Self-Assess

Adrenal Glands
 
      The adrenal glands are evolved in many aspects of health.  When the adrenals are insufficiently functioning (hypoadrenia) they do not produce and regulate sufficient amounts of hormones. This is often referred to as “burnout”, “adrenal exhaustion or fatigue”.  
     There are many repercussions of adrenal fatigue such as hormonal imbalances, kidney dysfunction, and decreased immunity. However possibly the most common cause of adrenal fatigue (a wide spread problem) is modernized living. Face it; life is complicated packed full with deadlines, appointments, and every day stress and irregular eating habits. I have witnessed even the smallest of children suffer the effects of adrenal fatigue. Even babies can be predisposed to this devastating dysfunction due to the mother’s status during pregnancy. The adrenal glands are the most endangered glands due to chronic stress and can be treated with adrenal glandulars. Adrenal fatigue is regarded as a deficiency in the kidneys in Chinese Medicine the kidneys are considered to be the root energy of the body. The improper function of the kidneys is due to the relationship between the adrenals and kidneys.  Kidney Yin building herbs such as Rehmannia root taken for a period of 60 to 120 days is the initial treatment, followed by Kidney Yang tonics such as Fenugreek, Damiana, spicy leaves combined with cinnamon, dried ginger and lemon peel as a tea; and Ashwaganda capsules. Dietary recommendations include avoiding raw and cold foods to support digestion and assimilation of the nutrient rich vegetable stocks, curry dishes, and delicious Thai food. Evaluate your adrenal status below.

Adrenal Stress Test
 

• Cravings of meat, salty, and/or rich/fatty foods
• Bloated feeling
• Tiredness especially when sitting, driving, etc.
• Hard time getting up in mornings
• Poor or irregular sleeping habits
• Irritability, anger, aggressiveness
• Mood swings
• Apathy
• Depression
• Restlessness
• Hyperactivity
• Poor concentration and/or memory
• Thyroid imbalances
• Belly fat
• Bouts of rapid, pounding heart or adrenalin rush feeling
• Faintness
• Regular feeling of weakness
• Muscle and joint aches
• Allergies
• Hypoglycemia or blood sugar problems
• Excessive dental cavities
• Hair Loss
• Frequent feeling cold
• Difficulty making decisions
• Headaches
• Slow wound healing
• Water retention
• Frequent sore throats
• Frequent illnesses
• Watery, itchy eyes
• Excessive sweating

 
If you have 3 or more of these symptoms you may have an adrenal hormonal imbalance. See a qualified alternative practitioner for nutritional support. I usually recommend adrenal glandulars, specifically from Standard Process and de-stressing techniques along with the regular nutritional support based on testing.