There are many opinions on the adrenals and hormones issue, and you're going to hear a few coming up, including mine. Just remember, they are opinions, and what's important is listening to your body.
There are a few sides to the hormones and adrenal fatigue issue.
There are the people who believe it does not exist at all because of absence in medical literature.
I disagree with this because it has already been proven that our cells can become non-functional or fatigued, so why not in the adrenals? To add to that, our cells can also regenerate, so that's not the end all be all.
Another side says it exists and everyone has it.
Disagree here, there is a clear cut difference between being unhealthy and experiencing fatigue, immune issues, etc... and having a serious issue with an important organ like the adrenals. I do believe most people just have unhealthy life practices that cause negative symptoms.
And the last side says it exists, and very few people have it. The real issue lies with hormones.
Definitely agree here, hormones are the key to everything in our bodies.
Once again I am beyond confused to why there is some sort of argument here. Sort of. See all sides contain very intelligent individuals. When I say that, I mean some of the most intelligent people in the industry. So when I see that some of the most intelligent people in the industry are disagreeing on something, I say good. Because in any other industry competition usually leads to creativity and innovation. Not in nutrition.
Every side usually ends up arguing over the issue without coming to any agreement or solution. And who ends up losing out? The clients, the people, those who need help. If we are so intelligent, if the degrees mean anything, if the certifications mean anything, if all that reading and studying means anything, why can't we agree!? Seriously.
Quick recap:
Your adrenal glands way less than a grape, are a little bigger than a walnut, are pyramid-shaped, and lay rest on top of your kidneys. Yet, they control the massive piece of machinery you call your body. They can bring you up or they can bring you down. Their importance is beyond comprehension to many, including even me.
The adrenal gland's primary function includes releasing hormones such as cortisol (stress hormone), adrenaline, noradrenaline, and sex hormones. These hormones control your body. These hormones control your body (not a mistake). I believe most people have a hormonal problem, not specifically an adrenal problem.
So what causes hormonal issues? Primarily over-stressing. Stress is categorized as electromagnetic (laptops, phones, etc..), dietary (excess dieting, excess sugar/refined foods, crappy water), physical (constant injuries, over-exercising), chemical (toxins in the water, food, air), emotional (bad relationship, etc...) and the list goes on. There's even the kind of stress that people stress about! Wait what? Yeah, people stress about their stress. It's an equation for disaster. But as always, there is a solution.
Back to the rant:
I believe this is very simple. Both sides need to recognize that there is a common list of ailments that people are experiencing, and these people tend to have the same habits. There is nothing hard or wrong about that. Boom.
Next, both sides need to recognize that these people will suffer regardless of who wins the argument. Boom.
Next, both sides need to realize what the actual problem is. Is the problem that people have adrenal fatigue, or is the problem that we are stressing too much, and not relaxing enough which is causing our hormones to get out of whack?
It's not just over-exercising. Look deeper. It's over-stressing. It's not just hardcore dieting, look deeper. It's over-stressing.
We aren't focusing on what the real problem is. Just like I mentioned in the post about calories a couple days ago, is the problem with the obese that they are consuming too many calories and not using enough, or is it that they have ridiculous cravings and are never hungry, which causes them to overeat? LOOK DEEPER.
You can head back to the first part of the series to check out more info on what the symptoms are and so on, I just want to run down what I think are some solid solutions to dealing with adrenal fatigue, and/or preventing it. No I'm not a doctor. I'm just someone who likes to look deep.
The "What can I do" list:
Find a doctor who understands the adrenals and fatigue, and speak about any action steps you take before you take them.
First, do not say, I have "X" ailment. I don't see how labeling yourself with something like that will help anything. When you make a statement like that with such power and belief, you are perpetuating it within your cells. "My adrenals are strong and healthy" would do much better.
Next, focus on eliminating stupid stress. What is stupid stress? Those little pesky things that do not matter at all although you tend to stress a ridiculous amount over. Eliminate it. You do this by thinking. You do this by being positive. THINK DEEPER. Will it really matter in a few minutes, an hour, a day, a year?
Next, focus on channeling negative energy in a positive manner, and healing your larger more stressful events with recovery. Start laughing more, watch a funny movie or show, go out with friends and family. Enjoy yourself. Take a nap. SLEEP! Workout intelligently(Some of you might not have the energy to do an intense workout, and that might not be the best idea with the symptoms of adrenal fatigue, so go for a walk!). Relax.
Do a diet check. Make sure you are getting plenty of vitamins like D, and anti-oxidants including vitamin C, and that you are up to par on all your minerals like magnesium, zinc, iodine, and potassium. Seriously. Extreme dieting isn't a good choice here. Find a diet that strategically utilizes re-feeds/cheating.
Drink pure water, and plenty of it. Consider adding *Celtic* sea salt into your hydration habits.
Avoid excess stimulants. Listen, even I like coffee and I drink it consistently. And I know how good of a rush it can be to use a stimulant, but there comes a point where it's just too much. You know that point. Don't reach it. A lot of the time controlling your use of stimulants will lead to more energy as you won't be going through any highs/lows. And I am not saying you need to drop all coffee or anything like that. Some practitioners would, and I don't see anything wrong with that recommendation, it's probably better that way. But I am stubborn. I am all about finding a solution while still maintaining or even improving quality of life!
I honestly want to go back to the mind to finish this off. You have to realize that we can create ailments in our minds, and regardless of whether we have screwed up physiology or not, we can drive ourselves into destruction. If you're not happy fix it. But like I said, look deeper. Are you not happy because you don't have enough money, or don't see enough smiley faces in your life? Or is it because you don't do what you love, and you don't realize that in any moment, you can create happiness?
Losing a job is stressful, and so is getting in a car accident. But YOU'RE NOT DEAD. Do you realize that? This goes back to the cliche statement, "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger." But it's true. We can go through some pretty horrific events in our life, or at-least they appear that way, but it didn't kill you. So what are we really stressing about?
At this point, you're either getting my drift or you're not. What I am saying is that the adrenal fatigue talked about today (really just hormonal) may be a very serious problem, but there is a very simple solution. Some of you need to go on a walk, breathe, and take a look around. Some of you need a career switch and should be doing what you love. If your environment isn't pretty, look up. Regardless of the environment, I'd say the sky is consistently beautiful. Maybe that will wake you up to the simplicity of this.
Summary of everything above:
Relax.
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