Why You Need to Support Your Adrenals
SUPPORT YOUR ADRENALS
Daily living causes stress, which isn’t easy on our adrenal glands – the small endocrine glands that sit atop our kidneys. These glands
are vital players in initiating our “fight or flight” response and regulate the stress response by synthesizing hormones like cortisol and adrenaline.
With busy lives that leave us on high alert most of the time, the daily stress we experience causes the continuous production of these hormones, suppressing immunity, hindering proper digestion, and increasing blood sugar and blood pressure. Over time, this constant stressed-out state takes a significant toll on our health.
This stress sends a message to our body to hold off on functions that are not essential, such as digestion, until we remove the stressor and our body is safe to rest and repair. Those functions may constantly take second priority, leaving us more vu
lnerable to inflammation and disease.
We may not be able to remove all forms of stress in life, but we can try to control how we perceive that stress and respond to it.
NATURAL WAYS TO SUPPORT YOUR ADRENALS
Eat clean and whole foods.Eat a balanced diet, including nutritious sources for carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Try to eat meals on a regular schedule and limit the number of meals you have “on the go.”
Get adequate sleep.
Aim for a regular sleep schedule and try to get 7–9 hours of sleep per night. Lack of sleep can cause a significant increase in cortisol levels. Unfortunately, elevated cortisol levels may make falling asleep more difficult. Try taking some time to do something relaxing right before bed to help your body unwind and allow your adrenals to get their beauty sleep!
Reduce caffeine consumption and drink plenty of fresh, filtered water each day.
Excessive caffeine intake initiates a stress response in our bodies by increasing the adrenals’ cortisol. When paired with outside stressors, caffeine consumption can lead to excessive cortisol production. Chronically elevated cortisol levels
may contribute to high blood glucose and decreased insulin sensitivity, making obesity and type 2 diabetes more likely.
Reduce consumption of refined carbohydrates.
Refined carbohydrates can stress the adrenals and lead to disrupted insulin response. These foods are known to elevate blood sugar levels rapidly. As mentioned above, stress hormones can also increase circulating blood sugar, so it’s easy to see how this combination can be harmful to your health, primarily if it occurs frequently.
Give your adrenals a break.
Activate your parasympathetic nervous system and engage in calming activities like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises.