Adrenals v Thyroid
Stress causes the production of adrenalin, norepinephrine and cortisol. This is the “fight or flight” response and is a reaction to danger. Once safety has returned, production is switched off and the body relaxes. However, we can perceive a situation as challenging or dangerous, even though we are not being chased by a sabre-toothed tiger. The result is the same – the fight/flight response.
The down side is that there is no end date. The danger doesn’t pass, allowing us to return to a more relaxed state. It goes on. I’m sure you can come up with examples of on-going situations that feel stressful to you.
Stress hormones require a range of vitamins and minerals:
- Vitamin C
- B vitamins
- Iodine
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Choline
- Chromium
- Iron
- Copper
- Zinc
- Amino acids – phenylalanine, tyrosine
- Essential Fatty Acids (EFA’s)
The perceived stress is interpreted as life threatening, so these nutrients are diverted from their other roles and poured into the adrenals. Many of these are required by the thyroid and other vital metabolic processes at optimal levels to function 100%. However, if these nutrients are being diverted to the adrenals, the thyroid becomes less efficient. Over time this can become a major contributing factor to many chronic conditions like thyroid imbalance, heart disease, diabetes, asthma or allergies,.
To give your thyroid a chance to operate optimally, as well as your heart, pancreas, gut and immune system, you made need to supplement certain nutrients.You also may need to check your stress levels. Really think about what steps you can take to reduce the stress/address the cause. How can you take time out to let go and relax?
Walking in natural surroundings works for some, moderate exercise that is enjoyable (not constantly stressful!), guided meditation, consciously going through a process of de-stressing such as a sequence of slow, deep breathing for 5 minutes all switch off the “red light alarm”, allowing the body to return to normal functioning, health and well being.
Life is meant to be enjoyed, not endured. How can you increase your sense of enjoyment in life?
Be careful of self diagnosis. Always check with your Doctor if you are feeling unwell. The above is not a diagnosis or medical advice.
Contact Wendy on 01594 832430 to check your levels of nutrients, or to find out how to reduce stress in your life.
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