Smoothy Slim
Photo by Rada Aslanova Pexels Logo Photo: Rada Aslanova

How long does it take to correct adrenal fatigue?

Recovery from adrenal fatigue can take anywhere from 3 months to 3 years. Each individual has a unique set of symptoms and an individual response to treatment. The recovery process depends upon the stage and severity of the adrenal exhaustion.

Which drink is good for skin whitening?
Which drink is good for skin whitening?

GREEN APPLE AND POMEGRANATE JUICE Pomegranates and green apples contain generous amounts of vitamin C, enzymes and other antioxidants that heal...

Read More »
Does hot water help in weight loss?
Does hot water help in weight loss?

Drinking warm water right in the morning is advised by many, when we drink warm water, our body switches its temperature and activates the...

Read More »
Fizzy juice “chews through” 63lbs of fat
Fizzy juice “chews through” 63lbs of fat

This effective juice jolts the metabolism, boosts energy and burns fat all day.

Learn More »

Stress, stress, and more stress are the conditions that most of us operate under each day of our lives. Between our obligations at home and in our families very few of us have time for ourselves. Even exercise can be perceived as stress by a body that is already overwhelmed. In fact I see a lot of people in my practice that have not changed their eating or exercise habits in years but have found that with their high stress lives, they are steadily gaining weight and are unable to lose it, especially around their waist. The organs that help us manage our stress are our adrenal glands. They are tiny stress hormone producers that sit on the top of each kidney. Among the most notable hormones that they produce are adrenaline, DHEA and cortisol. Under chronic or extreme stress, the production of these hormones declines because the adrenal glands become exhausted. Stresses like these can take the form of psychological stress (emotional, work, family, etc.), extreme exercise, surgery, toxic exposure, and infections that go undetected (often called sub-clinical). Although adrenal fatigue has been described for over one hundred years, it is only recently being recognized as a unique condition with a specific set of symptoms. Some of the major symptoms include:

Fatigue and tiredness; general feeling of being wiped out

Weight gain and inability to lose weight despite effort

Frequent colds and flu

Anxiety

Sleep difficulties

Difficulty concentrating and problems retaining information

Allergies

Symptoms of PMS

Adrenal fatigue is generally diagnosed based on the constellation of the symptoms above as well as others. Often the symptoms are so clear that lab testing is not necessary to confirm the diagnosis, however there are special tests available if indicated.

Cortisol

Cortisol is probably the most important adrenal hormone that is released when we experience stress. This hormone increases the sugar in our blood so that we have the fuel we need to escape danger. The fat cells around our waist respond particularly well to cortisol. When we don’t burn the sugar that’s been released into the bloodstream by cortisol, it gets deposited as fat around our waist. This is why we tend to gain weight around our midsection under stress. The body’s response to stress, by depositing fat, is often overlooked by those struggling with weight loss even though it is a significant cause of weight gain. Normally, cortisol is released twice throughout the day. Any other releases of cortisol come as a result of our body’s response to stress or to low blood sugar. As you are probably realizing, the more stress a person goes through during the day, the more cortisol is released from the adrenal glands.

Which is better boiled egg or oatmeal?
Which is better boiled egg or oatmeal?

Eggs = More Protein According to USDA, a breakfast with 2 medium eggs will yield approximately 13g Protein and 1.1g Carbs whereas a bowl of oatmeal...

Read More »
Are hard-boiled eggs heart healthy?
Are hard-boiled eggs heart healthy?

Most healthy people can eat up to seven eggs a week without increasing their risk of heart disease. Some studies have shown that this level of egg...

Read More »
Purple weed obliterates 72lbs of flab
Purple weed obliterates 72lbs of flab

The main ingredient for a potent powdered supplement, based on the diets of among the healthiest, longest-living hamlet in the world.

Learn More »

On a chemical level, we are designed to handle “fight or flight” (intense, short-duration) stress much better than the chronic low-level stress we are subjected to every day. Because of this, when we experience stress, our blood sugar levels rise in preparation for a quick get-away or a fight for our lives. Most of the time, we are not in life or death situations and do not use that newly released sugar so it is deposited on our trunks as fat. DHEA is another important hormone that is normally released by the adrenal glands. It is responsible for the production of testosterone and estrogen. These hormones are instrumental in our sense of well-being. DHEA declines with age and most degenerative diseases are correlated with low DHEA levels. In times of intense or prolonged stress, DHEA levels plummet and stay low when someone becomes adrenally fatigued. There are four stages of progression to full-blown adrenal exhaustion. They are called the stages of Maladaptive Stress Syndrome:

Stage 1: Alarm

This first stage is characterized by an increased output of cortisol and adrenaline in response to stress. The body’s response is called the “fight or flight” response. As the stress continues, the adrenal glands start to become taxed due to the increasing demands by the body for cortisol production. As a result, we can begin to over-react to small stressors.

Stage 2: Resistance

This stage is characterized by chronic stress and cortisol production. The results are weight gain, fluid retention and immune suppression. Chronic colds, flu and fungal infections like chronic sinusitis become more and more common. A tendency toward developing conditions such as diabetes, osteoporosis and arteriosclerosis begins.

Stage 3: Exhaustion

In this stage, the adrenal glands become fatigued and cannot continue to produce cortisol in response to stress. Fatigue becomes the hallmark of the exhaustion stage and the development of chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia begins. The body can no longer manage stress so panic attacks, anxiety, irritability, low blood sugar, low blood pressure and immune dysfunction are common.

Stage 4: Failure

How much cinnamon should I take daily for weight loss?
How much cinnamon should I take daily for weight loss?

Some experts suggest 1/2 to 1 teaspoon (2-4 grams) of powder a day. Some studies have used between 1 gram and 6 grams of cinnamon. High doses might...

Read More »
Is it OK to drink V8 everyday?
Is it OK to drink V8 everyday?

Most people aged over 14 should consume no more than 2,300 milligrams (mg) of salt per day. However, the average salt intake in the United States...

Read More »
Tasty juice “eats through” 54lbs of thick flab
Tasty juice “eats through” 54lbs of thick flab

This effective juice jolts the metabolism, boosts energy and burns fat all day.

Learn More »

Once this stage is reached, there is total failure of the adrenal glands in response to stress. People at this stage are very susceptible to cardiovascular collapse and death in the face of stress. Recovery from adrenal fatigue can take anywhere from 3 months to 3 years. Each individual has a unique set of symptoms and an individual response to treatment. The recovery process depends upon the stage and severity of the adrenal exhaustion. The road back to health from adrenal fatigue includes specific diet & lifestyle changes, nutritional support, herbal treatments as well as bio-identical hormone support. Each person has unique biochemical needs that must be addressed by a physician but there are several things everyone can do to reduce the impact of adrenal fatigue.

Eat breakfast every morning soon after rising

Eat lunch before noon if possible

Eat a total of 5 smaller meals spread throughout the day (3 meals + 2 snacks) Reduce sugar and starchy foods from the diet (breads, potatoes, pastas, sugary fruits, fruit juices, etc.)

Eliminate coffee and caffeinated teas

Ensure each meal and snack has a good quality protein and fat

Get to sleep before 10 pm and sleep 8-10 hours if possible

Light to moderate exercise…avoid extreme exercise

All of these are aimed at reducing the amount of cortisol that your body must produce, which in turn will lessen the impact of daily stress. However the number one things everyone must do is:

Identify and eliminate the chronic stresses in your life !

Often this may mean considering a job and lifestyle change, as well as thoroughly addressing any relationship or family issues. In a minority of cases, it can mean addressing chronic sub-clinical infections or eliminating accumulated toxic burdens. Although addressing these issues can be difficult and life-altering, it is necessary in order to achieve a full recovery. Talk to one of our amazing naturopathic doctor’s for more information on adrenal fatigue.

What happens when you drink pineapple and cucumber juice?
What happens when you drink pineapple and cucumber juice?

Pineapple and Cucumber Juice is a vitamin C and iron rich express to prevent the skin from drying out and to reduce facial lines. Vitamin C, in...

Read More »
What is the 2nd healthiest vegetable?
What is the 2nd healthiest vegetable?

2. Kale. Kale is a very popular leafy green vegetable with several health benefits. It provides around 7 calories per cup of raw leaves and good...

Read More »
Strange purple cocktail removes 2.7lbs every 4 days
Strange purple cocktail removes 2.7lbs every 4 days

This effective juice jolts the metabolism, boosts energy and burns fat all day.

Learn More »
What can I put on my face at night?
What can I put on my face at night?

Step 1: Remove makeup. Going to bed with makeup on is one of the biggest skincare sins. ... Step 2: Cleanse. The next step in your nighttime...

Read More »
Strange purple cocktail removes 2.7lbs every 4 days
Strange purple cocktail removes 2.7lbs every 4 days

This effective juice jolts the metabolism, boosts energy and burns fat all day.

Learn More »
What causes pimples on the face?
What causes pimples on the face?

Acne develops when sebum — an oily substance that lubricates your hair and skin — and dead skin cells plug hair follicles. Bacteria can trigger...

Read More »