The adrenal glands are two triangular-shaped glands that sit on top of the kidneys. They produce hormones and release them into the bloodstream, helping to regulate processes like metabolism, the immune response, blood pressure and the stress response.
The hormones produced by the adrenal glands include cortisol, aldosterone, DHEA, androgenic steroids, adrenaline and noradrenaline.
Our adrenal glands are integral to our natural stress response, so under conditions of chronic stress, they’re working overtime.
The stress response is meant to be temporary – once the perceived threat is gone, stress levels should decrease. But when we’re constantly stressed, the stress response stays engaged which can overexpose your body to stress hormones like cortisol. This can cause hormonal imbalance and lead to symptoms like anxiety, depression, headaches, sleeping issues and digestive problems to name a few.
To keep your adrenal glands healthy and functioning, there are some lifestyle choices you can prioritize. Firstly, eat a healthy diet full of whole foods, little sugar and few highly processed carbohydrates. Highly processed and fast foods promote inflammation in the body, which can further aggravate the stress response.
Be sure to stay aware of your caffeine intake and be careful not to overdo it. Caffeine can stimulate the adrenal glands to release adrenaline, which is safe in small amounts, but drinking too much coffee when you’re already stressed can actually worsen the stress.
Make time for relaxation techniques like yoga, breathwork and meditation to promote a sense of calm in your everyday life. Regular exercise can also improve your mood by producing endorphins and helping your body work through stress.
It can be helpful to seek extra support from herbal remedies like Adrenal Chill. Its primary ingredient, ashwagandha, is an adaptogenic herb known to help balance the nervous system by regulating adrenal gland activity. It’s also formulated with l-theanine, an amino acid that promotes a calming effect within 30 minutes.
While some stress is to be expected in life, chronic stress is hard on your adrenal glands. It’s worth taking the time to evaluate your stress levels and make changes that bring you a sense of calm in your everyday life. Support your adrenal glands so they can continue to support you.
