Adrenal Fatigue and Weight Loss
“You miss 100% of the shots you never take.”
If you see overweight people in your office, and most of you probably do since they usually have back pain, it is important to evaluate the adrenal glands. They can be a primary cause of chronic pain due to elevated levels of the catabolic hormone Cortisol. Ignore them at your own peril. I have found Ionic Footbaths to be a great way to help detoxify the body and improve hormone function. Worth invbestigating!
Hormones and Weight Loss
Adrenal Fatigue and the Cortisol Connection
Adrenal Fatigue is a syndrome that results when the adrenal glands function below the necessary level, usually because of intense, prolonged or repeated stress. Its severity can range from a general sense of tiredness and the inability to lose weight, to difficulty getting out of bed for more than a few hours. Every organ and system in the body is more profoundly affected if left untreated. Changes occur in carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism (leading to weight gain); fluid and electrolyte balance; nervous system function and even libido. Although it affects millions of people in the U.S., conventional medicine does not yet recognize it as a distinct, treatable condition. Most doctors are not aware of adrenal fatigue. They only recognize Addison’s Disease, which is the most extreme end of low adrenal function. Astute doctors who are familiar with the degrees of adrenal fatigue usually test the adrenal hormone levels in the saliva.
What are the adrenal glands?
The adrenal glands are two small glands, each about the size of a large grape. They are situated on top of the kidneys. Their purpose is to help the body to cope with stress and help it to survive. Each adrenal gland has two compartments. The inner or medulla controls the sympathetic nervous system through secretion and regulation of two hormones called epinephrine and nor epinephrine that are responsible for the fight or flight response. The outer adrenal cortex comprises 80 percent of the adrenal gland and is responsible for producing over 50 different types of hormones.
Is too much Cortisol bad for you?
Chronically elevated cortisol levels may have a variety of negative effects. Cortisol is catabolic, and elevated cortisol levels can cause the loss of muscle tissue by facilitating the process of converting lean tissue into glucose. An excess of cortisol can also lead to a decrease in insulin sensitivity, increased insulin resistance, reduced growth hormone levels, and reduced connective tissue strength. Chronically elevated levels of cortisol can also decrease strength and performance in athletes.
Should I take Cortisol supplements?
In my opinion, no, absolutely not. Cortisol suppressing supplements are not a valid solution for losing weight. No pill can replace a healthy program of diet and exercise. Pills do not make you lose fat. Body fat is lost by creating a caloric deficit through exercise and nutrition.
What can I do naturally?Avoid very low calorie diets, especially for prolonged periods of time. Low calorie dieting is a major stress to the body. Low calorie diets increase cortisol while decreasing testosterone. Avoid overtraining by keeping workouts intense, but brief (cortisol rises sharply after 45-60 min of strength training) Suppress cortisol and maximize recovery after workouts with proper nutrition: Consume a carb-protein meal or drink immediately after your workout. Get plenty of quality sleep (sleep deprivation, as a stressor, can raise cortisol). Avoid or minimize use of stimulants; caffeine, ephedrine, synephrine, etc.
Dr. Perry Nickelston, Vice President of Practice Development for K-laserUSA and clinic director of the Pain Laser Center in Ramsy, NJ.
1-866-595-7749 Ext #2
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