We’ve mentioned cortisol and the adrenals earlier in this course but let’s revisit them to understand their importance in our long-term health.

Cortisol is the primary hormone that allows the body to manage stress in the short term. There are 3 types of stress:

• • Physical
  • Chemical
  • Emotional

We experience “fight or flight” to some degree with all three forms of stress. When we are in “fight or flight mode” we are focused on running away from the danger. We are NOT digesting or healing.Stress is stress meaning there is no differentiation between the different kinds of stress in the body.

Adrenal glands produce Cortisol and also DHEA and aldosterone.When adrenal glads are stressed, they aren’t doing as good of a job at producing these hormones.These hormones are also the precursors to making many other hormones. This is why stress can impact so many different systems in your body including:

• • • Muskuloskeletal Health
    • Muscle integrity and function
    • Bone production
    • Connective tissue
    • Neural tissue health
    • Memory
    • Sleep
    • Endocrine function
    • Thyroid
    • Male and female hormone levels and function
    • Fat and protein metabolism
    • Mucosal surface lining
    • Protein turn over
    • Weight and fat distribution
    • Detox ability
    • Liver function
    • Immune system regulation

When the adrenal glands are overwhelmed due to ongoing stress it leads to adrenal dysfunction, which can cause fatigue and overwhelm. 

Cortisol hormones fluctuate throughout the day are best tested through saliva or urine. You may have specific things included on your plan to address and support your adrenal glands and this is also why we include things like 4 square breathing, adequate sleep, exercise. 

The adrenal glands can heal and through understanding from your labs and our team, you can tackle stress in all its forms and better position your body to have balanced hormones and normalized function.