Adrenal Insufficiency and How it Can Affect You

The adrenal glands sit at the top of your kidneys and produce multiple important hormones, including cortisol and adrenaline.  Many factors can affect the production and balance of these hormones, contributing to body-wide problems. Such as:

  • Fatigue 

  • Body aches

  • Unexplained weight loss

  • Low blood pressure

  • Lightheadedness

  • Loss of body hair

  • Skin discolouration

  • Trouble falling asleep

  • Trouble waking up

  • Salt and sugar craving

  • Weight gain

  • Alcohol intolerance

  • Sleep disorders

  • Inflammation heart palpitations

  • Diminished sex drive

  • Blood sugar imbalances

  • Inability to concentrate

  • Joint pain

  • Low body temperature

  • Anxiety

  • Digestive disorders

In order to fully address this sufficiency it is important to look at all of the potential factors that may cause adrenal insufficiency.  They include:

  • Lifestyle Stress

    • Lack of sleep

    • Too little or too much exercise

    • Smoking

    • Inability to relax

    • Caffeine

    • Prescription, non-prescription, and recreational drugs

  • Emotional Stress

    • Worry about the future

    • Regret for the past

    • Grief and loss

    • Excitement

    • Fear

    • Anger

    • Job loss

    • Divorce

  • Dietary Stress

    • Sugar

    • Poor blood sugar control

    • GMOs

    • Overeating

    • Dieting

    • Food allergies

    • White flour products

  • Inflammation and Pain

    • Physical pain

    • GI tract inflammation

    • Liver congestion

    • Wound healing

    • Allergies

    • Toxins

Becoming aware of these stressors is the first step toward healing.  Guided lifestyle changes and possible supplementation can assist as well.  Blood and lab testing are ways to specifically track markers that show how depleted the body may be of nutrients or biochemicals, or what sort of bacterial imbalance may be preston that contribute to adrenal sufficiency.  Let New England Functional Medicine and Dr. Jennifer Johnson help you on this path.