Stress is one of the leading health problems that cause hormonal imbalance and weight gain. Adrenal fatigue could be the reason you are not losing weight. Your adrenals are two walnut-shaped glands that sit on top of your kidneys weighing 0.2 ounces each. They produce hormones that range in many functions in your body. But the most important job is to ramp up the production of stress hormones during high-pressure times. Adrenal fatigue is a result of cortisol resistance. Your body shuts down some of the cortisol receptors to try to get hormonal balance. As a result, your cortisol levels do not rise in the morning to give you that burst of energy and lower in the evening to give you rest as they should. Your levels will stay at a flat-line all day, leaving you with no energy. For some people, their cortisol levels will spike only during the evening keeping them from sleeping. Psychological, chemical (such as drugs, alcohol, caffeine, tobacco products), or physical, triggers will provoke a body in stress response. When your body is on constant “high alert” mode your stress hormones are constantly being released due to daily pressures, which leads to adrenal exhaustion. Due to the steady supply of cortisol, which impairs your body’s ability to respond to insulin, your blood glucose level to rise. Chronic stress blocks your body’s ability to burn fat when glucose is present. When you have high levels of cortisol in your body, your body will begin to store fat to your waistline and the feeling of fatigue will begin to set in. Being able to recognize the symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue and knowing what to do to support your adrenal glands can help you recover, and start losing weight and gain more energy.
Some Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue
Craving sugar or salt Insomnia Tired after exercise
Confusion Depression Morning fatigue
Dark circles under eyes Abdominal fat
Anxiety Lightheaded
How to combat Adrenal Fatigue
Healthy Diet Relaxing walk
6-8 hours of sleep Yoga
Vitamin B-5, B-6, B-12 Diaphragmic Breathing Holding your Breath for 10 seconds
Vitamin C
Magnesium
Try incorporating some of these helpful tips when you are feeling stress and overwhelmed.