I CAN'T LOSE WEIGHT AND I AM TIRED ALL THE TIME - HELP!!!

I had such an over whelming response to my blog post on Adrenal Glands, I decided to do a "part 2" to the post. So here goes…..

So many of my clients complain that they have picked up weight and are unable to lose it or they say "I stay so tired all the time."  These are two statements that lead me to check the adrenals and the thyroid.  Namely the adrenals.  Hormones secreted by the adrenals powerfully effect metabolism, which has an impact on your body weight.  These hormones regulate the way your body responds to daily stress and how you generate energy.  The three main hormones released by the adrenals are cortisol, aldosterone and adrenaline.  If the adrenals secrete either too much or too little it will interfere with your ability to process nutrients, circulation of fluids, protection from infections and your reaction to stress.  When you are under stress the hormone cortisol will cause the liver to release glycogen (glucose) and give you a boost of energy (fight or flight).  Daily stress will cause your body to release more cortisol than you need and the excess is converted into fat, usually stored in the belly area.  If cortisol is circulating constantly in the body, (daily stressful situations) you will crave high calorie foods such as fats and sugars.  These contribute to weight gain.  Fatigue from this constant bombardment will make it hard to establish a fitness program or just eat healthy. 

If you have adrenal fatigue you must change the way you eat.  First of all, never allow yourself to get too hungry. In an effort to keep your energy levels up and your body functioning normally, your adrenals will release more cortisol (remember excess cortisol converts to fat). So getting too hungry will cause you to gain weight.  You should eat three meals and two to three well-timed snacks during the day.  This will help to balance your blood sugar and help the adrenal burden.   When you eat will make a difference because cortisol has a natural cycle.  It usually reaches its peak around 8:00 a.m. and gradually decreases throughout the day.  Remember the old saying "Eat like a king in the morning and like a pauper at night".  Eat breakfast around 8:00, lunch around 11:00 -12:00, a snack around 2:00-3:00 and dinner around 5:00 - 6:00 in the evening and make it the lightest meal of the day.  Now, consider what you eat - when you are under stress you tend to reach for a "burst of energy" - sugar and caffeine.  After the "burst" from these foods you bomb out even lower than you started and you feel worse.  Caffeine and gluten  (wheat) are very hard on the adrenals.  If you have adrenal fatigue you should consider a gluten-free diet and limit caffeine.  If you crave caffeine, your body may be calling for rest (I know that sounds crazy). Take a break and try a ten or fifteen minute walk.  This is a great stress reliever.  If you must have that morning cup of coffee, make sure you eat a nutritious meal and put the cream in your coffee to dull the effects of caffeine. 

Eat fresh whole food, preferably organic.  Include protein in all your meals and snacks, these help to stabilize blood sugar and help you with caffeine and sugar craving. 

Women with adrenal problems will often crave salt.  If you feel lightheaded when standing up quickly or getting out of a bath or hot tub, this can be a sign of low blood pressure, which is often a symptom of adrenal fatigue.  You may find that salt in your diet can be helpful.  The adrenals also work with the sodium/water balance and fluid retention.  You may need salt.  I know this sounds strange coming from me but adrenal fatigue can change all the rules. Actually salt cravings are a result of low aldosterone.  This hormone regulates blood pressure.  When cortisol levels go up, your aldosterone goes down, which lowers blood pressure.  This can disturb electrolyte balance and cell hydration.  Salt restores these imbalances.    I like Himalayan crystal salt.  It is not as harsh on your blood pressure.

Time your meals and watch what you eat.  Stay away from sugar and caffeine.  Restrict you gluten (wheat) containing foods.  Eat protein at every meal and snack.  Start an exercise routine - even if it is just walking 10 minutes a day.  Just move!!!!! This will help with the weight gain and fatigue. 

Although changing your eating habits will help, you need to take further steps to correct the problem.  I don't agree with just covering up the symptoms - you need to get to the root of the problem. A hair analysis will show which stage of adrenal fatigue you are in.  There are three stages and each stage requires different treatment.  The doctors offer no help because they do not test the adrenals.  They only test the thyroid and that test is not accurate.  They test the circulating T3 (thyroid hormone), but this may not be available for use to the thyroid.  Just testing the circulating hormone does not accurately test the thyroid.  The adrenals and thyroid are under the control of the pituitary gland (master gland) which is under the control of the hypothalamus. Either of these may need treatment also. Once again, this is where a hair analysis comes it.  It can pinpoint exactly where the problem is.  Call me today for an appointment and start on a wellness journey. 

Stay Strong!