Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Adrenal fatigue – the effects of stress and high cortisol

I find any kind of material written about health issues of the frightning nature and often retreat back into a novel with my donut and coffee. Many times, I have started to research various health issues and quit to read fun blogs instead. Scary stuff!.

I happened to see this women to women topic and article, when I was googling for some information. It was presented so well that I forgot my fears and began to read to learn more about the topic of Adrenal Fatique. I must say I did get a good feeling about the topic. Especially when I read further about the article on what to do for this problem. Which you can find in the article below this one on what you can do with what you Eat in your daily diet that can make a difference with this problem.

I wanted to show you this not just for an outlet for my litle dose of humor, not as just a lead into my urging one to read blogs, but because I find the topic of importance to ladies of my age. It could help someone who was not looking for the topic.

And then it is perfect as my lead into a topic about releaving stress by comfortable reading among other methods probably touched upon in links to this article. After all many of us feel the need to make new years resolutions. Kept or not kept already, It's never to late to make changes. Changes for the better can be done anytime. I have to share this with you. I hope you too can read on for more information. Comments welcome.

Adrenal fatigue – the effects of stress and high cortisol:

The original, life-saving role of the adrenal glands

To understand how adrenal fatigue develops, it is important to understand the original, evolutionary function of the adrenal glands. The adrenals are walnut-sized glands located on top of each kidney, and are important control centers for many of the body’s hormones. The outer layer of the gland, called the adrenal cortex, produces hormones including cortisol, DHEA, estrogen and testosterone. The centers of the glands produce adrenaline, the hormone named after them.

The basic task of your adrenal glands is to rush all your body’s resources into "fight or flight" mode by increasing production of adrenaline and other hormones. When healthy, your adrenals can instantly increase your heart rate and blood pressure, release your energy stores for immediate use, slow your digestion and other secondary functions, and sharpen your senses.

"Let’s emphasize two points about this healthy stress response. First, it takes priority over all other metabolic functions. Second, it wasn’t designed to last very long.

Stress and the adrenal glands
Unlike our ancestors, we live with constant stress. Instead of occasional, acute demands followed by rest, we’re constantly over-worked, under-nourished, exposed to environmental toxins, worrying about others — with no let-up.
Every challenge to the mind and body creates a demand on the adrenal glands. And the list of challenges is endless: lack of sleep, a demanding boss, the threat of losing your job, financial pressures, personality conflicts, yo-yo dieting, relationship turmoil, death or illness of a loved one, skipping meals, reliance on stimulants like caffeine and carbs, digestive problems, over-exercise, illness or infection, unresolved emotional issues from our past or present and more. The result is adrenal glands that are constantly on high alert.
The destructive effect of high cortisol levels
What is cortisol? In its normal function, cortisol helps us meet these challenges by converting proteins into energy, releasing glycogen and counteracting inflammation. For a short time, that’s okay. But at sustained high levels, cortisol"


I am going to read as much about this aricle and links as I can. I hope you can see in the article what I see. There are interesting points to consider about Carbs and caffeine and salt. Nothing new in that. But I see the points layed out to me so I can better understand the way it works against my body. That is why I would like you to read more on this article. You gain a kind of Understanding with out fear not often found in some medical sites and books that I have found before.

Friday, December 26, 2008

Stress and Fatique during the Holidays can be relieved by Blog reading.

Now that Christmas day is over do you feel you can now fall into more of a relaxed state. For me, I think so. There has been so much stress due to holiday activities lately. New Years bring more still for other people. but not for me. There is still the after christmas specials and sales on winter items as merchants make room for spring items. But lets not call that stressful. Shopping in that way is fun.

Still the new year with taxes and other new economic changes will certainly bring stress and tiredness. I have been thinking that up coming New Year is a time to begin to deal with the stress in a more subdued way. That thought is because I have been thinking about an article I read on Adrenal Fatique. A very clear article written by Marcelle Pick for Women to Women.
http://www.womentowomen.com/adrenalfatigue/adrenalglandnutrition.aspx


Eating to support my Adrenal glands.
I know my eating habit includes caffeine, and Carbs. Due to a Pre-diabedes condition that I have; has made me aware that both of two need to be in a low priority in my eating habits. I feel best when I eat protein and green vegetables. And often too with some shopping exercise, which is also good for stress levels.

I hope you can find time to read the article. I found it to be a good reminder of many things we have already heard about. I found that the articles mention of caffeine and what it does to us; is a good motivator for me to cut down drastically. I had wanted caffeine as natural stimulant for to my Adhd problem. Maybe one partly causes the other.

My changes can be small steps at first. Maybe I should switch from Pepsi to non caffeine soda. Eliminate soda, probably not entirely! Caffeine in Chocolate, which relaxes me? Maybe I can go to moderating the amounts of consumption. I have liked to have just a taste of Christmas- cookies, pie, misc. After the christmas cookies are gone, it will be easier....... Maybe?

I have already switched from coffee to noncafeinated tea most of the time. I especially find that mint tea is my answer. I find it free all summer long in the garden. And I can easily find it for winter consumption. [I just need to harvest it next year- new years resolution.]
Often the reason I slip to coffee is that thoughts come to mind like these:

- Wouldn't cookies or pie taste better with a cup of coffee.
- Flavored Coffee latee, umm yumm
- Coffee when your tired gets you in a mood mode to work.
- Coffee is natural and cheaper instead of expensive prescribed pills.


Well now just thinking about the hopeful changes has reduced my mental stress already. I am hoping that the article has provided a needed clue to others, who just had not thought of the foods that contribute to our fatique problem.

I hope you too can find your own mental stress releaving oasis- way of relief of beginning stress. Yoga or any other new method are other ways.

Mind meditation of a calm happy place.

I think I will kick back now and read some blogs on my blog list. [I have added a couple more.] With my tea and feet up, I think that will be just what I need at the moment. Another world in a blog. Sure they can be inspiring, but relaxing and pleasurable at the same time. Refreshed after my break, I'll deal with some work later. Join me. Happy Blog Reading.
jo


* Soon, I hope to tell you a couple charming craft ideas that I picked up during the christmas celebration.

Thursday, December 25, 2008

MERRY CHRISTMAS

I would like everyone to have the greatest of days today. Even if you do not celebrate christmas. You can still celebrate and enjoy the day for the great spirit the people in our community seem to be sharing.
Either way. Have a Merry Day!