Sugar Cravings and the Adrenal
Along with other jobs, the adrenals regulate blood sugar. So if the adrenals are out of balance, sugar cravings explode causing weight gain.
Adrenal fatigue is a term used by health professionals meaning that symptoms of fatigue and weight gain (see below) are caused by emotional, mental and physical stress. The result increase cortisol (stress hormone) production resulting in a poorly working adrenal gland. This in turn could affect thyroid as well as reproductive hormones. Stress is the main culprit and can’t be emphasized enough! There is no evidence to support this theory and today’s conventional doctors are not taught this and therefore may not know to diagnose this condition. If you suspect you have adrenal fatigue, I recommend you see a functional doctor. See below for the doctor I recommend. He sees patients from all around the United States.
Adrenal Fatigue is a stress-related condition that occurs when the adrenal glands, pituitary gland and hypothalamus are not functioning at the ideal level. It is usually the result of chronic physical, emotional or mental stress. It can result in weakened immune system, fatigue, low energy, sugar and salty cravings, as well as the inability to handle stress.
The adrenals are primarily responsible for controlling the body’s response to stress by releasing hormones like DHEA, epinephrine, and cortisol. When overstimulated for long periods of time, such as a stressful job, relationship or stress from chronic disease, the adrenals eventually weaken, causing Adrenal Fatigue.
Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue:
The signs and symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue include:
weakened immune system
difficulty getting up in the morning
- weakened immune system
- extreme fatigue during the day even after good night’s sleep
- difficulty getting up in the morning
- difficulty settling down and going sleep at night
- sugar and salty cravings
- inability to handle stress
- overuse of stimulants like caffeine
Adrenal Fatigue Can Cause Sugar Cravings:
Cortisol controls excess sugar, when properly functioning. It is when you eat sugar and starchy foods like pasta, rice, breads and potatoes that indirectly tax the adrenal glands. Starchy foods turn to glucose in the body and acts like sugar giving you that energy boost. Just think of that bowl of pasta as a big bow of sugar! The spike in blood sugar that follows, leading to a drop in blood sugar causing sugar cravings, which we have a tendency to feed ourselves with stimulants like coffee and more sugar (candy bars,
donuts, etc.) The cycle continues with a rise in blood sugar, then drop leading to overeating and overuse of stimulants. No wonder we eat so much!
What to Do About Adrenal Fatigue
Adrenal Fatigue hits home with me, as I battle now as a result of a recent move. The first step to take is find a functional doctor and get tested. This helps to know the severity of the problem, and gives you direction. Then find someone to help you pin point the cause and give you a solution with foods and lifestyle practices, such as a nutritionist or health coach!
Other things you can do:
- Change your diet
- Eliminate caffeine and sugar
- Increase nutrient-dense foods (dark leafy greens, fruits, veg.)
- Identify food sensitivities and intolerances
- Eat more protein and fat
- Stay hydrated
- Reduce stress
Functional Doctor I recommend:
I highly recommend the following doctor as he sees patients from all over the United States. Please tell him you heard about him from me!
Dr Michael Brown
Naturopathic Doctor
Functional Medicine Doctor
Defeat Autism Now! Certified Doctor (DAN)
Naturae’s Path
7300 W. 110th St – Commerce Plaza I
Ste 700
Overland Park, Ks 66210
913-693-4515 – fax
I Know…
I know first hand how difficult it is to reverse adrenal fatigue, because I have it; but it CAN be done. If you suspect this is an issue with you, then let me offer to you a FREE Total Energy/Adrenal Transformation session ($75.00 value)
During this hour with me we will get to the bottom of what is keeping you from having the energy, weight, and health you desire, and will come up with a plan on how to begin your transformation now! You will receive direction on the next step to take your health, with a written follow-up from me on which direction to go.
AND, to motivate you to good health, I am giving away your choice of my top 10 weight-loss tips plus recipes to help you burn fat, or my top 10 tips for better energy, plus recipes to boost your daily vitality, for the FIRST 20 people that respond. Go right now to veronicashealthyliving.com to make an appointment!
References
https://books.google.com/books?
http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/features/adrenal-fatigue-is-it-real#1
Adrenal foods, JJ Virgin