Could It Be Your Adrenals?

The hectic pace of modern living can be a major source of stress, wreaking havoc on the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands (also known as suprarenal glands) are the triangle-shaped endocrine glands that sit atop the kidneys. They are chiefly responsible for regulating the stress response through the synthesis of corticosteroids and catecholamine, including cortisol and adrenaline. When the adrenals are tired, the body may experience a number of different symptoms. The most common symptoms caused by tired or worn-out adrenal glands are:

• Excessive sweating or perspiration from little activity
• Lower back pain and/or knee weakness or pain, especially on the side
• Dark circles under the eyes
• Dizziness
• Muscle twitches
• Low blood sugar
• Heart palpitations
• Sensitivity to light, or difficulty seeing at night
• A craving for salt
• Low stamina for stress, and easily irritated
• Excessive mood responses after eating carbohydrates such as pasta, breads and sugar
• Chronic infections (bacterial, viral, fungal, yeast)
• Low blood pressure
• Light-headedness on standing up
• Tired but wired feeling, poor sleep
• Cravings for sweets and carbs, intolerance to alcohol
• Premature aging
• Dry, unhealthy skin with excess pigmentation
• Lack of libido
• Cystic breasts
• Tendency to startle easily
• Negative response to thyroid hormone

If you suspect you might have tired adrenals, address it right away. Adrenal glands are extremely important to a healthy immune system and proper thyroid function. Take these steps to support your adrenals: 

• Your adrenals need their beauty sleep. Aim for 8-10 hrs each night. Make this a priority and stick with it!
• Eliminate sugar and processed carbs. Sugar and simple carbs put stress on the adrenals.  Adrenal glands help to regulate blood sugar levels.
• Eat clean animal protein foods, organic vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes, beans and grains. 
• Kick the coffee habit and drink plenty of fresh filtered water every day.