Do I Have Adrenal Fatigue?

adrenal fatigue1The adrenal glands produce a number of hormones, including cortisol. Cortisol is our stress (“fight or flight”) hormone. Adrenal fatigue occurs when the body is under chronic stress and the adrenals are unable to keep pace with the demands of a constant fight- or- flight state of arousal. Thus, the adrenals do not function at their optimal state – they are unable to produce enough of the hormones you need to feel your best.

Signs of adrenal fatigue include: difficulty arising in the morning, continued fatigue, lack of energy, craving salty foods, decreased libido, difficulty coping with stress, increased PMS symptoms, difficulty focusing (brain fog), and decreased productivity.

To heal adrenal fatigue, it is crucial to decrease stress levels and optimize your health. This can be achieved by eating a whole food diet, avoiding processed foods, and keeping a regular sleep schedule – preferably 8 hours. The following supplements are also beneficial: B complex, vitamin D, vitamin C, adrenal support or licorice root, and omega 3 fatty acids.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, maintains offices in Tampa and Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida. Dr. Hermann offers patient care for adrenal fatigue as well as acupuncture, comprehensive vitamin testing and food sensitivity testing. Please contact the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedual an appointment.

Ashwagandha For Adrenal Support

The ashwagandha root and leaf is utilized by the Ayurveda to modulate the detrimental effects of chronic stress on the body.  It restores vigor in individuals suffering from overwork and exhaustion.  Ashwagandha is believed to reduce elevated levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) that stimulate the stress response hormones from the adrenal glands.  Thus, energy levels and metabolic function are improved; and stress levels are decreased.  Ashwagandha may also improve sleep quality and mental cognition.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, offers comprehensive testing for adrenal fatigue, as well as, vitamin and hormone testing to her patients.  Offices are maintained in Tampa and Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida.  Please call the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

 

 

Can Acupuncture Help Me Be Less Stressed?

Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to relieve stress.  This ancient Chinese therapy actually reduces levels of a protein that is linked to chronic stress.  Scientists have recently been able to measure the amount of protein neuropeptide Y which is secreted during the “flight or fight” response to acute stress.  In studies, electro-acupuncture has been shown to block the chronic stress-induced elevations of these proteins.  Electro-acupuncture is a more intense form of therapy than manual acupuncture; it is also commonly used for pain management.  During this type of therapy, a small painless electrical charge is delivered through the acupuncture needle.  Electro-acupuncture can also be effective utilizing “needle-less” acupuncture.  With this method, a small hand-held micro-current stimulation device is used on acu-points instead of needles.

Chronic stress has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, certain types of cancer and elevated blood pressure amongst other conditions.  Stress has also been linked to premature cell aging.  It is thought that stress accounts for approximately half of the healthcare-related expenses in America.  In addition to acupuncture, recommendations to decrease stress levels include eating regular balanced meals, getting enough sleep, and daily exercise.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, maintains offices in Tampa and Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida.  Dr. Hermann also offers comprehensive acupuncture services to her patients.  Please contact the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

This post was written by Anne Hermann. Follow Anne Hermann on Google, Facebook, Twitter & Linkedin.