Stress and weight!! Yes - it is real!

     Yesterday we talked about stress and the many effects that it can have on our bodies.  It is important to understand the medical effects that stress can cause.  One of the most common causes of chronic stress is weight gain.  What does stress have to do with weight gain?
     According to Dr. Marcelle Pick years of chronic stress can cause adrenal fatigue.  The adrenal glands, which govern our stress response, help balance our blood sugar, and regulate many other of our bodies processes.  Too much stress can cause our adrenal glands to become imbalanced, which leads to "cortisol dominance or deficiency, insulin resistance, and unwanted weight gain".  When this happens it does not matter how many calories you cut from your diet.  Our bodies go into "crisis mode" and cling to every calorie in order to prepare for a famine.
     Many people with adrenal imbalance feel like this constant state of exhaustion is normal.  Many depend on caffeine and "sugar snacks" to get through the day.  Others can hardly get out of bed or feel extremely depressed.  Our bodies react the only way they know how.  They store calories.  Some of us are "genetically more predisposed to this than others".  The good news is that once we heal the adrenals the pounds will begin to fall away.
     Is adrenal fatigue your problem?  Do you feel bone tired during the day, only to perk up at night?  Do you nod off during meetings, movies, or reading?  Do you love to snack in the evening and stay up late into the evening?  Do you feel hungry, confused, or shaky when under pressure during the day?  Do you rely heavily on caffeine or high-carb snacks to boost your energy?  Have you noticed a "spare tire" growing larger around your waist each year?
     The good news is that there are ways to heal our adrenal health.  First and foremost EAT!  What we eat and when we eat can make a big difference.  Cortisol is important in maintaining our blood sugar.  Keeping our blood sugar as level as possible helps to lighten the load on our adrenal glands.  Try not to allow yourself to become too hungry.  This also puts extra stress on the adrenal glands.  We should eat well and regularly.
     Corisol is highest in the early morning and declines gradually throughout the day in order to prepare us for sleep.  Because eating increases cortisol it is best to eat our largest meal in the morning.  Eating one to two hours after waking helps cortisol reach it's "optimal morning peak", and helps to maintain fasting sugar levels.  Healthy snacks during meals also help to moderate the cortisol levels as the day goes on.  If you experience a 3:00 slump (my worst time) a balanced low-carb snack will help.  NO - I don't mean diet coke and cookies!  It is also best to eat dinner early, around 5:00 or 6:00.  Dinner should be our smallest meal of the day.
     What we eat is also very important.  Many people with adrenal fatigue load up on sweets and caffeine.  This often leads to even more problems.  When we need an energy boost we should reach for foods that support our adrenals.  Asparagus, avocado, cabbage, ginger, and lean protein are all good choices.  Limit or avoid refined and processed sugars, as well as alcohol, caffeine, and possible gluten.  Many people with adrenal imbalance are also sensitive to gluten.
     Dr. Pick also recommends some natural supplements to help with adrenal imbalance.  Start with the basics of a well-rounded, high quality multivitamin/mineral complex.  For further support there are a number of medicinal herbs to consider.  These include:

     Astragalus root - Astragalus helps to provide an increase in energy and endurance, as well as bolstering the immune system.  It is also helpful with weight regulation by making cells more receptive to insulin and exerting an anti-inflammatory effect.

     Cordyceps - This "anti-aging" medicine is actually a fungus.  Cordyceps helps to modulate the immune system, naturally lower high blood sugar levels, support energy levels, and aid the bodies ability to adapt to stress.

     Eleuthero (Siberian ginseng) - Eleuthero naturally augments the body's resistance to stress.  Studies indicate that it increases performance, concentration, and endurance during fatigue.

     Rhodiola rosea - This herb is well-know for its ability to help the body to respond to stress.

     Licorice root -  Probably the best known herb for supporting adrenal imbalance, licorice root increases energy, endurance, and vitality.  It can also increase blood pressure - so be aware.

     We can coax our bodies away from "crisis mode" and begin to heal our adrenal glands and feel better.  An added bonus is losing weight - but the best part is that we will begin to feel better.  We must begin to take better care of ourselves in order to take care of those around us.  Take on this challenge of dealing with the stress in our lives.  We will be happier, healthier, and yes - perhaps - we can put on our "skinny jeans"!

Blessings -

Emmie