By Jackie RondeauAs a young woman I had no idea what a hormonal imbalance was but I can remember having days when I would feel emotional or slightly depressed and my mom would tell me that all women felt like this when their cycle was nearing. When "it' finally arrived all the things I had experienced in the two weeks leading up were gone. Women all over the world suffer with some kind of hormonal Imbalance and for some of us we can work our way through it without "hurting anyone". Today, young girls are getting their menstrual cycle earlier than we did and their bodies seem to be developing at an earlier rate. All to often, women will go through some kind of emotional roller coaster and along with her she'll take her family and co-workers. The medical community has all but one solution called "The Pill" but is that the band aid that cures all? What you would really like is harmony in your home and to stop feeling imprisoned by your own body.
Hormonal Imbalance symptoms can be: bloating, cramps, breast tenderness, anxiety, aggression, joint and muscle pain, headaches, acne, mood swings, fatigue, poor digestion, yeast infections, food cravings, insomnia and of course stress. Really, is there anything left!
Some women will be fortunate in the sense that they will only deal with a couple of the above issues but what about those who suffer on a much higher level, who just can't seem to cope? Not being able to cope means that family life can be in shambles for the weeks leading up to. Everyone is on egg shells not really wanting to look at you in fear that some ones head might get chewed off. The things the children did a week ago that would normally have been okay are not. Suddenly you realize you are dealing with a hormonal imbalance once again. Unfortunately, it doesn't end there, co-workers won't talk to you or avoid you because they're not sure how you'll react.
Today, young girls as early as 10 years old are getting their menstrual cycle or have all the symptoms that it will be arriving soon. So why is this? Why is it that young girls are getting their periods sooner rather than later?
Well one reason is food processing. Today, our food has been processed and altered to suit our busy lifestyles. The meat we eat has been injected with antibiotics and in other foods the natural vitamins and minerals are taken out only for them to be put back in at a later stage of processing. Fruits and vegetables which could only be bought seasonally can be purchased any time of the year the only difference now is the fact that they are picked before their time and left to ripen on a truck on the way from who knows where. These days breads can sit on the grocery store shelves for a couple of weeks and pasta and most cereals, even though they may have an expiry date, can last up to 10 years only getting stale but not going bad. Even if a product has the name Whole Grains on it it contains the fiber but not the most important part which are the oils because these oils will go rancid which in turn means a shorter shelf life for the product.
What does this have to do with you? Well everything! At the turn of the century when the flour mill was introduced, it stripped vital oils from the wheat so that the white bread and flour that we love so much would have a longer lifespan. Shortly thereafter, women started to have hormonal imbalances as well as chronic fatigue and adrenal fatigue. A study done at a hospital in Southern California recognized the importance of these oils called Lipids and Sterols and fed them to women in a controlled study. What they found was women with these issues responded to the oils and started to feel better about themselves and the PMS they suffered with had deteriorated. We now know that these oils feed the Endocrine Gland system and are vital, but that's not all.
In the late 60's it was discovered that each cell in the body produces it's own hormones for important body function. They control many important functions of the body such as blood pressure and even childbirth contractions. These hormones are produced at the cellular level and they also require Lipids and Sterols to do their job properly.
The medical community's answer is a band aid solution to this problem. While I'm not being insensitive to those of us that really need medication and I do believe there is a place for that but often you hear of doctor's giving young girls the pill to regulate their period. The health concern of taking the pill for prolonged periods of time should not be downplayed. It's still a fake hormone entering the body and while it will help it's the prolonged use of any medication that is troublesome. Risks of taking the pill as you get older and if you smoke are also a concern. Is it time to look at alternatives to help in this department?
When looking at alternatives, take the time to do some research which could save you a lot of headaches later on, (sorry, no pun intended). Try and choose a product that is as close to nature as intended. What's in the product? Where was it manufactured? Was it manufactured with other products, which could affect you if it was cross contaminated with some thing else. Don't always buy based on price. You really do get what you pay for. Educate yourself so you can make your choices wisely.
As much as we sometimes don't like to hear it, exercise is one of those things that can help with stress and cramps. Tightening up the abdominal muscles can and will help ease the cramping experienced during that time of then month. When I refer to exercising, I don't mean running a marathon, I mean going out for a walk at least 3 times a week if not more. The fresh air and the exercise will help raise the heart beat and is also great in relieving stress and we all have a fair share of that in our lives.
Medication doesn't have to be the be all and end all. We women and young girls, with the help of their mothers, can feel empowered to take leadership of our bodies to help find answers to our hormonal imbalance so that our friends, family and co-workers won't have to take cover when they see us.
Jackie Rondeau is the owner and author of http://www.fatigue-to-fantastic.com After suffering with fatigue for many, many years and searching for ways to increase her energy and feel better, she came across products that made a profound difference in her life. Products that are Based In Nature and Backed By Science! Products which are from the human food chain, products that actually work!
If you, like me, have been searching for something to help with your fatigue visit my site and drop me a line. Taking the first step to feeling better is a click away.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jackie_Rondeau
By Glen Winkel, Ph.D.We hear a lot in the news about stress and how it affects our health. It is a well-accepted fact that chronic stress leads to disease. Setting aside the psychological aspect of stress, stress also affects the nutritional status of the body, such that we fall prey to various stress-related illnesses. Supplementing our diet with those nutrients depleted due to stress will not only reduce the risk of stress-related illnesses, but also give us more energy and vitality, such that we are able to cope more effectively with stress.
Stress affects our nutritional status in two specific ways:
First, it affects the way our physiology, increasing our nutritional needs.
Second, it affects our eating habits which alters our nutrient intake.
When we are under stress, our body mobilizes its resources to defend itself (fight or flight). It increases heart rate, raises blood pressure, and redistributes blood from the internal organs (stomach) to the muscles in preparation for physical activity. There are increases in blood fats and sugars (for muscle fuel) and increases in specific brain neurotransmitters to sharpen our reflexes.
Meanwhile, other bodily functions are put on hold: Tissue repair is postponed, digestion is slowed and the immune system delays its activities as well. While this is an appropriate short-term response, chronic stress eventually leads to exhaustion. This is like leaving your car parked in neutral with the engine racing. Chances are your car engine won't last very long if you run it this way, and likewise your body won't last very long if you don't supply it with high-grade "racing fuel" As I'll explain below, this heightened state of arousal causes certain nutrients to be depleted while increasing the need for other specificnutrients.
However, as if to compound the problem, a stressed person often changes their eating habits that further exacerbate their nutrient status. We tend to skip meals, and eat "fast food", which is high in fat, sugar and salt. Stress causes us to exercise less (lack of time) and consume more stimulants like coffee, alcohol and tobacco. These habits further deplete vital nutrients.
HOW can we enhance our nutrient intake?
1. Stress raises our metabolism and decreases our nutritional status, depleting our body of water- soluble vitamins and minerals. Therefore we must increase intake of the water-soluble vitamins, B and C. A deficiency of B vitamins leaves you feeling tired and lethargic, yet more reactive to stress. Minerals, particularly potassium, magnesium and zinc are also depleted during stress. A basic multi-vitamin supplementation program is essential. There are many "stress" formulations available on the market. The best formulas are made from whole-foods not synthetic pharmaceutical blends. Choose wisely.
2. Stress causes an elevation in free radicals, thus anti-oxidants become extremely important in reducing oxidative damage throughout the body and particularly in the brain where stress contributes to brain damage and premature aging. Colorful fruits and vegetables contain the super anti-oxidant factors known as carotenoids and flavonoids. We need to eat the recommended 5-8 servings of fruits and vegetables every day to keep ourselves supplied with these powerful antioxidants.
3. Stress activates the adrenal glands and over time will lead to adrenal exhaustion. The essential fatty acids, present in whole grains, will provide the raw materials to make the hormones necessary to keep the adrenal glands operating at maximum efficiency. Adrenal exhaustion may also contribute to chronic fatigue syndrome.
4. Since the immune system is depressed while under stress, various factors will boost immune system function. These include the essential fatty acids and especially the omega-3 essential fatty acids. Carotenoids and flavonoids have also been shown to dramatically enhance immune system function.
5. Poor dietary habits, consuming foods high in fat and sugar, and increased caffeine and alcohol intake, will cause marked changes in blood sugar, with associated changes in mood, behavior and energy levels. A protein supplement which is easily digested will aid in stabilizing blood sugar and provide the amino acids necessary to repair and replace cells damaged from stress.
6. Finally, stress affects digestion of our food, decreasing our ability to extract the essential nutrients from the food we do eat. We may need to add digestive supplements to enhance digestion for more complete absorption and assimilation of essential nutrients.
The above supplemental strategies will provide our bodies with specific nutrients depleted when stressed. This will make a person less reactive to stress and also reduce the risk of illness and other stress-related diseases.
If you need assistance in selecting a high-quality whole-food sourced nutritional supplement, I have worked with many nutritional companies and have chosen those supplements that I believe to be the most effective supplements to enable us to better cope with the stress of our modern western lifestyle.
http://www.GlenWinkel.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Glen_Winkel,_Ph.D.
By Kirsten JonesAdrenal burnout has become a common disorder in today's stressed out, over-worked, emotionally exhausted society. As more and more people appear to suffer from perpetual fatigue, experiencing physical, mental, and chemical stress; affecting the body's chemistry on a cellular level and it is the cells in the adrenal glands that take the brunt of these stresses. All illnesses start with fatigue. The body is like a new car with power steering, power brakes and power windows. When the power goes down, the entire car stops working right. Burnout is a serious medical problem, although symptoms may be vague and unrelated to a specific disease. The adrenal glands, which produce stress hormones, are affected by xenobiotic compounds (chemical compounds that are foreign to a living organism) more than any other organ.
Over the years, prolonged episodes of stress can cause the adrenals to become fatigued and are unable to regulate all the constituents of a healthy body. Sometimes the adrenals, in a weakened state, are referred to as insufficient, and as the progression of adrenal breakdown continues, it leads to adrenal burnout as termed by the late Dr. Paul Eck who researched adrenal function and tissue analysis for decades.
Adrenal Burnout is a very debilitating malady that can cause life-changing disruption. In severe cases the adrenal activity is so acutely diminished that people have difficulty getting out of bed for more than a few hours per day. In each increment of reduction in adrenal function, every organ and system in the body is more profoundly affected. Changes can occur in the carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism, fluid and electrolyte balance, heart and cardiovascular system, and even the sex drive.
Prolonged stress keeps the body in a constant and heightened fight or flight' state; if allowed to continue it would eventually compromise the adrenal function. The adrenals are the glands that sit near the top of each kidney. The inner part (the medulla) secretes hormones, including adrenaline and corticosteroid that control blood pressure, heart rate and sweating. They also act as chemical messengers; initiate immune responses; regulate blood sugar levels and produce much of the digestive juices used in breaking down foods. As they respond to stress the hormones raise blood sugar and blood pressure, and promote energy production. Adrenalin or epinephrine are used in emergencies, when the adrenals become depleted, the body is unable to handle stress and this can lead to serious illness.
Symptoms of adrenal burnout can be weight gain, chronic infection especially respiratory problems such as influenza, bronchitis or pneumonia; impaired digestion, allergies, high blood pressure; high and low blood sugar levels, cravings for sweets; multiple chemical sensitivities, PMS; irritability and depression and even anxiety may occur.
The condition is also called adrenal hypofunction, exhaustion or insufficiency. Unlike fatigue, energy levels do not return after a good nights rest; it is a common misconception that the body is unable to regenerate energy during slumber; waking up tired after 8-10 hours of sleep is a primary symptom of burnout, like a dead battery, the body cannot recharge itself during sleep. Burnout is a more serious derangement of the body's energy system.
Adrenal burnout syndrome is rarely diagnosed by physicians and can be wrongly identified as Addison's disease which doctors consider incurable. However recovery from adrenal burnout is definitely possible.
Burnout can develop slowly or may be caused by a single trauma. It was famously noted that John F. Kennedy experienced burnout during World War II when his patrol boat was rammed by a Japanese destroyer, killing most of the crew. He never recovered from the shock. For the rest of his life, he needed replacement adrenal hormones. If he had found the right practitioner, perhaps they would not have been needed.
A disproportionate amount of stress can be an important cause of burnout which can be derived from many sources. Chemical toxicity and nutritional depletion are among the physical causes; Mental, emotional or spiritual stress can be a major factor and overwork, financial and family problems; noise in the cities and electromagnetic pollution; mobile phones, microwave towers and household or workplace appliances that emanate strong electrical fields.
Nutritional Deficiencies are also a common cause. When the body is under stress, there is a greater need for nutrients. Carbohydrates, when excessive in the diet, stress the adrenals. Diets low in protein may also create deficiencies. Inadequate or poor quality water affects oxygenation of the tissues.
Most diets are deficient in nutrients that are required by the adrenals. These include B-complex vitamins, vitamins A, C and E, manganese, zinc, chromium, selenium and other and other trace elements. The majority of cheap supermarket food in today's consumer society is grown in depleted soils. Further processing and refining reduces nutrients even more. Bad habits like eating in the car or while on the run can further diminish the value derived from food. Also, allergic reactions to foods such as wheat and dairy products can damage the intestines and reduce the absorption of nutrients.
Toxic metals and chemicals can also contribute to adrenal burnout; as exposure to a multitude of chemicals in the air, water and food is becoming increasingly prevalent in today's society. Dental materials; skin contact with chemicals; over-the-counter and prescribed medications are also conducive to the body's toxic load.
Toxins can be generated within the body due to impaired digestion. When food is not properly digested, it either ferments or rots in the intestines, producing many harmful substances that are absorbed back into the body.
Chronic infections can also purvey to the toxic load. For many, the elimination organs refrain from functioning at optimal levels; resulting in a build up of toxic substances within the body; leading to adrenal burnout and many other health conditions.
Many stimulants such as caffeine, sugar and alcohol can damage the adrenals as they incite the glands into action. Less obvious stimulants can include anger, rage, arguing, hatred, loud music, the news and movies full of suspense; vigorous exercise, sexual preoccupations and the use of stimulants. Artificial stimulants can appear alluring in the midst of fatigue, providing a temporary energy surge or buzz. It is an appeal of the drug culture, both legal and recreational.
Unhealthy responses to stress such as worrying, becoming angry or afraid can induce a burnout. Particularly high strung, nervous individuals and those with very active minds are especially prone to adrenal burnout. Unfortunately, many with adrenal burnout function on anger and resentment. These act as adrenal stimulants, providing a negative energy with which to function.
Secondary to adrenal exhaustion are glandular imbalances, hyperthyroidism and more often hypothyroidism. The adrenal glands produce estrogens and progesterone, the main source of hormones post-menopause. Premenstrual syndrome and hot flushes are also indicative to weakened adrenal glands.
The side effects of adrenal burnout can be depression and apathy to friends, family and work. Anxiety and Irritability can also occur, as the inability to handle even minor stresses confounds. Compulsiveness and OCD are also associated; precipitating addictions of excessive exercise, sex, loud music or other forms of excitement. The unconscious goal is always the same, to stimulate the adrenals into activity.
When the adrenals are weak, copper builds up in the body. Elevated copper enhances emotions. Panic attacks, bipolar disorder, mood swings and schizophrenia are related to copper imbalance. As energy levels decline, other toxic metals build up as well. Mercury, cadmium, lead, arsenic, beryllium and others contribute to hundreds of physical and emotional symptoms. Elevated copper and low zinc levels can impair the immune system and chronic infections can occur. The stage is also set for the development of degenerative conditions such as Cancer, heart disease, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases are end-stage results of toxic accumulation and energy depletion
The condition can be classed as psychological as stress engenders the burnout which in turn affects the emotions and behaviour. But, burnout is biochemical as recovery involves improving emotions and dealing with psychological issues. However, it also involves rebuilding body chemistry because it is a physical condition as well.
Adrenal burnout is more prevalent with women than men; mainly due to lifestyle changes and sluggish oxidisation rates. However it is just as common in men. Many children are also born with weak adrenals due to their parents nutritional deficiencies. Minimal brain dysfunction, chronic ear or other infections, crib death, failure to thrive, ADHD and anti-social behaviour may all be symptoms of burnout in children.
Burnout can occur in all groups in society, regardless of occupation, income or educational level. It is recognised that many homeless people are victims of burnout. Accounting for why they may give up hope or be incapable of holding a job or supporting a home. Burnout affects every area of life; family, work and relationships; apathy everyone and everything. Friends, family and employers are often unaware of the condition, which can exacerbate the situation.
Burnout can occur due to a single shock; traumas that occur together or a combination of factors. Whether it is derived from an illness, accident, divorce, overwork or other stress depends very much on one is ability to handle stress, rather than the absolute amount of stress. When the burnout manifests, vital minerals can become depleted and toxic substances replace and become part of the structure of enzymes, body organs and glands. Even after a change of diet, lifestyle, attitudes or behaviour, the toxins can remain.
Often, burnout does not even develop until several years after a trauma, illness or injury as depleted and damaged cells proliferate. Even though many change their diets and get over their traumas, most people never recover from burnout, or make only a partial recovery.
The accumulation of toxins that occurs as the body and the inability to eliminate them can contribute to burnout. Elimination is very important, however energy is required to release toxins. If the energy system is weak, just fasting or cleansing will not be enough. One must rebuild the entire energy system by balancing body chemistry and providing nutrients as well. A one-month or even six-month cleanse is nowhere near adequate. It can take a year just to replenish one mineral. For those in burnout, extreme detoxification programs such as fasting, raw foods or even chelating agents can be dangerous. This is because the body lacks the vitality to properly eliminate toxins, the eliminative organs are compromised and toxins may be redistributed in vital organs. A gentle, complete program of rebuilding and nourishing the body must accompany any efforts to eliminate toxins. In fact, as vitality improves, toxin elimination will proceed of its own accord.
Diet is an extremely important factor in the road to recovery. Protein should be eaten with every meal, eggs, natural meats and poultry are among the best sources; toasted almond butter, goat's cheese and nuts are other alternatives. It is advised to avoid vegetarian diets. At meal times try and east at least three different vegetables; it is advised to rotate proteins and vegetables, so not to consume the same thing every day.
Complex carbohydrates are allowed but wheat and spelt should be avoided as sensitivities to gluten (found in rye, barley and oats) can occur. Excellent starches are root vegetables (turnips, parsnips, rutabaga, carrots, onion and celery root), blue corn, brown rice, quinoa and others.
It is recommended to reduce all sweets and fruit. Avoid sugar and cows milk dairy products (except butter); vegetable oils except for olive oil; isolated soy protein as it is of poor quality and contains many anti-nutrients; junk food; juices as they can be too sugary and can concentrate food toxins, upset blood sugar levels and weaken the adrenals. Use sea salt rather than table salt; eat regular meals of an excellent quality and switch to organic food whenever possible.
Green foods like kelp, barley grass powder and various coloured vegetables are highly recommended. Cooking with coconut oil is excellent as it aids weight loss, Candida Albicans infection and energy. It is also advised to drink high quality water such as distilled or spring and to avoid tap water.
Food supplements are indispensable. Kelp granules and nutritional yeast are excellent as they are rich sources of nutrients and assist in detoxification. Other nutrients that are important for adrenal activity are vitamins A, B, C, E, pantothenic acid (B5); Zinc, calcium and magnesium; digestive aids such as pancreatin and ox bile and an adrenal glandular substance. Other nutrients may be needed dependent on levels of toxic metals and other symptoms or deficiencies. Hair mineral testing is a reliable way to detect deficiencies within the body. Liquorice is also highly recommended for adrenal burnout or fatigue as it acts on the blood pressure in the body; the active ingredient in liquorice is glycyrrhizinic acid - a plant steroid that mimics one of the prescription drugs given to treat low blood pressure irregularity. Liquorice also enhances the action of corticosteroids, the hormones produced by the adrenal glands. Other naturopathic remedies include goldenseal and Pau d'arco tea which can eradicate Candida; probiotic supplements to rebalance the gut flora and herbs such as milk thistle and dandelion to support the liver.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kirsten_Jones
By Nathan SchilatyWhen was the last time you experienced stress? Chances are you are under stress right now. Are you worried about what time it is right now? Where are the kids? Trying to meet an upcoming deadline? Need to get dinner on the table? Our society continually feels the effects of chronic stress; it rarely slows down. Stress is present to greet one around every corner.
Stress is mandatory and inevitable; it is a great motivator to help one accomplish various tasks. Although important, stress has a profound effect upon the well-being and vitality of one’s body. In a society rampant with diseases such as obesity, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, high blood pressure, and depression, the time has arrived to examine the effects stress takes upon the body.
An immediate danger or an upcoming deadline places one’s body in the mode of fight or flight, or the stress response. Fight or flight deals with hormones being released from the adrenal glands -epinephrine, norepinephrine, and cortisol. The release of such hormones results in dilated pupils, decreased digestion, increase in heart and breathing rates, and the shunting of blood to muscles for increased activity.
If an individual experiences a continual amount of stress, their body will remain in a destructive state of fight or flight; the body never regenerates with the opposite response of resting and digestingwhich is vital for healing and repair. Similar to walking on a balance beam, it is essential that one’s body maintains a continual balance undergoing stress and then healing in preparation for the next stressor. This balance of stress levels is essential to avoid the “fall off the balance beam” of stress left unchecked.
As previously mentioned, the adrenal glands produce and release the hormones associated with the fight or flight response. The adrenal glands are one of the most important organs of the human body – if they failed to work in times of stress, an individual would actually die! The adrenal glands are factories that work around the clock; they never rest and rarely take a break. In fact, the adrenal glands are so vital to human survival that raw materials are stolen from elsewhere in the body (i.e. the thyroid, thymus, and ligaments) to support their continual function. This robbing of raw materials from other vital organs of the body results in gradual health decay and chronic disease.
Therefore, remaining in a stressful state for prolonged periods of time is highly destructive to one’s body. Long-term stress can result in changes in body temperature, weight gain, high blood pressure, hypoglycemia, increased sweating, decreased ability to think and reason, hyperactivity, digestion disturbance, and decreased immunity.
Thus, by small and almost unnoticeable processes, stress has a profound effect on the health of individuals worldwide. Stress is an epidemic manifesting itself in the form of debilitating diseases such as diabetes, obesity, depression, high blood pressure, ADD, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue.
What can be done to decrease the effect stress has upon the body? What can be done to prevent debilitating, chronic diseases and treating the ones that are currently affecting you? Give yourself a much needed break!
Begin by allotting twenty to thirty minutes each day dedicated to meditation and relaxation. Enhance your nutritional content; eat fresh, raw, whole, ripe vegetables and fruits that provide the body with essential vitamins and minerals and the materials necessary to maintain a healthy body. Start walking! Bodies were made to move and also function better when allowed the opportunity to be active – motion is life! Get adequate amounts of sleep; your body needs time to repair and regenerate. Supplement your nutrition with specific products to assist the repair and proper function of the adrenal glands. These products must also be designed to decrease cortisol levels within the body.
Above all else, simplify your life; rid your lifestyle of any unnecessary stress. The worldwide epidemic of stress can be reversed by properly caring for the body and monitoring stress levels. An enhanced state of well-being and health is waiting for you and the world.
Nathan Schilaty, D.C. specializes in treating stress related disorders at his clinic located in Loveland, Colorado. Certified in Applied Kinesiology by the International College of Applied Kinesiology, he utilizes the best muscle activiation, homeopathy, nutrition, chiropractic, cold laser, and more to assist in the restoration of one’s health.
You can discover more at Centra Chiropractic
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nathan_Schilaty
By Ann MusicoAccording to Mayoclinic.com, depression is one of the most common health conditions in the world. It is also expected to be the second leading cause of disability for people of all ages by 2020. It is a medical illness involving both the soul (your mind/thoughts and emotions) and the physical body. While the severity and symptoms vary widely since each person experiences it differently, these are the most common symptoms:
Loss of interest in normal daily activities
Feeling sad or down
Feeling hopeless
Crying spells for no apparent reason
Problems sleeping
Trouble focusing or concentrating
Difficulty making decisions
Unintentional weight gain or loss
Irritability
Restlessness
Being easily annoyed
Feeling fatigued or weak
Feeling worthless
Loss of interest in sex
Thoughts of suicide or suicidal behavior
Unexplained physical problems, such as back pain or headaches
There are no known specific causes of depression. However, a variety of biochemical, genetic and environmental factors are thought to play a role. What I would like to focus on are some possible physical/nutritional causes that you can take steps to address.
Let's begin with nutritional deficiencies that may be underlying factors:
Decreased levels of minerals, particularly, magnesium, iron and zinc as well as vitamins C, B3, B6. B12 and folic acid have been found to increase risk. These nutrients are necessary in order for your body to convert amino acids in your foods into brain chemicals.
That brings us right into amino acid deficiency. Amino acids are necessary for production of brain chemicals and hormones that impact your moods and ability to effectively manage stress.
Inadequate intake of Omega 3's, common in our SAD (Standard American Diet), is associated with increased risk of depression.
Certain foods are known to cause health problems, including depression. ANY food you are allergic or sensitive to can cause your immune system to over-react, which can be a risk factor. The foods most commonly found to be the culprits include wheat, dairy, oranges, eggs, yeast-containing foods, shellfish, nuts, soy and the nightshade vegetables like eggplant, tomatoes and potatoes.
A diet high in refined carbohydrates can cause nutrient deficiencies as well as blood sugar imbalances, which in turn have been linked to lower serotonin levels (the feel good brain chemical). Heavy metal toxicity has been linked to anxiety, depression and fatigue. There are also several physical conditions that are thought to contribute to depression:
Adrenal fatigue can be a major factor in depression. The adrenal glands produce hormones including DHEA, adrenalin and noradrenalin which affect the ability to deal with stress and motivation. Stress itself is a primary cause of adrenal fatigue.
Closely linked to adrenal fatigue is hypothyroidism or under-active thyroid, which is one of the most common causes of depression. In part two I will share steps can you take to minimize your risk.
Ann Musico is a certified Biblical health coach and holistic nutritional consultant. She has developed a "3-D Living Program" as well as coaching packages, e-books and newsletters to assist her coaching clients in achieving vibrant health and wholeness. Visit her website at http://www.threedimensionalvitality.com to learn more.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ann_Musico
By Kelly A McCaffreyLearning how to treat your adrenal fatigue is as easy as making sure that you take regular breaks throughout the day, e.g.; 10am and then anytime from 3-5pm.
To treat adrenal fatigue makes sure that you don't skip breakfast or any other meal during the day. When you're hungry, your blood sugar drops, causing stress to your adrenal glands and these trigger your sympathetic nervous system, creating dizziness, cravings, anxiety and of course fatigue.
Missing the important first meal of the day breakfast will only result in weight gain, but if you stick to grazing healthfully every two to four hours, your blood sugar will remain steady throughout the day, giving you more energy.
Eat protein with every meal as well as complex carbohydrates such as; brown rice, eliminating processed sugar, junk food, pasta, white rice and white bread.
Avoid caffeine, energy drinks & high sugar drinks, as these will over stimulate your adrenals, depleting your body's vitamin B.
Learn to relax, by either exercising, yoga, deep breathing or some form of meditation. Make sure you don't do any vigorous exercising as this only depletes the adrenals.
Avoid Alcohol, smoking and processed foods. The nicotine in the tobacco causes the cortisol levels to rise and overuse may result in low DHEA, testosterone and progesterone levels.
Reduce stress; learn techniques that will help you better cope with stressful situations, such as deep breathing causing muscle relaxation and/or visualization.
In addition, those suffering from adrenal fatigue can also include nutritional supplementation into their diet as this may add additional benefits to the adrenal fatigue symptoms.
There are also great herbal remedies that can add as an alternative therapy in treating adrenal fatigue, and these can include liquorice, ashwagandha, maca, Siberian ginseng and Korean ginseng. With those deciding to consume liquorice, to only eat a small quantity at a time, as it can increase blood pressure. If you are also suffering from hypertension or renal failure then you shouldn't consume liquorice.
Always make sure to check with your doctor before deciding on any of these herbal remedies.
If you recently experienced major stress in your life, be it, work stress, illness, family life and have you felt as though you just can't seem to get yourself together?
Are you unusually tired when you wake up, but still feeling 'grey' when it's time for bed? If so, then you, like many others may be experiencing symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue.
learn the simple steps you can now begin to use in overcoming this adrenal fatigue by first learning to cope with everyday stress then visit http://www.how-to-cure-adrenal-fatigue.com and start living again!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kelly_A_McCaffrey
By Robin T CampbellOur Adrenal glands are tiny pituitary glands located on each side of our kidneys. Though very small, It is important to note the very crucial roles they play and the great impact they can have on our health. They are very important for the activating of our response to stress by pumping the hormones Adrenaline and Cortisol into our bloodstream. They are also responsible for regulating and synthesizing other important hormones such as Estrogen and Progesterone. Naturally It is very important to support these small glands. However, In today's stress filled world, There are several constant factors that keep our bodies on a constant red alert status. First and foremost is the stress that can be created by our eating habits and lifestyle. If you are constantly rushed, with a lot of stress in your life whether emotional or physical as in the case of fighting a devastating illness, taking a host of medications for allergies, chronic fatigue, unwanted weight gain,menopause symptoms, etc.You probably have some sort of adrenal gland problem. Fortunately, there are some simple measures you can take to counteract these troubles and help your adrenal glands to function normally. Take note of How, What & When you eat:If you do not eat a simple lean protein breakfast at least by 9:30 AM Your Cortisol levels will be hitting an all time high! Your body will then begin the process of slowing down your metabolism, trying very hard to protect you from the stress of not having any food in your body for several hours. Your blood sugar levels will gradually keep dropping along with your blood pressure. Your body is now very Stressed out. By the time you DO finally eat something. Well, chances are you will be craving for all the wrong things, which in turn leads to more stress on your body, which is very taxing on your Adrenal glands, and so instead of achieving long term energy, you now have long term FAT storage from the high Cortisol production and tiredness. Truly, eating simple protein snacks and complex carbs -thru-out the day which are your whole grains,nuts and RAW fruits & vegetables, Starting with a simple breakfast before 10: AM -will keep you energized, a lot healthier and thinner too! They also help reduce emotional Stress as well- let's face it, we are all comforted when we are eating something, so why not make it healthy! So begin your new eating for health plan the following way: Breakfast: Whole grain toast with 1 minute oatmeal or any low sugar grain cereal is a great choice, or Fresh fruits you love along with a slice of lean or vegetarian style bacon or whole wheat toast with an omega 3 enriched egg cooked in a little smart balance butter or even boiled. No Time? Grab a hand full of raw almonds or any nuts you can eat and a piece of fruit. Believe it or not even a cold slice of pizza and a glass of milk is much healthier than not eating at all. Snacks: Eating 2-3 healthy snacks in between meals will balance your ph and Cortisol and blood sugar levels perfectly! So Keep a handy supply of whole unroasted nuts, fruits, veggies, whole wheat crackers, low fat popcorn .... eat only one handful of the nuts & crackers due to the higher calories. Also keep in mind, if you have had a lot of hardship and stress in your life you no doubt need some EXTRA vitamin's & minerals that have been depleted because of constant stress overload. Here are some of our recommended herbs and nutrients: 1. Healthy Amino acids, vitamin e & omega -3 supplements or foods like salmon, eggs, nuts. 2.Vitamin B complex with C, Calcium, & extra trace minerals like selenium, zinc & Iodine 3. Herbal adaptogens to help you body adapt to the stress: Top Three: Siberian Ginsing Ashwaganda Astralgus root To receive affordable low cost quality article writing and ad copy visit [http://www.flair-works.com] Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robin_T_Campbell
|
RSS Feed