I don't sleep. I blamed it on my son, but now he is almost seven. Sigh. And I still sleep only around 4 hours a night. Truth. No exaggeration. So, I brag about this like it is some kind of badge of honor. Get up, you can handle it, I only sleep 4 hours and I go all day. Well, let me tell you, without sleep you will not have a high performing body. So what is my issue.. Up until now. I believe that the words that you speak and the thoughts that you think create your reality, and you have the power at anytime to rewrite that story. I have been experiencing adrenal fatigue, up until now. We live in a world of go do go do go do even more! And slowing down sometimes is not an option. But is being too busy affecting your health and your weight?
What is Adrenal Fatigue?
Caused by mental, emotional and physical stressors, Adrenal Fatigue is a fancy word for that feeling when you say, "I just don't feel good." Your adrenal glands aren't able to function properly, due to prolonged stress, and therefore does not produce enough hormones to allow your body to appropriately respond and cope with the stress. "So, my body is so stressed that it just stops handling my stress and then I feel more stressed?" Basically. Does this sound like you?
Not being able to lose weight when you are doing everything by the book.
Severe allergies
Not sleeping
Eczema
Arthritis in fingers
Constant aches and pains.
Ups and downs with moods.
Menstrual cycle and hormones being out of whack.
Anxiety attacks at 3 or 4 in the morning
Night sweats
Gaining weight especially in the belly.
Feeling tired but wired.
Forgetfulness.
Hypoglycemia - a drop in blood sugar especially after a meal or snack.
Feeling overwhelmed.
No energy.
No concentration.
Hormonal imbalances.
Thyroid issues.
It can even cause infertility issues.
The list goes on. Adrenal exhaustion is the root cause of all the issues! It drives hormonal imbalance, anxiety, insomnia, thyroid imbalance, leaky gut weight, all of it!
Sooo... where do we start?
Well first of all you have permission to slowwww downnnn and stop feeling guilty about it. We have to learn to listen to our bodies. We need to eat high nutrient foods and cut out the processed foods. Sugar robs the body of nutrients and stresses the adrenals. This means juices, alcohol, grains, not just refined but even breads, gluten free etc., can spike blood sugar levels. Cut out all processed crap. Take some good mineral supplements zinc and magnesium for blood sugar and detoxing the body is critical, as it's not not what you eat but how you assimilate it. Winter is kidney energy time, or adrenals, according to Chinese medicine, so warm foods are better than raw juices and raw foods right now. Rejuvenate and keep warm. Mediate, journal, read, take a nap, get a spiritual practice, walk in nature, aka GO INWARD! Give yourself at least 10 minutes a day to rejuvenate and relax. Your health is dependent on it! You can do all the best foods and workout and it never be enough if you don't fix the root problem - your mental and emotional health!!
Give yourself permission to be more receptive and understand the value of you and take charge of your life. It is absolutely a choice for you at any momen to write create a new story. Hugs, Traci