Adrenal Overdrive? Here’s how to treat it naturally

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Do you feel tired and worn out all the time? Do you crave salty foods? Wonder why you experience brain fog and can’t seem to get enough sleep? Then chances are, your adrenal glands are sapped. Your adrenals perform several vital functions in the body and play an essential role in stress management and hormone balance. Come learn what adrenal fatigue looks like and how you can support your adrenals.

What are Adrenal Glands?

Adrenal glands are small organs located on top of both kidneys. As part of the endocrine system, adrenals secrete several types of hormones. These hormones maintain blood pressure and salt balance and also help our bodies cope with stress.

Structure

Each adrenal gland consists of a medulla (the center of the gland), which is surrounded by the cortex.

Adrenal Medulla

The adrenal medulla produces catecholamines, or adrenaline type hormones, including epinephrine and norepinephrine. These hormones produce the fight or flight response that we experience in times of stress. This is that sudden panicked feeling that causes fear and anxiety. The physiological response may include sweating, increased heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration rate, tingling or trembling, and skin flushing.

Adrenal Cortex

The adrenal cortex produces hormones that help maintain electrolyte balance in the body. These include aldosterone and cortisol. The cortex also produces minute amounts of sex hormones, such as progesterone, testosterone, and estrogen.

Function of the Adrenal Glands

The four main players from the adrenal glands include epinephrine, norepinephrine, aldosterone and cortisol. These four hormones are essential to the body and control many important functions, including:

  • metabolism
  • blood sugar
  • blood pressure
  • electrolyte and water balance
  • sexual development before and during puberty
  • stress response 
  • the balance of sex hormones, including estrogen and testosterone

Adrenal Fatigue

As you can see, the adrenals influence many body processes. This is why proper adrenal function is so important for wellness. When your adrenal glands become fatigued, it can manifest in various ways.

Adrenal fatigue is thought to occur in response to prolonged stress. When the adrenals become overtaxed by the demand for excess cortisol, eventually they burn out. When this occurs, they can no longer produce sufficient cortisol necessary for optimal body function. This can also result from other stressors, including environmental and dietary influences, toxins, grief, trauma, autoimmune conditions, and the overuse of antibiotics.

Symptoms

  • Fatigue
  • Poor stress response
  • Brain fog
  • Frequent headaches
  • Cravings for salty and sweet foods 
  • Decreased immunity
  • Trouble sleeping or staying asleep
  • Depression
  • Weight gain
  • Decreased libido

Treatment of Adrenal Fatigue

Because adrenal fatigue results from lifestyle issues, no pharmaceutical treatments are available. Suggested natural remedies include lifestyle changes, such as:

  • Decreasing stress
  • Consuming a low-sugar/low-caffeine diet
  • Avoiding junk food
  • Implementing a healthy sleep schedule
  • Meditation
  • Targeted nutritional supplementation

Supplements

Adaptogenic botanicals top the list of nutritional supplements for supporting the adrenal glands. The term “adaptogen” refers to a category of plants that improve the body’s response to and promote recovery from stress. 

Ginseng

Ginseng acts as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant in the body. Additionally, studies show it benefits the HPA axis, which is the interaction of the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal system in response to stress. This adaptogenic benefit makes ginseng a popular herb for supporting adrenal function.

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic herb sometimes called Indian Ginseng. Taken as a serum, ashwagandha can be especially helpful for stress relief. It can improve stress resistance by lowering serum cortisol levels.

Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5)

Evidence indicates adrenal cortex function is compromised in the event of a vitamin B5 deficiency. Administration of pantethine in several experimental models enhanced adrenal cortex function.

Rhodiola rosea

Rhodioloa rosea is another adaptogenic herb that may also help relieve anxiety and depression. It can help reduce stress-related fatigue and lower cortisol, as well as improve cognitive function and concentration.

Magnesium

Insufficient magnesium levels can lead to low stress tolerance, fatigue and depression. Some evidence demonstrates that magnesium deficiency may induce anxiety and HPA axis dysregulation. Therefore, adding a magnesium supplement to your routine can help your body cope with stress.

Vitamin C

The adrenal glands contain one of the highest concentrations of vitamin C in the body. Supplementing with ascorbic acid can lower blood pressure, improve salivary cortisol recovery, and improve subjective psychological stress responses.

Essential Oils

Some essential oils may also help to support and balance the adrenals. Essential oils may help alleviate stress that leads to adrenal overdrive, and they may also help support the endocrine system.

  • Nutmeg
  • Lavender
  • Thyme
  • Geranium
  • Rosemary
  • Chamomile
  • Clary sage

Want to dig deeper and learn more about restoring health to your adrenal glands? Come register for the FREE online Adrenal Solutions Summit. This power-packed event takes place from February 1 – 7, and will provide hours of education to help you conquer your adrenal issues.

You can also download my free booklet, 10 Signs Your Adrenals May be in Overdrive.

 

5 Holiday DIYs

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If you love making DIY gifts for people, this post is for you! It will provide lots of ideas and inspiration so you can make 5 Holiday DIYs that you may not have seen before. With just a few ingredients, you’ll be on your way to making great gifts for teachers, coworkers, and friends. Each of these recipes also includes a free printable label for your creations.

Holiday DIYs for Pampering

A long soak in a hot bath can do wonders for the body and the mind. Mix up these Silent Night Bath Salts and pack them in a pretty jar for a great gift. Be sure to make enough for yourself too!

This Whipped Vanilla Body Butter is thick and luxurious. It will soften and moisturize even the most stubborn areas.

Gifts to Tackle the Winter Cold

I saw a warming lotion at a spa, and I new I had to come up with a recipe to create it. This Warming Body Lotion is the result of my trials, and it does not disappoint. I will be making this every year when I create holiday DIYs. It goes on smooth and absorbs quickly, leaving the skin silky smooth with a gentle warming effect.

DIYs for the Home

Everyone loves those cute scented hand soaps for the holidays. You’ll love the spicy, warm aroma of this Pumpkin Spice Foaming Hand Soap. You’ll want to make enough to keep one by every sink in your home.

Know someone who wants to get started cooking with essential oils? These Essential Oil-Infused Sea Salts provide a great way to get started without worrying about over-using essential oils in recipes. They add just a hint of salt and essential oil flavor to a variety of foods.

Looking for more essential oil holiday inspiration? Check out this post for my favorite Christmas Diffuser Blends!

7 Herbs for Weight Loss

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In today’s age, one of the worst diseases affecting our daily lifestyle is morbid obesity. Obesity is one of the fundamental challenges that is a by-product of our lifestyle choices. This is the reason many people combat obesity this with their journey from fat to fit. Weight-loss regimes include cardio workouts to diets, to fitness regimen like yoga. Naturally, diet is a fundamental aspect of weight loss. There are many dietary components and herbs that you can use to reduce weight. Check out this list of seven such herbs for weight loss.

Herbs for Weight Loss

Fenugreek

This common herb belongs to the legume family. Research has corroborated the fact that fenugreek aids in constraining hunger and therefore reducing food consumption. Fenugreek can satiate hunger pangs quickly to lower food consumption. 

This means that the daily consumption of fenugreek may help reduce hunger and leave you feeling full without actually eating more. This is especially helpful as obesity is often due to binge-eating or uncontrollable food consumption. Therefore, fenugreek is one of the most beneficial herbs for weight loss.

Ginger

Ginger is a unique spice that adds a lot of flavor to the palette and has significant properties that aid in weight loss. The spice comes from the flowering ginger plant’s rhizome and is used traditionally as a natural remedy for an array of ailments. 

Research indicates that ginger consumption leads to decreased body weight and belly fat. This is because it increases metabolism and fat burning. At the same time, it also reduces fat absorption and appetite.

Oregano

This popular herb comes from an equally well-known legacy of beneficial herbs, including mint, basil, thyme, rosemary, and sage. Oregano contains carvacrol, which is an essential chemical compound for weight loss. 

Research indicates that the sustained use of oregano may help lower food intake and weight gain. It also helps lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the body.

Cannabis

Although this plant’s unconventional mention is bound to raise doubts, there are plenty of reasons to back the same. Cannabis is more than a conventional psychedelic hallucinogen composed of THC. Cannabis contains many beneficial compounds that are sourced in many different weed edibles or CBD Oils. 

A significant component apart from THC is cannabidiol that is very beneficial in improving metabolism and therefore aids in weight loss. Cannabidiol reacts with the endocannabinoid system, which is primarily responsible for neurological and hormonal functioning. These benefits emanate from a reduced serotonin level induced by CBD, which can reduce stress and anxiety. This may cause your weight loss journey to be livelier and happier.null

Turmeric

Turmeric is a common kitchen herb and is well-known for its culinary and medicinal properties. This spice is revered for the exceptional flavor and color it adds to foods, as well as its anti-bacterial and other therapeutic benefits. 

Turmeric consists of a chemical called curcumin that is the principal factor in making it a wonder spice. Curcumin counteracts every negative effect of bacteria on inflammation. It also possesses qualities that aid in weight loss and decrease belly fat. Curcumin blocks the synthesis or absorption of fat in the body and helps prevent further fat from accumulating, making it a valuable herb for weight loss.


Black Pepper

This native spice is a common sight in kitchens, originating from the fruit of an Indian flowering vine. The spice contains a potent chemical compound called piperine that gives it its pungent flavor profile. This chemical can also impact weight loss by helping the body prevent fat cells from forming.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is another common household spice that needs no introduction. This aromatic spice, sourced from trees’ inner bark, has several health benefits to its credit. It provides a rich source of antioxidants that help in the reduction of weight loss. Consumption of cinnamon also helps to stabilize blood sugar and reduce appetite.

This means that cinnamon can help carry sugar from the bloodstream to cells. It also reduces specific enzymes that slow down the digestion of carbohydrates, resulting in decreased appetite and weight loss.

The Bottom Line

These herbs not only impact the flavor profile of foods, but also have extraordinary health benefits, including increasing metabolism and fat burning and promoting a feeling of fullness. Thus, expanding your spice selection to include herbs for weight loss may help facilitate your journey to become healthier.

Detoxification can also help improve your weight loss success. Check out this post, 9 Ways to Enhance Detoxification.

You may also just need to hit the reset button on your relationship with food. Come learn how!

Thinx Period Underwear for the Holidays

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Sometimes it seems inevitable. . .just when the holidays start, you get a surprise unwelcome visit from Aunt Flo. But having your period doesn’t have to stop the festivities of the holidays. So don’t let your period spoil the fun. Think of Thinx period underwear for the Holidays to make your period a bit more bearable.

Plan Ahead for the Unexpected

It’s not uncommon for women to start their periods at inopportune times. I mean, when is it really a good time? Added stress and disruption of your normal schedule and routine can cause hormonal fluctuations, and even the most regular gals can experience occasional unexpected periods. This can result in early, delayed, and even skipped periods, making it more challenging to predict your time of the month. So what’s a gal to do?

It’s best to be prepared. Stock up on comfort items and supplies, especially if you are traveling. Consider creating an emergency kit for the car, complete with a heat pack, some essential oils or other cramp relief products, and a couple pairs of Thinx panties.

Sleep Comfortably

There’s nothing worse than waking up to stained sheets. Unexpected periods can happen at any time, so avoid the mess and potential embarrassment of nighttime leaks. Thinx period underwear feel like regular panties, so you don’t have to sleep with a bulky pad and there’s less waste. Plus, Thinx offers sleep shorts. They’re just like regular pajama shorts, except they hold up to 4 regular tampons’ worth. They feel like comfy boxer shorts and will keep you protected all night. If you’re ready to get a better night’s sleep, give them a try! 

Thoughtful Giving

Have a special teen on your list who’s impossible to buy for? How about a naturally-minded girlfriend or sister? Give them the gift of cleaner, more comfortable periods. If you’ve been stressing about what to give your friends for the holidays, don’t. Our Sparkle & Scotch Gift Boxes are the perfect present for your friends who want cuter, comfier, and more sustainable periods.

Choose from 2 Holiday Bundles from Thinx:

  • Sparkle Gift Box with 1 pair of black sparkle glitter hi-waist undies, and 1 pair of black hiphuggers
  • Scotch Gift Box with 1 pair of black cotton briefs and 1 pair of scotch tartan cotton briefs

These underwear are so cute for the holidays and make such a great way to introduce someone to the benefits of Thinx period underwear.

Ready to give Thinx a try for yourself or someone else this holiday season? Get $10 off your first order. Plus, Thinx offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee, so what have you got to lose?

Learn more about why I love Thinx in this post of 11 Ways Thinx Makes Your Period More Bearable.