HEALTH
BLOOD SUGAR WOES The other factor that is of great significance in this alarm phase is the dumping of glucose into the bloodstream for energy. If this glucose is not used up by immediate physical activity, it circulates in the bloodstream where it can cause insulin resistance in the cells, making it harder for the glucose to be utilised in the future. Excess glucose can also be stored as fat if not used.
THE RESISTANCE PHASE While the fight or flight response is quite short-lived (although we can go into this state often), the next phase, ‘resistance reaction’, allows the body to continue fighting a stressor long after the effects of the fight or flight response have worn off. In nature this was only designed to
be active for a short period of time. Nowadays, however, we can live in the resistance phase for 40+ years! Hormones secreted by the adrenal
cortex (the corticosteroids) are largely responsible for the resistance reaction. The corticosteroids stimulate the conversion of protein into glucose, so that the body has a large supply of energy long after glucose stores are depleted, leaving us with higher than usual sugar levels circulating in the bloodstream. Over a period of time this can change
the natural composition of the body as muscle tissue is broken down for glucose production, which can then in turn be stored as fat if it is not utilised. At the same time, our mineralocorticoids ensure that sodium and fluid are retained to maintain an elevated blood pressure. These changes may be necessary
when faced with danger. They do allow us to cope with increasing amounts of stress, but prolonged resistance reaction, and continued stress, increases the risk of disease and results in the final stage of the general adaptation syndrome – exhaustion.
EXHAUSTION Exhaustion can manifest itself as a total collapse of body functions (a type of chronic fatigue) or as an ongoing inability to cope with daily life as the adrenals produce less and less cortisol in response to stress.
30 JULY | AUGUST 2017
Some of the symptoms of low adrenal function are: • Chronic fatigue and low energy • Low blood pressure and dizziness on standing
• Salt cravings • Anxiety, feelings of overwhelm, feelings of dread, or even panic attacks
• Depression • Dark rings under the eyes • Memory loss and confusion • Allergies • The use of increasing amounts of caffeine to get going of a morning
MEDITATION CAN ALSO PLAY A ROLE IN REGULATING THE STRESS RESPONSE, AS CAN ACTIVITIES THAT UTILISE
THE BREATH SUCH AS YOGA, TAI CHI, OR QIGONG.
Rather than treating for the actual cause of the health problems, many doctors will prescribe anti-anxiety or anti-depressant medication and possibly run a lot of inconclusive tests. The failure of the adrenal glands to produce optimal cortisol is something that is rarely investigated.
HOW DO YOU TEST FOR ADRENAL FATIGUE? Adrenal fatigue can show up very clearly in saliva hormone tests. In conjunction with evaluating the patient’s symptoms, we can arrive at a fairly accurate assessment of how the adrenal glands are working. Saliva hormone testing checks the cortisol levels at four different times during the day and night to test the pattern of cortisol release. Cortisol should be released in a burst in the morning, giving us our highest amount for the day. It should then slowly decline until late in the evening when we should have very little left in our system as melatonin, our sleep hormone, kicks in. In an adrenal fatigue pattern, that nice burst in the morning is often missing,
and cortisol can remain quite flat during the whole day. There are also blood tests and a
24-hour urinary excretion test that can give valuable insight as to the levels of cortisol production.
THE THREE LEVELS OF TREATMENT Depending on the severity of the adrenal fatigue, there are normally three levels of therapies that we can choose from: food, herbs, and supplements; adrenal glandular extract; and low dose hydrocortisone medication.
Food, herbs and supplements Eating a diet of whole foods and eliminating things like dairy, gluten, sugar, processed foods, alcohol, and excess caffeine can go a long way to supporting the adrenal’s recovery. Fluctuating blood sugar levels can put
a large stress on our adrenal glands. Taking sugar out of the diet is therefore an essential part of healing. Sugar comes in many forms; so it not just about stopping the chocolates, lollies, and sugar in your coffee; it is also about reducing carbohydrates in forms such as bread, pasta, cakes, biscuits, excess dried fruit, and alcohol. Regular amounts of protein are
required for healthy adrenal function (especially first thing in the morning), and eating small meals regularly can be of benefit. There are several important herbs
that are supportive of adrenal function and they belong to a family known as ‘adaptogens’, as they help the body adapt to stress. Liquorice root, Siberian ginseng, withania, rhodiola, and rehmannia are all beautiful tonics that can be formulated specifically for you by a qualified herbalist or naturopath. Maca powder is a Peruvian root vegetable, which has also been used to improve energy and stamina in people with fatigue. Although good quality food is the most
important part of recovery, supplements can be of benefit in certain cases. Extra vitamin C, B5, and B6 alongside a good B complex and minerals such as sodium and magnesium are crucial, especially if there has been poor digestive function.
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