let's talk stress.

​Most individuals experience the typical stresses of life from time to time.  It can stem from a multitude of issues and affect everyone differently.  Stress disorders usually occur as a result of an experience to profound trauma affecting our adrenal glands.

​The adrenal glands are two endocrine glands that sit on top of each kidney.  They are responsible for producing several hormones which help control blood pressure, metabolism and response to stress.  Adrenaline, Noradrenaline, Cortisol & Aldosterone are the main hormones the adrenals make.  They are responsible for multiple bodily functions as listed below;
 
Adrenaline & Noradrenaline

• Bodies stress response
• Heart rate
• Sending blood to muscles

 
Cortisol

• Influence metabolism
• Blood Sugar levels
• Immune System

 
Aldosterone

• Controlling blood pressure

 
Other functions the adrenals are also involved in is making the sex hormone that travels to testes and ovaries to make testosterone and oestrogen.
 
As you can see, stress can impact a number of areas.  So, what can we do to nourish our stressed and exhausted adrenals? Here are my top tips to assist your adrenal glands stressful times.
 
1.Don’t over exercise
Too much exercise can cause the body to signal stress response, which in turn increases our Cortisol levels. High cortisol levels can lead to inflammation and weight gain
 
2.Rest & Sleep
Make time to relax, take time away from emails, computers, phones etc.  Ensure you allowing your body to get enough sleep each night, aim for about 7 hours.
 
3.Reduce aggravating foods

• Decrease consumption of refined foods such as baked goods, white breads and pasta
• Avoid pro-inflammation foods such as caffeine alcohol, which deplete vitamins and mineral that are affected during stress (B vitamins & Magnesium)

 
4.Nourish the nervous system
Consume a nutrient dense variety of foods such as whole grains, fresh vegetables & fruit, nuts, seeds & fish
 
5.Support digestive health
You may need to add Digestive Enzyme Supplement to improve your digestion of foods as this process can be compromised when the body is under stress
 
6.Consider vitamin/mineral supplement support

• B Complex
• Calcium
• Magnesium