What is cortisol anyway? Cortisol is acatabolic hormone, aglucocorticoid, a steroidal hormone that is produced in the adrenal cortex of the adrenal glands. The adrenal cortex releases cortisol during stress. This is a good thing in a flight or flight situation, when we are running from a lion or a tiger or hunting our dinner in the jungle. Today our lions and tigers are our bosses, the mortgage company's, spouses, children, businesses, rising gas prices,ect. Stress is not a way of life, but for most of us we haven't a choice. We stay in a state of constant stress. This forces our bodies to release a constant flow of cortisol and adrenaline. Affects of prolonged high cortisol include:
Hypothyroidism
Chronic Fatigue
Depression
Disrupted Sleep Patterns
Decreased Immune System
Obesity, Insulin Issues, Diabetes.
Hormone Imbalances, Early Menopause, Menstrual Cycles disruption, and Fertility Issues
Panic Attacks, Heart Palpations.
Digestions Issues and Ulcers.
Decreased Bone Metabolism, resulting in early age osteoporosis.
Just to name a few. Our bodies are smart beings and long for balance, or homeostasis and most of the time do not allow us to stay in this state for too many years before it puts a stop to it. When our body decides enough stress is enough we encounter
Adrenal Fatigue. When we have depleted the adrenal glands of cortisol and adrenaline from our constant stressful life we find ourselves in a state of pure exhaustion. The Western Medicine Community has labeled this
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and and are quick to prescribe drugs and anti-depressants as a "fix". So, what are your cortisol levels? Too high? Or depleted? The best way to find out is through an Adrenal Stress Index saliva test. This test measures your cortisol levels throughout the day by taking multiple samples at different times during a normal stressful work or just life day. Myself and other qualified practitioners can order this test. Also through physical and kinesiology examinations a qualified Applied Kinesiology Doctor can often determine what state you may be in as well. The results tell us what type of treatment your body needs. Once we know where your body is, I can determine:
Do you need homeopathic medicine?
Do you need Acupuncture?
Do you need physical treatment such as chiropractic adjustments?
Do you need glandular supplements to rebuild the adrenal glands?
Do you need emotional relief?
Do you need a change in diet?
Often times I find it is a combination of the above. How long do you plan to be miserable? You didn't get to this state over night. It can take up to two years to rebuild and balance the adrenal glands and endocrine system. It is a commitment to be healthy. But one that will greatly improve your quality of life!
