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Giving Yourself Balanced Energy Naturally |
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Written by Webmaster
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Tuesday, 09 October 2007 |
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By Nancy Wellington
 Adrenal fatigue. You've probably heard the term, and may feel like it's something happening to you. Suffering from burnout, or a lengthy bout of exhaustion you can't seem to pull out of, but no obvious symptoms? Here's a little primer on these very important glands and how to treat them right.
The adrenals are small glands sitting above each of your kidneys. The adrenals release cortisol and adrenaline in response to stressful situations or environmental conditions, and control the release of many other important hormones in the body. Their primary function is to prime the system is to give you the energy you need when your circumstances demand it. The trouble is, many of us create this demand almost all our waking hours!
An estimated 75-80% of Westerners suffer from 'Adrenal fatigue' at some point in their lives. Adrenal fatigue is a described as a collection of signs and symptoms classically known as a "syndrome" that results when the adrenal glands function below the necessary level. Signs and symptoms may include severe fatigue, lightheadedness upon standing, depression and irritability, lack of sex drive, exhaustion and
general malaise, loss of appetite, food cravings, and dark circles around the eyes. Most commonly associated with intense or prolonged stress, various other situations contribute to adrenal fatigue including life crisis, trauma, lifestyle, and chronic illness. Other factors that contribute to the depletion of adrenal health include certain lifestyle choices such as improper diet, substance abuse, too little or irregular sleep or rest and increased or other on-going life-style pressures.
When healthy, your adrenals can instantly increase your heart rate and blood pressure, release energy stores for immediate use, sharpen your senses, slow digestion and various other secondary functions. This function is extremely important in emergency situations - poorly functioning, overtaxed adrenal glands can lessen your ability to deal effectively with crisis situations. Another aspect of healthy adrenals is the ability to endure long periods of physical exertion such as seen in marathon running, swimming, long distance cycling, and similarly, the day to day responsibilities of parenting! It is your adrenal glands job to react to stress in a balanced manner so that one's response is appropriate to the situation.
The hormones produced by the adrenal glands closely affect the utilization of carbohydrates and fats, the conversion of fats and proteins into energy, as well as the distribution of stored adipose (fatty tissue) on the body (especially around the waist), blood sugar regulation, and healthy cardiovascular and gastrointestinal (digestive and absorptive) function. Interestingly, at mid-life (menopause in women), the adrenal glands become the primary source for sex hormones circulating throughout the body in both genders. So in essence, overworked adrenal glands pretty much put a damper on your sex life quashing your interest and putting a spare tire around your belly. Maybe their health is worth looking into!
The following are some natural suggestions for nourishing and rejuvenating adrenal health: We'll start with an easy one; an adequate intake of water. This is a must in all natural health, wellness and fitness programs as it helps keep the kidney flushed and cleanses the body so it has less toxins to deal with, hence less stress. I use the formula .6 x body weight = ounces of water per day for my clients. This is a number that should be moved towards over time. For example if weigh 150 pounds your daily water intake would be 90 ounces. .6 x 150 = 90 ounces. If you are currently drinking 40 ounces of water per day and your (ideal) daily ounce intake is 90 ounces, increase gently to your ideal ounces of water over the next month or two.
Next is slowing down the pace of things at least a few minutes a day. It's so easy to get wound up in all the day's work, errands and other pressures that we rarely take a moment to sit quietly without distraction and simply release these things from our mind. Take a walk if you can; moderate exercise can be a supportive factor in lowering stress levels. But while doing so, try to 'be present', rather than letting your mind drift to all those tasks ahead of you - this will allow the greatest regeneration.
Diet plays a huge role in any natural health, wellness and fitness program, and is crucial in proper adrenal gland function. You've heard it before, but I'll say it again! Reduce your sugar intake - sugar is a poison to the system, inducing stress whenever eaten. Cut out stimulants to the best of your ability. If you have a caffeine addiction, take it moment to moment, Do you really need that next cup? Will it make you feel better? Often after the first one or two in the morning, the answer is no. And cutting them out all together will give you more energy than you thought possible in a week to 10 days.
For a soothing, regenerating treatment, take an Epsom salt bath pull out fatigue and acidity from body. Again, let your mind go and release the worries of the day, and try to incorporate this into your regular routine. Consider adding a few drops of lavender essential oil to your bath and allow the aroma to help you relax and refresh. A favorite essential oil bath blend: 4 drops Lavender essential oil, 1 drop Rose essential oil. These oils are well known for their uplifting and relaxing qualities. Other aromatherapy bath salt blends are available for this purpose just make sure they use all natural ingredients, as synthetic aromatics can actually cause more stress!
You may also use an essential oil blend that is said to replenish the adrenal glands without stimulation. Mix one ounce hazelnut oil plus 50 drops each of Black Spruce and Pine essential oils. For a gentle lift, reduce the Black Spruce and Pine to 30 drops each, and add 20 drops each of Cedarwood and Peppermint. Apply twice a day to the lower back for a week or two to help support glandular function and you'll smell great too!
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, do what you can to improve your sleep routine. Getting to bed before 10pm is crucial - the hours between 10 and 12 are thought to be extremely important in rejuvenation. Try finishing your last meal as early as possible in the evening to get better rest, so the body is not spending as much effort digesting your dinner as it is replenishing all your other vital resources. Herbal sleep formulas are effective for many people, and are non-habit forming as some prescription medicines can be. Also, studies have shown that the aroma of certain essential oils in the room can have a dramatic effect on sleep quality - an easy way to experiment is to sprinkle a few drops of lavender essential oil on your comforter before retiring (be sparing, too much can actually be stimulating!)
Your adrenal glands are a crucial part of your health and a positive outlook and approach to your life. By considering these few lifestyle factors and natural remedies, you can significantly improve your adrenal gland health, and perhaps remove yourself from the majority of the Adrenal Fatigue statistic!
The author is a natural health professional utilizing vibrational medicine in her personal and professional practice. she is the co-owner of the Ananda Apothecary, specializing in wildcrafted and organic essential oils and essential oil blends.The author is a consultant for Ananda Aromatherapy, found at http://www.anandaapothecary.com/essential-oils.html. More resources are available on aromatherapy and essential oil blends through the website.The author is a natural health practitioner in Boulder, Colorado. she is a regular user of essential oils and consultant to aromatherapy creations at http://www.anandaapothecary.com and http://www.anandaapothecary.com/essential-oil-blends.html.The author utilizes pure essential oils for aromatherapy and their natural healing properties. More information is available through The Ananda Apothecary at www.anandaapothecary.com.The author has been a contributor of aromatherapy articles and information around the internet. her websites contain useful information for beginning and advanced aromatherapists alike. More information on therapeutic grade essential oils and essential oil blends is available at the Ananda Apothecary.More information is available through http://www.anandaapothecary.com.The author is a co-founder of Ananda Aromatherapy. More information on pure and organic essential oils can be found at The Ananda Apothecary.The author, manager of The Ananda Apothecary, regularly employs essential oils, essential oil blends and flower essences in her personal natural wellness practice.The author is the owner of Ananda Aromatherapy, a source for world-classessential oil, therapeutic essential oil blends and aromatherapy accessories. her site includes wonderful collections of essential oils and aromatherapy resources. More can be found at http://www.anandaapothecary.com/essential-oils.htmlThe author is the co-owner of www.anandaapothecary.com - More aromatherapy resources are available on this site.For more resources on using essential oil and flower essences therapeutically, visit the Ananda Apothecary.The author regularly employs aromatherapy oils and flower essence therapy in her practice.The author is a regular contributor to several sites in the areas of using essential oils and Bach flower essences. she can be contacted at www.AnandaApothecary.comMore information on using essential oil and essential oil blends can be found through www.anandaapothecary.comThe author is a regular contributor to natural health sites and ezines on the topics of essential oils, aromatherapy, and flower essence remedies. she may be contacted through www.anandaapothecary.com Get The Curves That You Want With Your Body Share Your Opinion. (0 posts)
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 09 October 2007 )
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