Adrenal Health

When you are dealing with chronic stress or living in flight or fight daily - you could be suffering from adrenal fatigue or elevated cortisol levels

Cortisol is a hormone produced by our adrenal glands. It impacts our energy, glucose/insulin production, fluid and electrolyte balance, blood pressure regulation, fat storage, immune system, inflammation, mood, and your memory

Factors that worsen adrenal dysfunction:

• Excess stress

• Excess alcohol / caffeine / nicotine / stimulants

• Oral contraceptives

• Certain medications - steroids, anticonvulsants, ADHD meds

• Excessive exercise

• Emotional trauma

• Chronic emotional stress

• Poor sleep

Priorities:

• Good sleep hygiene (women needs 8-10 hours a sleep a night)

• 30 g of protein in EVERY meal, especially first meal of day

• Limit excess caffeine and alcohol use

• Avoid over exercising

• Take time for you - meditation, walking outside, reading, gardening, art, therapy if needed

When a patient is experiencing adrenal fatigue I recommend optimizing vitamin D levels. I also recommend vitamin C supplements, melatonin at bedtime, and ashwagandha.

Please reach out if you have concerns of adrenal fatigue.