How Stress May Be Affecting Your
Health
By: Dr. Tina Marcantel
Adrenal fatigue (also called adrenal insufficiency)
is a common health problem that is often overlooked or
misdiagnosed. One of the biggest contributing factors in adrenal
fatigue is stress-something we all tend to have in abundance in our
lives. Interestingly, some people get so used to living with stress
that they don't even realize how much of a toll it's taking on
their bodies. Weight gain, diabetes, depression, and high blood
pressure are just a few of the physical problems that can result
from this potentially debilitating illness.
The adrenal glands are part of the endocrine system and are
anatomically located on the superior aspect of the kidneys. The
adrenals produce a variety of hormones that are responsible for
handling stress. Cortisol is released for the purpose of coping
with long-term stresses such as chronic allergies or infection,
insomnia, poor diet, repeated stresses, overexertion, fear, lack of
or excess of exercise, and helping the body process prescription or
non-prescription drugs. Epinephrine and norepinenphrine are
released in acute stress situations such as sudden job loss, the
death of a loved one, surgery, divorce, or physical or mental
trauma.
Your body usually recovers from a stressor within 1-3 days after
proper rest. However, if the stressors in your life become chronic
and levels of cortisol and epinephrine remain elevated, the
elevation may result in weight gain, insulin resistance, diabetes,
increased susceptibility to infections, autoimmune conditions, high
blood pressure, osteoporosis, depression, and other degenerative
diseases.
Chronic stress can eventually cause adrenal exhaustion, resulting
in lowered cortisol production that can lead to lack of energy,
decreased ability to handle stress, lowered libido, chronic fatigue
syndrome, low motivation, fibromyalgia, anxiety disorders, and even
death. A complete failure of the adrenal cortex is called Addison's
disease.
Diagnostic Tests
There are specific lab tests that I use to diagnose adrenal
insufficiency. I check salivary cortisol levels that tell us the
amount of hormone inside cells. We collect saliva specimens four
specific times during the day. It is a simple non-invasive
procedure that can be collected in the privacy of your home. The
patient can then mail in the take-home kit to the lab after
collection. I also will test other steroid hormones such as DHEAs
and testosterone that if low can be indicators of adrenal
exhaustion. We'll also check your blood pressure in the office to
monitor hypotension (low blood pressure) and light-headedness when
standing. If I suspect insulin resistance, I will run a fasting
insulin lab.
Treating Adrenal Fatigue
The treatment options vary depending on the clinical signs and
symptoms the patient presents and the results of the individual lab
results. There are combination herbal adrenal support formulas or
single herbs. It is also important to integrate appropriate
vitamin/mineral mixtures specifically to support adrenal/hormone
production. There are also glandular extracts that are designed for
adrenal support. In severe cases of adrenal fatigue steroid therapy
is recommended. DHEA supplementation may help protect from
overproduction of cortisol and enhance the immune system. Since the
adrenals release sex hormones these must be supplemented according
to lab results. All hormones given are compounded bioidentical
hormones that act more like the body.
Proper nutrition is also an important factor in healing the
adrenals: small, frequent meals with protein, whole grains and
healthy oils should be part of the patient's diet.
Most important of all, the patient must begin to incorporate
lifestyle changes. You should minimize stress, seek to balance work
and relaxation, and consistently engage in moderate exercise. Other
stress reducers would include daily meditation, minimizing contact
with negative people and events, and sleeping eight hours per night
with mid-afternoon naps, if possible.
Dr. Tina Marcantel is a naturopathic physician in
Mesa, Arizona. She practices holistic,
integrative patient care. For more info visit her website at
www.drmarcantel.com.
|