So your stressful life has contributed to sleeping issues? You have been diagnosed with adrenal fatigue or all at the very least the symptoms seem to fit. Your energy levels have dropped off significantly over the years and it’s especially problematic during afternoons.
However, there is no such thing as adrenal fatigue. Unless you have Addison’s disease, your adrenal glands are working as intended. It’s the signaling upstream that is the problem.
Adrenal glands don’t excessively secrete cortisol to the point where they can’t produce unless damaged. This is the finding by the vast majority of scientific research. So why do adrenal fatigue support formulations work? It’s because the effective formulas are resetting the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis (HPA axis) just as the vitamins, minerals and herbs previously mentioned.
Whether we referred to this as Adrenal Fatigue or HPA Axis Dysfunction, the best natural remedies combine:
B-VITAMINS, MAGNESIUM, ADAPTOGENIC HERBS, CRITICAL AMINO ACIDS LIKE GABA.
Why is this distinction important? If only your cortisol levels are tested a patient can get a false negative for “adrenal fatigue” or worse. Then the patient is given cortisol that might exacerbate the situation. This is one more reason to always choose well-formulated herbal based supplements rather than synthetic stimulating or suppressing cortisol drugs.
Cortisol plays a critical role in sleep, stress and inflammation. Our cortisol levels should be highest when we first awake so we are alert and then it tapers off quickly. When perceived stress or chronic inflammation occurs, cortisol secretion is initiated. During times of stress it boosts our system in a threatening situation. Where there is chronic inflammation, cortisol reduces the inflammatory response to protect us from the aging process. Unfortunately sleep is interrupted when cortisol is secreted anytime other then early in the day.
There are four triggers causing HPA axis imbalance between these three glands mistakenly referred to as, “adrenal fatigue,” according to Dr. Thomas Guilliams, an expert the field of Molecular Immunology.
- Perceived Stress
- Inflammation primarily in the gut caused by small bacteria or candida overgrowth
- Sugar Dysregulation
- Circadian Dysregulation
While this topic deserves a deeper dive, the important takeaway is that the HPA axis includes a set of neurotransmitters with self-regulating feedback loops. When the body isn’t in balanced, the pathways either no longer result in cortisol secretion or the cells become cortisol insensitive like a diabetic in the presence of too much insulin. This is the body’s system of checks and balances.
To address the four triggers, incorporate stress-reducing behaviors like mediation, yoga, essential oils and supplements like Zen Calm and Zen Sleep. Begin by reducing inflammation in the gut by eating a healthy diet reducing sugar and eliminating rancid vegetable oils. Try to get outside and take in natural light and stay away from your computer screen late at night.
Available for purchase
Harnessing the Power of Fitness in Your Journey Toward Addiction Recovery
Written by: Susan Treadway of Rehab Holistics Embarking on the path to addiction recovery unveils a myriad of challenges and opportunities. One potent yet often underestimated ally in this journey is fitness. Through the transformative power of physical activity, you
Is it Possible to Reverse Fatty Liver with Natural Remedies?
Is it possible to reverse fatty liver through natural remedies? This is a common question, especially as fatty liver disease becomes increasingly prevalent. The liver, one of the most vital organs in the body, plays a key role in detoxifying,
7 Best Liver Detox Remedies
Are you looking to revitalize your liver health but overwhelmed by the myriad of options available? Wondering if liver detox remedies are really effective, especially when you are already taking supplements? Let’s delve into the world of best liver detoxification
Do Liver Detox Supplements Help Fatty Liver?
Have you ever wondered if liver detox supplements can truly make a difference for fatty liver? With the rise in health consciousness, many turn to supplements for various health concerns. But do they really work when it comes to combating
Which is the Best Liver Supplement for Fatty Liver?
Are you experiencing fatigue, abdominal discomfort, or unexplained weight gain? These could be signs of a fatty liver, a condition affecting millions worldwide. With lifestyles often characterized by poor dietary choices and sedentary habits, the prevalence of fatty liver disease
How Can I Detox my Liver in 7 Days?
Have you ever felt like your body needs a reset? Perhaps you are experiencing low energy levels, bloating, or just a general sense of malaise. If so, your liver might be trying to tell you something. Could a 7-day liver