Supporting The Adrenal Glands in Busy Times

At this time of year many of us are experiencing some degree of stress, whether from increased workloads or pressures to find time for extra events. Emotional stress sometimes can surface for many around holiday seasons, and at these times we can push our body into overdrive.

By overdrive I'm referring to the adrenal glands ramping up to produce extra adrenalin and cortisol hormones as a physical response to the stress. This may leave you feeling flustered, and powerful all at the same time. However, at some point those adrenal glands will want to take time out to recuperate.

How do we manage this, and how can we support those wonderful adrenal glands?

Your adrenal glands work to help you manage all the external and internal stressors that you may face, both physical and mental. They are your best defence and support and are the reason you can respond to any situation. Physical, emotional and mental stress can sometimes leave you feeling exhausted, and this is when it is time to nourish and support these glands.

Eating to reduce Stress

One of the single most important things you can do to avoid anxiety and depression is to regulate the timing of your meals and snacks. By doing this you are stabilising blood sugar levels, which in turn stabilises the function of your nervous system.

Those who skip meals, or go for more than 3 to 4 hours in between meals will find that their blood sugar levels fluctuate, and this contributes to feelings of anxiety especially around afternoon.

Do you find you are feeling more anxious around 3 to 6pm? Take note on whether this coincides with skipped meals and poor food choices (unhealthy breakfast, low protein, high GI / simple carbs).

In addition, protein is important as it forms the building blocks for our hormones and neurotransmitters.

Neurotransmitters such as serotonin are responsible for a healthy, happy mood. Without protein, we will experience fatigue and symptoms of depression, anxiety, moodiness, increased stress, sleeplessness, anger, etc.

One simple tip is to snack on easily digestible proteins in between meals. Only a small snack is required, so choose a handful of raw nuts and seeds to provide amino acids and maintain a stable blood glucose level.

Staying hydrated in can sometimes be a challenge. It is important to drink approximately 2 litres of water each day. Even mild dehydration will cause irritability, and poor concentration / mental function.

The Gut

Poor gut function will reduce your ability to digest and absorb nutrients, resulting in deficiencies of vitamins and neurotransmitters. In turn, if the brain feels there is stress, digestion will be abandoned in order to redirect energy towards the ‘fight or flight’ response. Such a difficult situation!

You can support your body here by choosing easily digestible meals, lots of fibre and avoid over eating.

Exercise Regularly

Exercise can help to release tension. Even when fatigued try to get moving in some way every day. Don't push yourself when very fatigued, but try to do something as simple as yoga, or a slow walk around the block in the fresh air.

Do Something Fun Each Day

Take time to engage in activities you find calming or uplifting, such as listening to music, reading, walking or gardening.

And delegate time each day to do something you find really fun. Maybe a movie in the afternoon on a weekday? Maybe a trip to the shop, an afternoon meal out at a cafe, a trip to the beach, a board game with the kids, or maybe a computer game with the kids. It could be anything that takes your mind of the boring and stressful parts of life. It does wonders for your adrenal glands, like giving them something back in return for all their hard work.

Relaxation Techniques

These are any techniques you choose, which retrain the body’s reaction to stress to protect the adrenal glands. Some Popular Techniques are meditation, progressive relaxation, deep breathing / mindful breathing, Visualisation yoga/ tai chi.

Some indulgent pampering never goes astray this time of year, especially when conducted by qualified energy therapist such as kinesiologists, chinese medicine therapists, counsellors, healers. Book yourself in for some much needed healing!