of the human body, thus why it is so important to learn how to naturally bring it all back into balance without adding more toxins and chemicals into the mix.

Through much research I learned that detoxing the liver is the key to thyroid health and of course our over-all well-being! I will share more about that in the next few days. Yes, the patches play a HUGE role in that and the easiest to do!

Supplements and Herbs (see my list of recommended products here)

Another major change to overcoming adrenal fatigue is taking the right supplements using supporting herbs. Because it can still be a challenge to get enough of every nutrient you need every day, supplements can be used to ensure that you get the vitamins and minerals that are vital for adrenal support. In addition, there are certain herbs, spices and essential oils that can help to fight adrenal fatigue and support an energetic, vibrant life.

Adaptogenic herbs ashwagandha, rhodiola rosea, schisandra and holy basil: Research shows that adaptogen herbs may help to lower cortisol levels and mediate stress responses within the body. By using these herbs in food preparation, you can alleviate some of the strain on your adrenal glands.

Licorice root: This spice is available in extract form and has been shown to help increase the DHEA in your body. Licorice root is associated with some side effects and may sometimes be avoided by taking DGL licorice. Research suggests that pregnant women and those with heart, liver or kidney problems should avoid licorice root. Don’t take it for more than four weeks at a time. Make sure to monitor blood pressure, as levels can increase in some patients.

Fish oil (EPA/DHA): There are a large number of benefits of supplementing with fish oil (or, for people on vegan or other plant-based diets, algal oil). Several of these include counteracting a number of adrenal fatigue-related symptoms and complications, such as diabetes, mental dysfunction, arthritis, immune system function, skin issues, gaining weight and anxiety/depression.

Magnesium: Magnesium is one of the necessary nutrients for fighting adrenal insufficiency. While the mechanisms of this aren’t fully understood, you may benefit from supplementing with magnesium if you are suffering from adrenal fatigue.

B-Complex vitamins: Research finds that vitamin B12 deficiency may be associated with stress on the adrenal cortex in some animals. Vitamin B5 is another commonly deficient vitamin in people with adrenal stress. Especially if you’re reducing or eliminating meat from your diet in order to fight adrenal fatigue, it may serve you well to take a high-quality B-complex vitamin supplement. You can find the B-Complexes I recommend here.

Vitamin C: Known as a “stress-busting” nutrient, vitamin C appears to minimize the effects of stress on people as well as reduce the time necessary to bounce back from stressful events.

Vitamin D: In addition to maintaining homeostasis between magnesium and phosphorus in the body and supporting strong bones, vitamin D may impact other conditions, including adrenal dysfunction and disease.

Selenium: At least one animal study finds that selenium deficiency can negatively impact adrenal function.

Lavender oil: Human and animal studies show that lavender essential oil has a calming effect that can reduce stress. Research also suggests that it may lower high cortisol levels when inhaled.

Rosemary oil: Rosemary essential oil (along with lavender) may decrease cortisol concentrations and reduce oxidative stress on cells.

Remember to use whole-food-based supplements from reputable companies, and use only 100 percent, therapeutic-grade, USDA Certified Organic essential oils. Make sure you trust what you purchase.

Reduce Stress: The most important key to restoring your adrenal function is to heed your mind and stress needs. Pay attention to your body, and try the following natural stress relievers:

• Rest when you feel tired as much as possible.

• Sleep 8–10 hours a night.

• Avoid staying up late and stay on a regular sleep cycle — ideally, in bed before 10 p.m.

• Laugh and do something fun every day.

• Minimize work and relational stress however possible.

• Eat on a regular food cycle and reduce your caffeine and sugar addiction.

• Exercise (even moderate exercise and walking can help). Yoga, in particular, can help to improve quality of life and reduce stress responses. If you feel tired after exercise, it’s sometimes beneficial to only walk until adrenals are sufficiently healed.

• Avoid negative people and self-talk.

• Take time for yourself (do something relaxing).

• Seek counsel or support for any traumatic experiences.

Let’s talk about “self-talk” for a minute. Our bodies are made to heal. However, the words we say have a great impact on our body and our ability to heal. Regardless of what diet and supplements you take; your environment is one of the most important components. So, be kind to yourself. Try to avoid saying negative things about yourself and others. It’s important to choose to be around positive people and stay positive about yourself as well.

Many people roll their eyes at such advice, but it’s scientifically proven that it’s possible to reduce pathological worry by practicing “thought replacement,” a positive self-talk practice that involves verbally reciting positive outcomes to stressful situations. If you have NOT completed the 30-Day Positive Thoughts Challenge, then I highly suggest you make that a priority for your inner healing journey.

For full adrenal recovery, you can expect it to take:

• 6–9 months for minor adrenal fatigue

• 12–18 months for moderate fatigue

• Up to 24 months for severe adrenal fatigue

The best approach is to make solid changes to your lifestyle for lasting results. Some people notice a difference in their overall well-being after just a few weeks of better foods that aid in detoxification of the body and adrenal fatigue supplements. If you aim for a balanced lifestyle with a healthy level of sleep, exercise, fun and a positive environment, then you are most likely to keep your adrenal system going strong!

Photomodulation Technology: X39, Aeon, SP6, and Carnosine.

*Stay consistent and expect this to be healing journey of 6 to 24 months

Thanks to Dr. Stan for sharing your wisdom, so we can all benefit from it!

Thank you for visiting and choosing to complete one of the greatest 30-day challenges you could ever begin! If you miss a day, then click on the tag Wellness Challenge at the bottom of each post.

May God bless you on your inner healing journey!

Jill | INNER HEALING COACH

ICF Certified Somatic Integrated Trauma Informed Coach ™

CPD Accredited & Certified Integrated Trauma Informed Coach™

Certified Narcissistic Trauma Informed Coach ™

Certified Narcissistic Abuse Specialist ™

Certified Brainspotting Practitioner

Certified Mental Wellness Coach

The fact that you are here reading this challenge lets me know that you are ready to truly embrace inner healing and conquer all that is holding you back from living out God's best for you. Which leads me say, NOW is the time to join my group as we begin this 30-day Wellness Challenge - recipes, meal plans, resources and tools for women over 50!

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NOTE: I AM NOT a licensed medical professional. Please seek a medical professional for treatments, medical advice, or before you start any new wellness protocol.

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