Why Does Stress Even Exist?
It sneaks in disrupting our inner balance at every turn. Sometimes it hits us hard, reminding us of its overwhelming presence, only to vanish just as quickly, leaving us wondering if it was ever really there. It's remarkable how many of us just soldier on, pretending everything's fine while we navigate through a mountain of unaddressed stress.
Our adrenal glands help handle stress. They're like our stress managers, getting rid of it to keep us going. When we need it, they give us a boost of adrenaline to handle tough situations. But if we stress them out too much, we end up stuck in 'fight or flight' mode, leading to adrenal fatigue.
Don't Push Yourself Too Hard!
Living on adrenaline can feel like a rush, but it's not good for us in the long run. Our bodies get used to the highs and lows and start to show signs like bad eating habits, mood swings, and messed-up hormones. Continuously activating the 'fight or flight' mode wears us down. Studies show it can lead to high blood pressure, clogged arteries, and even brain changes that cause anxiety, depression, and addiction. It might also make us eat more, sleep less, and gain weight.
Signs of adrenal fatigue include
feeling tired all the time
struggling to get out of bed even after sleep
feeling overwhelmed and anxious
having a low sex drive
getting sick often and taking a long time to recover
craving sweets or salty snacks
relying too much on caffeine
sugar, or tobacco
gaining weight for no clear reason
and having trouble focusing
Adrenal fatigue happens when our adrenal glands, which release cortisol to help us handle stress, get worn out from too much stress without enough rest. Eventually, they can't keep up, and our cortisol levels drop, leaving us unable to cope with stress like we used to.
What are Adaptogens all about?
Adaptogens are special herbs with a long history in traditional medicine like Chinese, Daoist, and Ayurvedic practices. They're the problem-solvers, able to adjust to what our body needs. Whether your immune system is on overdrive or feeling sluggish, adaptogens step in to restore balance. If you're dealing with conditions like autoimmune flares, chronic inflammation, or constant stress, adaptogens can help regulate your body's responses. They work by fine-tuning your body's internal signals, especially on the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal-Thyroid axis, to boost or calm down activity as needed.
It's pretty amazing, right? These plants seem to have a built-in wisdom (chemical compounds) to target your specific needs and support overall health. Adaptogens don't just focus on one area; they help improve various bodily functions, covering physical, mental, and biological aspects.
Adaptogens & the Brain Control Center
The hypothalamus holds the power as the brain's command center, communicating with the body through the autonomic nervous system. When it senses danger, it triggers the fight-or-flight response, gearing up the body for action. A key player in this stress response is the hypothalamus/pituitary gland (HPA axis), which governs how we handle stress.
In the initial phase of stress, the hypothalamus signals the pituitary gland to activate the adrenal glands, prompting them to release cortisol. Normally, this cortisol boost helps us cope with stress. However, in cases of chronic stress, like those common in modern life, cortisol production goes into overdrive. This chronic stress can disrupt the HPA axis and cortisol rhythms, leading to cognitive decline, anxiety, and impaired mental function.
Adaptogens contain bioactive compounds that act like "stress vaccines" tempering the exaggerated stress response and maintaining healthy cortisol levels. They target multiple organs and systems but focus on the HPA axis—the control center comprising the hypothalamus, pituitary, and adrenal glands. By regulating stress at its core, adaptogens demonstrate their ability to alleviate stress physically, emotionally, and mentally.
Top 3 Adaptogens for Adrenal Fatigue
Ashwagandha - This plant swoops in and helps lower cortisol levels, so you feel calmer and more energized. It's like giving your body a big hug when it's feeling overwhelmed. Plus, it can boost your energy levels, making you feel more alert and ready to tackle whatever comes your way.
Cordyceps - A medicinal mushroom that works by supporting your body's natural energy production, giving you a gentle lift without the crash you might get from caffeine. This can help ease feelings of tiredness and give you the stamina to face your day with more confidence. Cordyceps also helps your body adapt to stress more effectively.
Tulsi - also known as holy basil, it contains compounds that help calm your mind and body, reducing feelings of anxiety. One way it does this is by regulating levels of cortisol, the stress hormone discussed above. Tulsi also contains compounds that can help improve mood and promote feelings of well-being.
Using adaptogenic herbs as supplements or in tea form can be a great way to support your health naturally. While sipping on herbal tea can provide gentle benefits, using herbs in supplement form allows for a more concentrated dose, which may be necessary for certain health goals or chronic and advance chronic fatigue individuals.
For optimal results and proper dosing, it's often beneficial to consult with a naturopath or herbalist. We can assess your individual needs and recommend the right herbs and dosages tailored to your specific health concerns. This personalized approach ensures that you get the most out of herbal therapy while minimizing potential risks or side effects. If you are ready to turn your health goals into reality book a Free 15 minute appointment with me to discuss how I can help.