From Stress to Bliss: The Impact of Adrenal Health on Your Mood
by Tamara Underwood
When it comes to our overall health and well-being, our adrenal glands play a critical role. These small glands, located on top of our kidneys, produce a variety of hormones that are essential for regulating our body's stress response, blood sugar levels, and more. However, when our adrenal glands become overworked or damaged, it can have a significant impact on our mood and mental health. In this blog post, we'll explore the connection between adrenal health and mood, and discuss what you can do to support your adrenal glands and improve your mental well-being.
Our adrenal glands produce a hormone called cortisol, which plays a key role in our body's stress response. When we're under stress, our adrenal glands release cortisol into our bloodstream, which helps us cope with the stressor by increasing our heart rate, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels. However, when our adrenal glands are overworked, they can become less responsive to cortisol, which can lead to a variety of health problems, including mood disorders like depression and anxiety.
Research has shown that cortisol levels are often higher in people with depression and anxiety, and that chronically high levels of cortisol can damage the hippocampus, a part of the brain that's essential for learning and memory. Additionally, high cortisol levels have been linked to decreased levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that's important for regulating mood.
Is Stress Only Psychological?
The adrenals respond to stress but cannot discern if it is "escaping a tiger" stress or "taking an exam" stress. The adrenals not only respond to psychological stress but also to a host of physiological stressors such as overtraining, poor blood sugar control, parasites, hormonal imbalances, chronic pain, to name a few.
If you're experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other mood disorders, it's important to talk to your healthcare provider. They can help you determine if adrenal dysfunction may be contributing to your symptoms, and recommend a treatment plan that's tailored to your needs.
Here are some general tips for supporting adrenal health and improving your mood:
While our adrenal glands may be small, they play a big role in our mental health and well-being. By taking steps to support adrenal health, such as getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, practicing stress-reducing techniques, and considering supplements, you can help protect your mental health and improve your overall quality of life.
If you are struggling with mood or addiction and seeking support, please reach out today for your Complementary Discovery call.
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