Support Adrenal Stress
It’s been a tough week for most of us in various parts of the USA. We have had to deal with a lot as it relates to frigid temperatures and unprecedented weather conditions.
In many cases there were power outages and a lack of food and water Add this to all the stress that we have all been under this past year…Several Big Breaths… It’s a lot right?
This from one young mom in Central Texas ..
“To go through all of that and then also to have stuff like this happen, it’s like, ‘One more historical event, and I’m going to develop PTSD,’” said Brianna Blake, 31, a mother of two sons. “I cannot do this.”
Many of the patients I saw last week had a more than one health challenge, however they all had one thing in common. Their health challenges started after a major stressful event or they were cumulative stressors real or perceived that have added up over time.
No matter what health challenge you have you must support your adrenal glands if you want to have good health.
ADREnNAL STRESS MODEL
The cumulative stressors are the ones we don’t notice right away, or we think … no worries I will deal with it later and then later never comes. That’s the kind of stress that hides in the body and mind.
In the Adrenal Stress Model this is called the Adaption phase… only many of us do not notice that the signs and symptoms we are experiencing are due to high cortisol for too long. So instead of adapting we move into the Burnout Phase. There has been some celebration around “hustle and grind”, however I am here to tell you that it’s a long road back from burnout and it is not without consequences.
The most common health concerns in the USA all have their roots in non-adaptive Adrenal Stress Response. All of these concerns are also on the rise at an alarming rate.
TOP HEALTH CONCERNS
High Cortisol production for too long creates an inflammation cascade.
High Cortisol for too long also causes:
*Insulin Surges and dysregulated Blood Sugar Surges leading to Hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia
*Anxiety and Depression (sometimes we experience both of these states in one day)
*Thyroid Problems and Weight Gain
*IBS and Digestive Disorders
*Autoimmune and Skin Conditions
FUNCTIONAL HOLISTIC HEALTH MODEL
In a Functional Holistic Health Model we know that all the above conditions are connected. Each system has an effect on the other. We also know that if we just treat the Thyroid or the Gut without addressing the Adrenals and Lifestyle changes we will only be supporting part of the problem. The body is a network that works as a whole.
In today’s environment we all need to support our Adrenals. During stress there is a redistribution of nutrients and enzymatic changes that happen in the body which, when chronic has long lasting effects. We need to stop the inflammation cascade before it develops into disease and worse autoimmune conditions and cancer.
ASHWAGANDHA FORTE
My go to support is Ashwagandha Forte:
Ashwagandha: Is the Herb for Modern Times
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an ancient medicinal herb native to India and Africa with over 3000 years of use in African, Ayurvedic, Unani, and indigenous medicine.
It is an adaptogen, which means that it supports the body’s ability to respond and recover from stress.
Traditionally Ashwagandha has many uses due to its ability to increase the body’s resistance to stress and overall rejuvenating effects. Major indications, however, would be aphrodisiac, anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, insomnia, nervousness/anxiety, indigestion, and in various types of infection.
Over the past few decades many studies have confirmed these traditional uses while revealing novel applications ideal for addressing “diseases of the modern age” such as chronic stress, cancer, infertility, and metabolic syndrome.
In conclusion Ashwagandha is an herb with extensive clinical applications and a rich history of great therapeutic value and in today’s environment it has to be part of your health and healing plan.
Ashwagandha Forte:
Suggested Dose: 1 tablet 2 times a day.
You can order via your Patient Direct Account or via drpia.standardprocess.com
For more ideas and ways to reduce stress and improve resilience click here:
It’s been extra challenging this week, so please give yourself grace, stay warm, and be kind to yourself and others. Healthy at the end of 2021 means it has been a good year!
Have a healthy week
Dr Pia
