Adrenal Glands & Weight Loss

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Why Are the Adrenal Glands Important?

 

   Well, they produce a chemical called cortisol. Cortisol has a huge impact on your waistline. Cortisol is largely produced as a response to stress. That is why it is known as the “Stress Hormone.” When we have high levels of stress it triggers the adrenal glands to produce more cortisol. Stress comes in so many forms however. Whether we are talking about emotional, physical, or chemical stressors, the body responds in the same way and releases more cortisol.

 

     Cortisol is not completely a bad thing. Our body needs it for several metabolic functions. However, our body does not need the amount that is being produced in most people that are overweight. There is a fine line between too much/little and just the right amount. There also needs to be a specific rhythm that it is released, such as higher in the morning and tapering off throughout the day.

 

     What causes abnormal changes in cortisol levels?

·        Poor Sleep Patterns

·        Blood sugar imbalances

·        Chronic Pain Conditions

·        Emotional stress

·        The list goes on and on

 

     What are symptoms of Adrenal imbalances

·        Increased Weight

·        Difficulty sleeping

·        Inflammation

·        Fatigue

·        Dizzyness

 

     The adrenal glands also play a huge role in many other hormone processes. They have an impact on thyroid hormone, testosterone, estrogen and progesterone. The moral of the story is that the adrenal glands need to be properly evaluated when dealing with health problems, especially the inability to lose weight.