You have probably heard the terms cortisol and adrenal fatigue before. But what does that mean? Well let’s break it down!

Your adrenal glands are the small organs that sit on top of your kidneys. They may be tiny but they have a big job to do! They are responsible for secreting a variety of hormones, including cortisol, that act as chemical messengers in your body. Your cortisol levels naturally fluctuate during the day, with more cortisol generally being released in the morning and less in the evening. Cortisol is also released in response to stress and helps your body cope physically with stressors.

We are all exposed to lots of different stressors: our jobs, our kids, our finances and all the other things we deal with every single day. Our bodies also deal with physical stressors including toxic burden, chronic inflammation and organ systems that aren’t functioning as well as they could be. So whether it’s running a household, a stressful work environment or physical illness, our bodies perceive chronic stress. This results in cortisol being released for long periods of time, which is not exactly what it’s designed for.

After a while, your adrenal glands get tired and either start producing cortisol at the wrong times during the day or they stop producing it in the right amount. This results in a variety of symptoms:

·        Lethargy and lack of energy

·        Mood changes and irritability

·        Increased effort to perform daily tasks

·        Inability to handle stress

·        Exercise intolerance

·        Changes in body weight (usually excess weight held around the midsection)

·        Salt and sugar cravings

·        Episodes of dizziness

·        Heart palpitations

·        Dark circles under the eyes

·        Brain fog

·        Altered blood pressure (high, low or fluctuating)

·        Decreased immune function

Sound familiar?! Then it’s time to support your adrenal glands!

First, you need to get your stress under control. Making self-care a priority is critical! It might sound obvious but eating well, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep and staying hydrated are all necessary to nourish your body. Managing your stress with meditation, yoga, acupuncture or other relaxing activities will also help calm your nervous system and help you unwind. In addition, you may want to try an adaptogen! Wait, a what?!

Adaptogens are botanical blends made up of herbs and nutrients that specifically support your adrenal glands. Some are calming, some are stimulating and some are balancing, so it’s important to choose a combination that’s right for you. It’s also important to consider the medications and other supplements you are taking to make sure there are no interactions. Your Naturopathic Doctor can ensure you are taking the right adaptogen based on your symptoms and health history.