Our adrenal glands are found on top of both kidneys and are responsible for producing and releasing essential hormones, such as estrogen, adrenalin and cortisol into our blood. These hormones regulate metabolism, immune system, blood pressure, our response to stress and numerous other functions.
When a person is stressed or frightened, say navigating a global pandemic, the adrenal gland releases a flood of hormones, in particular cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones increase the heart rate, elevate blood pressure, boost energy supplies and slow down body processes (hello excess fat stores). Now, short term this response is life saving but on going stress is a bad thing because it leads to the adrenal glands burning out as they cant keep up with the demand. This can cause anxiety, depression, digestive problems, headaches, heart disease, sleep problems, weight gain and memory and concentration impairment.
5 common signs of adrenal fatigue:
Tired for no reason even after a good nights sleep - Persistent tiredness is a hallmark symptom.
Over sensitive to light
Afternoon slump/lows
Craving salty/sweet snacks - insatiable
Not get hungry until 10 am
As we now know stress plays a very significant factor in adrenal fatigue. Stress can be either physical, chemical or emotional, or this day and age a combination of all three. This can cause the joints of the spine to become dysfunctional and result in nerves under performing. Chiropractic helps correct this and restore proper function to your nervous system which is responsible for regulating the entire body and its response to stress.
Nutritional supplements can also play an important role in supporting the adrenal glands and preventing your body getting to the fatigue stage. We are happy to discuss supplement options with you any time so please get in touch if you would like to know more.
info@cromwellchiropractic.co.nz