The Invisible Affliction

Are your adrenal glands suffering?

Words by Erin McWilliams

Adrenal glands are an essential part of proper bodily function; many systems depend on them. They produce epinephrine, cortisol, aldosterone, and other hormones necessary to the body, like androgen and estrogen.

These two crucial glands sit above the kidneys and help control blood pressure, release adrenaline in response to stress, and regulate glucose in the liver to facilitate energy. This process gives energy, helps the body fall asleep and wake up, and operates the “fight or flight” response to any type of stressful stimuli.

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It’s no surprise that many times adrenal glands need a little extra boost to remain healthy and energized because of the demands they are under due to prolonged caffeine consumption, poor diet, lack of sleep, prolonged physical, mental, or emotional stress, food sensitivities, or autoimmune disorders. Each of these factors alone takes a toll on the body but combined can wreak havoc on the endocrine system. Though many of these stressors are unavoidable, one can supplement the areas that are noticeably weaker in order for the body to function properly.

When the endocrine system is not working well, there may be increased anxiety and nervousness, hair loss, missed menstrual cycles, loss of sleep, low energy levels, dry skin, and/or joint and muscle pain. If you are experiencing fatigue, irregular mood, weight gain, trouble sleeping, low blood sugar, or lightheadedness, first seek a healthcare professional. In addition to seeking professional medical advise, try these: resting more, going to bed earlier to get eight hours of sleep, exercising mildly daily, eliminating all caffeine for a little while, going to sleep and waking at the same time every day, and doing a little something for yourself to alleviate stress. Because these symptoms can be attributed to a number of ailments, one cannot be 100% sure that they are due to adrenal gland function but implementing these practices cannot hurt the body.

Improving diet can also help boost adrenal gland function: eat a healthy amount of leafy greens daily, limit grain intake, and avoid gluten, dairy, sugar, and hydrogenated oils. These are some easy ways to give the body a break.

There’s a plethora of natural supplements and even essential oils that have been proven to work for some people, though not for everyone. Additionally, some people experiencing adrenal fatigue aren’t vitamin deficient and do not need to supplement as much as others. That’s why it’s always best to seek the opinions of a healthcare professional. However, many are lacking in these vitamins simply because the modern day diet and soils are deficient in vitamins and minerals. Linus Pauling, PhD and two time Nobel Prize winner, notes, “You can trace every sickness, every disease, and every ailment to a mineral deficiency.”

Support Your Body’s Wellness

If you want to be sure that you’re not supplementing where you don’t need it, a simple blood test can reveal what vitamins your body is lacking. Here is a list of natural treatments; however, before beginning a dosage of any of these, it’s recommended that you talk to your healthcare provider. 

Vitamin B12:
Lacking energy? There is a good chance that you are low in B vitamins, specifically vitamin B12, whose deficiency is linked to adrenal cortex stress. Vitamin B12 can give a natural energy boost where caffeine sometimes cannot.

Vitamin C:
If the adrenal glands are over-producing cortisol, they are probably using up a lot of vitamin C. Vitamin C comes from leafy green vegetables and certain fruits, so it is no surprise that most are lacking in it. Vitamin C is a well-known immune booster, and when your adrenal glands
aren’t functioning to their best ability, the immune system becomes more vulnerable.

Vitamin D:
It’s hard to get enough natural Vitamin D from the sun. Even if one gets enough vitamin D, the Vitamin D receptors still may not be working hard enough to make use of them if our cortisol levels are too high (which the adrenal glands emit when we are stressed). Additionally, physical and emotional stress deplete vitamin D levels. Vitamin D is fat soluble, so it is especially important that you know you are deficient before taking it because there is such a thing as taking too much. 

Magnesium & Fish Oil:
The body uses magnesium to cope with stress. Studies show that 50% of Americans are deficient in magnesium, and it is very hard to get in food. It allows the muscles to relax after an influx of stress hormones like cortisol and supports in balancing after a stress-response. Fish oil is anti-inflammatory and acts in a similar way in response to high cortisol levels. It also helps with brain-fog and mental functions that are sometimes associated with impaired adrenal function. 

Clove Essential Oil:
Clove oil is known to increase energy levels and relieve fatigue, as well as increase digestive function and healthy circulation. Use only the purist therapeutic-grade essential oil. Combine with a carrier oil (such as fractionated coconut oil) and apply a few drops behind your ears and on your jaw bone daily.

Lavender Essential Oil:
Lavender oil promotes relaxation and supports sleep, which in turn can give adrenal glands a rest and prevent them from producing cortisol when they don’t need to (aka at bedtime). Use only purist therapeutic-grade essential oil, and apply a few drops on spine and on bottoms of feet before bedtime.

EndoFlex Essential Oil:
Is a blend of various essential oils that is made by Young Living. It contains Spearmint, Geranium, Myrtle, Sage, and other pure essential oils known for their calming and balancing abilities. It can be applied directly to the adrenals or thyroid daily. For sensitive skin, dilute with a carrier oil (such as fractionated coconut oil) before applying.

Frankincense Essential Oil:
It’s no wonder that Frankincense has been highly sought out since ancient times. It’s known to refine a sense of purpose and can enhance a beauty and skincare routine. Its calming aroma is a perfect addition for supporting systems in the body. Use only purist therapeutic-grade essential oil, dilute with a carrier oil (such as fractionated coconut oil) before applying to the adrenals or thyroid daily. 

All of these oils may also be helpful by diffusing throughout the day. 

Contact:
For more information about essential oil and supplement wellness, visit feelthegloweo.com or email hello@feelthegloweo.com