Have you ever wondered why you're so tired?
IT MAY BE ADRENAL FATIGUE! Let’s Dig a little deeper with Episode 2 of our 4 part series.
Adrenaline causes your immediate “alarm” response: increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, rapid breathing and diversion of your blood circulation from the digestive tract to the limbs—so you can be prepared to “fight or flee” or “freeze”.
Cortisol is produced right behind adrenaline. It is the “vigilance” hormone activating the body’s immune system and raising the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood. Glucose provides the energy needed by the muscles to run or fight.
Cortisol drives hunger for more sugar (carbohydrate cravings) and will store consumed sugar as fat if it is not immediately utilized for energy by the muscles i.e. if you’re not fleeing or fighting. No wonder we gain weight when stressed!
The production of adrenaline and cortisol from the adrenal gland is intricately tied to insulin production from the pancreas.
These three, adrenaline, cortisol and insulin, are considered the major hormones in the body, without which you cannot survive.
Creating balance in the body first requires addressing the health of the major hormones.
We begin with measuring both major and minor hormones through a combination of blood and saliva testing.
Addressing pain, leaky gut, diet, adequate rest, nutrients, gently exercise, lifestyle changes and using tools for managing stress are the keys to recovery from adrenal fatigue along with improving overall hormonal balance, well being, vitality and long term health.
Physical movement plays a key role. Since most of us can’t physically fight or flee from an irrational boss, an emotional upset, an unhealthy relationship, an argument with our adolescent kid, or the inevitable bad news coming across our TV screen– we can make the choice to move our bodies. Walk it off, run, bike, swim, or dance your way to better health.
Working with an Integrative and Functional Medicine Practitioner to determine your lifestyle changes, dietary and supplemental needs is the best way to ensure you recover from or prevent adrenal fatigue. To schedule a consultation in person or virtually with me, please visit https://drcatherineoseni.com/live-1-to-1/ or call (817) 550-6332.
Celebrating Your Optimal Health,
Catherine Olusolape Oseni, Pharm.D., ABAAHP, FAAMFM, FICT
Director of Integrative and Functional Medicine
As a board certified and fellowship trained Integrative and Functional Medicine Practitioner, Dr. Catherine addresses patients with a holistic point of view, treating not just symptoms, but the person as a whole.
