The Adrenal Glands
The adrenal glands are two small glands that sit on top of the kidneys. They produce several important hormones:
Cortisol regulates glucose (blood sugar) levels
Aldosterone regulates sodium and potassium level
DHEA regulates the immune system
Catecholamines excites the sympathetic nervous system (Fight or Flight response)
What is Stress? Often we think of stress as “Bad”, but stress can manifest itself in many ways. Stress can be mental/emotional from unhealthy relationships or situations, chemical from poor diet (reactive hypoglycemia and food sensitivities) or exposure to environmental toxins, physical from overtraining. Stress can also be starting a new job, a new school, moving to a new home, starting a family, getting married, etc. These events although positive and happy can also be considered a stress to your body.
Adrenal Fatigue is a state in which the body does not feel well and can be manifested by a number of non-specific or vague symptoms such as generalized weakness and lack of energy. Most of the time symptoms are mild and rest resolves the issues. However, if the condition goes undetected and stress factors persist it may progress to a more advanced state. Adrenal fatigue can be EXHAUSTING! Our body is an amazing machine and possess the ability to heal itself given the right tools.
Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue
Tired, inability to fall asleep and/or stay asleep, anxiety, low blood pressure, muscle soreness or pain, chemical sensitivities, food sensitivities or allergies, low body temperature, loss of libido, menstrual irregularities, PMS, sluggishness, heart palpitations, salt cravings, sweet cravings, hypoglycemia, etc.
In general, the milder the condition the fewer the symptoms. When the Adrenal glands are not functioning well they can begin to affect other organ systems such as the ovaries and thyroid gland. Although unpleasant, symptoms are the way in which our body alerts us that it is not functioning well. There is a specific reason for each symptom that arises. Understanding the root cause of each is the first step in managing the condition and supporting the body to heal itself.
So What is Next?
Schedule an appointment with one of our practitioners who will be able assist you to identify the root cause of your condition and provide the support needed for your body to heal itself.
Thrive for Life provides a holistic approach to the care of our patients. We offer Chiropractic Care, Functional Medicine/Nutrition, Acupuncture, NeuroKinetic Therapy (NKT) and Massage Therapy. We have the ability to order testing and recommend nutritional and supplemental support for your condition(s).
At Thrive for Life we believe the body has the ability to heal itself and function optimally. This is only true if there is nothing interfering with that process. Our focus as specialists is to find the cause of the interference or imbalance and do everything we can to correct it, allowing the body to once again heal itself and Thrive! We do not claim to treat conditions or cure disease; we are simply working to support and restore the body’s natural healing abilities.
For more information on how we can help, contact Barbara our Nurse Practice Manager, 314-395-4934 or barbara@tflchiro.com