The Shift Doctors’ good friend and colleague Melanie Smith is co-owner of Well Within Natural Medicine, Inc., Doctor of Oriental Medicine, Acupuncture Physician, Eden Energy Medicine Advanced Practitioner and Senior Faculty Member of Donna Eden’s Energy Medicine Certification Program. Well Within Natural Medicine, Inc.’s overall mission is to “TRANSFORM LIVES THROUGH ENERGY MEDICINE.”  For more information about Melanie or to order items from her Energy Medicine Store, check out her website. In this article, Melanie shares information about Adrenal Fatigue. Click here to visit Well Within Natural Medicine, Inc

 Adrenal Fatigue by Melanie Smith, O.M.D.

Adrenal fatigue happens when the adrenal glands wear out due to continual production of the stress hormone cortisol affecting the thyroid gland and thus creating many other hormone imbalances.

The inner medulla triggers the instinctual fight or flight response which then secretes adrenaline hormones that increase blood sugar levels, blood pressure and heart rate in response to stress. Over time chronic elevated stress levels can lead to weight gain, decreased resistance to infections, fatigue, muscle aches and low blood sugar.
During menopause, for women the workload of the adrenals increases as these glands become the primary source for creating estrogen and other sex hormones.

What are the Adrenal Glands?
The adrenal glands are the workhorse of the body driving the endocrine system. They regulate the body’s response to stress and are made of two separate organs combined into one location – the outer portion called the adrenal cortex and the inner portion called the adrenal medulla.

The adrenal cortex serves primarily a hormonal function – including regulation of mineral metabolism (sodium, potassium, chloride), water balance, metabolism (utilization and distribution of protein, carbohydrates, and fat), allergic and immune reactions (autoimmune diseases, hypersensitivity, and allergies,), and production of the male and female hormones (progesterone, testosterone, estrogens, DHEA, etc.).

The cortex also secretes corticosteroids in response to stress. These hormones help us to cope with long-term stressors by converting protein to energy. Long after the fight or flight response mechanism subsides, the energy still remains available.

The upside is that adrenal dysfunction can be healed. Creating a healthy endocrine system that continues to balance your hormones and incorporating stress reduction techniques will slow the aging process and keep you vibrant and healthy as you age. Read More→