by Paula Owens

 

The Epidemic of the 21st Century: Adrenal Fatigue (affect over 60% of population)

• Live stressful lives
• Economic challenges
• Fast-paced lives; lack of down time
• Age of information and technology (cell phones, computers, etc)
• Addicted to exercise (too much too often and high intensity cardiovascular exercise)
• Addicted to stimulants
• Modern epidemics: mood disorders - panic attacks, headaches, kidney disease, insomnia, diabetes, hypertension, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome (Medical doctors ignore adrenal dysfunction unless it's sever or part of an illness like Addison's - underproduction of cortisol or Cushing's - overproduction of cortisol)

Adrenal Fatigue - How does it happen?

• A decline in adrenal function
• Occurs as a result of prolonged or acute stress
• Affects moods, stress modulation, hormone production and balance, blood sugar regulation, immune system and inflammatory response
• People cram too much into their day
• Fail to take care of their most basic needs such as eating healthy food, drinking water and getting enough relaxation and sleep

Adrenal Glands

• Two tiny, walnut sized glands, pyramid shape located above each kidney that weigh no more than a grape
• Essential to life and necessary for survival
• Primary role is to control your energy levels to keep you alive during stressful events
• Secretes hormones: cortisol, epinephrine, norepinephrine, sex hormone precursors (DHEA), aldosterone
• Before menopause adrenals produce 40% of hormones, 90% after menopause

Check out part II for more information on this subject!

Paula is our Health and Fitness expert and the Author of The Power of 4 - For more information go to www.paulaowens.com