Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Adrenal Supplementation

Our adrenals manage our fight and flight response, they regulate certain hormones, aid in pushing blood out to our extremities, suppress our immune system and help our blood clot.

When our bodies are in stress or we exacerbate the problems, we become out of balance. We often will crave sugar, salt and caffeine for that instant pick me up. The problem is that we sku our blood sugar and then crash. That can lead to hypoglycemia. If left unchecked, the condition worsens and becomes hypoadrena, insulin resistance or even diabetes.

Balancing the diet is key. That means a diet in fresh fruits, vegetables, quality fats and proteins and not meal skipping is very important. We must be parasympathetic and relaxed. We must eliminate fast food, processed food, and chemical additives such as HFCS. Meditation, yoga, and reducing what we perceive as stress is critical. Living our lives in happiness, creativity, and in integrity along with nature keep us grounded and balance our bodies.

I also recommend that most people who live in a stressed environment (such as a city) or have busy lives take an herbal adaptogen to help keep the adrenals on an even keel. Rhodiola, licorice and siberian ginseng are excellent for this. Stress depletes B vitamins as do many drugs (including birth control). B and C vitamins are also a must. Essential Fatty Acids also promote a healthy inflammation response, create strong cells, and regulate hormones.

Food for Thought...eat with SOLE (Seasonally/organically/local/ethically) purpose. Eat sustainably. Be conscious and mindful of our planet and become sustainable.