Did you know that adrenal fatigue may be causing your weight problem? Adrenal fatigue is a variety of symptoms that result in a less-than-optimal performance of the adrenal system. Symptoms include feeling extremely tired during the day, while being wide awake at night. You may also find yourself falling asleep while watching movies or reading, feeling hungry, confused, or shaky when under pressure during the day, relying on caffeine and high-carb snacks to keep you going, a “spare tire” growing larger and larger around your waist, and eating and exercising regularly but maintaining or gaining weight.
When people are under chronic stress, the adrenal glands become imbalanced. This imbalance can cause cortisol dominance or deficiency, insulin resistance, and unwanted weight gain. Many people with this condition feel exhausted all the time. Some people increase their intake of caffeine and high-carb snacks to perk up, and others can barely get out of bed. There may be a genetic component to this imbalance, but there is no official cause. When your adrenal glands are taxed, they produce high levels of adrenaline, which inhibits thyroid-stimulating hormones. This can lead to an underactive thyroid, also known as hypothyroidism, which may lead to weight gain or difficulty losing weight because it slows your metabolism.
Dr. Robin Terranella of Southwest Integrative Medicine in Arizona addresses the connection between weight and adrenal activity. “Stress causes increased cortisol, increased cortisol causes insulin resistance, and insulin resistance causes sugars to be more readily stored as fat, in particular in the waistline. (Patients should aim for) more of a balanced adrenal activity (generally speaking). If there’s too much cortisol, blood sugar is harder to regulate and this can contribute to more storage of glucose (sugar) and cravings for sugar. On the other hand, too little can leave you lethargic and lacking the ability to use stored energy (fat). The adrenals also produce DHEA which is an anabolic hormone precursor. In some cases, this may need to be increased to improve muscle mass and therefore metabolism. This is done independent of (Southwest Integrative Medicine’s) ‘adrenal gland balancing’ treatments.”
Eat to Lose Weight
It may come as a surprise to some dieters, but the number one treatment for adrenal health is eating. It is important to realize though that what you eat and when you eat makes a big difference. Keeping your blood sugar as level as possible lightens the load on the adrenal glands. Getting too hungry adds stress to your adrenals, which makes them pump excess cortisol. So, people should try to eat three balanced meals and two snacks per day. It is ideal to eat your largest meal in the morning because eating within one or two hours of waking up helps cortisol reach its optimal peak and relieves the adrenals from fasting blood sugar levels. Snacking between meals helps moderate the downward slope of cortisol. Eating a light dinner early in the evening will also help level out cortisol.
The foods you choose are also important. People with adrenal fatigue often eat many sweets and caffeine, which offers a quick boost but eventually leads to a drop in energy. If you need a boost in energy throughout the day, choose foods that support your adrenals like asparagus, avocado, cabbage, garlic, ginger and lean protein. Do your best to avoid refined and processed sugars.
Other Natural Methods
If you want to heal your adrenals, you will need eight to nine hours of sleep a night. You may also want to take a nap when possible. Regular exercise is important because it repairs your metabolism. But, be careful not to stress your system by forcing yourself to exercise or overdoing it. Try to work physical activity into your daily life by walking more, playing with your children, or cleaning your home. Breathing is another helpful method for controlling stress, and therefore, cortisol levels. Breathe deeply three or four times through your nose in order to slow your heart rate and calm your body. Do this several times per day, especially when you are under lots of stress. Find other ways to relax throughout the day by sipping tea, taking breaks, and getting fresh air. You can also supplement your diet with herbal and vitamin supplements.
Many stresses in our daily lives may lead to weight gain and lack of energy. Unsuccessful attempts to lose weight can be stressful, creating a cycle of adrenal imbalance. Once you have healed your adrenals, the weight will come off and you will have the energy that you have been lacking.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
