Tag Archive for: Energy Levels

Burnout or Adrenal Fatigue?

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Wondering if your symptoms are Burnout or Adrenal Fatigue? Are you always tired, stressed, or feeling overwhelmed? It might not be burnout—it could be Adrenal Fatigue.

I was in a severe stage of Adrenal Fatigue a few years ago, and it was really tough. I ignored the signs for too long and ended up feeling awful. I would cry for no reason and couldn’t function at work by the afternoon. Even simple tasks like making the bed felt exhausting.

Conventional medicine calls it adrenal insufficiency, while holistic medicine calls it adrenal fatigue. Whatever the name, it’s serious and needs professional help. When your body doesn’t make enough cortisol and aldosterone, you get symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue. It can range from mild to severe. Mine was severe.

What are the Signs of Adrenal Fatigue and What Can You Do?

Adrenal Fatigue can creep in slowly, making it hard to notice how bad you really feel. It’s important to recognize the signs and take action. Here are some common symptoms:

  • Constant tiredness even after a full night’s sleep
  • Trouble staying asleep or feeling wired at night
  • Low blood pressure
  • Hair loss and weak nails
  • Feeling wiped out in the afternoons
  • Craving salty foods
  • Muscle weakness
  • Emotional sensitivity
  • High stress levels
  • Dizziness, especially when standing up
  • Unexplained weight changes
  • Overwhelming everyday tasks
  • Sensitivity to bright lights
  • Lack of interest or enthusiasm

Take the Burnout or Adrenal Fatigue Quiz

Answer the following questions to see if you have symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue:

  1. Do you wake up exhausted after sleeping 6-8 hours or more?
  2. Do you find it hard to stay asleep?
  3. Do you go to bed exhausted only to feel wired again and unable to sleep?
  4. Is your blood pressure dropping on occasion?
  5. Have you noticed more hair loss?
  6. Are your nails weak or thin?
  7. Do you feel wiped out in the afternoons?
  8. Do you crave salt?
  9. Do you have muscle weakness?
  10. Are you emotionally sensitive?
  11. Are you or were you under a high amount of constant stress?
  12. Do you feel dizzy, especially when getting up from lying down?
  13. Are you gaining or losing weight for no apparent reason?
  14. Do everyday tasks seem overwhelming?
  15. Are you sensitive to bright lights?
  16. Do you lack interest or enthusiasm for things that usually bring you joy?

Results and Next Steps

If you checked more than eight of these questions, it’s a good idea to seek help and testing with an integrative doctor or Naturopath. Adrenal Fatigue can be serious and should be addressed with professional guidance. If you have less than eight, you may want to consider the 5-Minute Stress assessment to learn where your stress is coming from and next steps to prevent Adrenal Fatigue.

Care Options

Conventional medicine usually treats adrenal insufficiency with steroids. However, the holistic approach includes whole clean foods, detox, stress management, and supplementation. I’ve outlined the program that worked for me since steroids were not an option. One of the most crucial components is managing your stress. I support clients with a comprehensive 6-week Mental Fitness (stress reduction program). Each person is unique, so it’s crucial to seek help from a qualified professional. It’s also highly beneficial to get support from someone who has experienced Adrenal Fatigue.

Learn More

If you want to learn more, request our free guide called “Top 3 Tips to Overcome Adrenal Stress” to start balancing your body and regaining your energy. For the best diet, foods, and supplements for Adrenal Fatigue, check out our “Best Foods & Supplements for Adrenal Fatigue Guide.” I wrote these guides based on my personal experience and recovery. I understand what you are going through, and it’s not easy.

If you have any questions, please reach out anytime. We are here to listen and help. You can connect with others who have been where you are. Please comment below and let me know how you scored on your quiz.

What are enzymes

What are Enzymes

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What Are Enzymes and Why Are They Important for Women Over 40

What are enzymes and why are they so important yet not many doctors or nutritionists discuss with their patients or clients? Have you ever wondered how your body turns the food you eat into energy? It’s like magic, but there’s actually science behind it. The secret lies in tiny proteins called enzymes. Let’s dive into what enzymes are, why they’re so important for everyone—especially women over 40—and how you can keep them working well with the right foods and lifestyle.

What Are Enzymes?

Enzymes are special proteins that act like little helpers in your body. They speed up chemical reactions that are necessary for things like digesting food, repairing cells, and getting rid of toxins. Without enzymes, these processes would happen too slowly for us to survive.

Imagine you’re baking a cake. The ingredients—flour, sugar, eggs—won’t turn into a cake on their own. You need heat from the oven to mix them properly and bake the cake. In your body, enzymes are like the heat in the oven. They make sure everything happens quickly and efficiently.

Why Are Enzymes Crucial for Women Over 40?

As we get older, our bodies start to change. For women over 40, these changes can include slower metabolism, digestive issues, and less efficient cell repair. Enzymes play a big role in these processes, and as we age, the number of enzymes and their activity can decrease. This means your body might not break down food as well, leading to less energy and more digestive problems.

Here’s why enzymes are extra important for women over 40:

  1. Digestion: Enzymes help break down food into nutrients. With fewer enzymes, you might feel bloated or have stomach issues.
  2. Energy: Enzymes help turn the food you eat into energy. Less efficient enzymes mean you might feel tired more often.
  3. Cell Repair: Enzymes help repair and build new cells. As you age, your skin, hair, and overall health depend on efficient cell repair.
  4. Detoxification: Enzymes help remove toxins from your body. This is crucial for maintaining good health and preventing diseases.

Foods to Include in Your Diet

To keep your enzymes working well, you need to eat the right foods. Here are some enzyme-friendly foods that can help:

  1. Pineapple and Papaya: These fruits contain natural enzymes like bromelain and papain, which help with digestion.
  2. Fermented Foods: Foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi are rich in probiotics, which support enzyme activity and gut health.
  3. Raw Vegetables and Fruits: Cooking can destroy enzymes, so eating raw fruits and vegetables can help you get more enzymes.
  4. Avocados: These are rich in healthy fats and contain enzymes that help with digestion.
  5. Ginger and Garlic: These spices can boost enzyme activity and have anti-inflammatory properties.

As always, buy organic when possible or grown locally without pesticides or herbicides.

Foods to Avoid

Some foods can hinder enzyme activity and should be limited:

  1. Processed Foods: These often contain preservatives and artificial ingredients that can disrupt enzyme activity.
  2. Sugar: High sugar intake can lead to inflammation, which can affect enzyme function.
  3. Fried Foods: These can be hard to digest and can slow down enzyme activity. Most oils are genetically modified as well.
  4. Alcohol: Too much alcohol can damage your liver, which produces many enzymes needed for digestion and detoxification.

How Stress Impacts Enzymes

Stress is a big deal when it comes to enzymes. When you’re stressed, your body goes into “fight or flight” mode, and this can affect digestion and enzyme production. Here’s how stress impacts your enzymes:

  1. Reduced Digestive Enzymes: Stress can slow down the production of digestive enzymes, leading to stomach problems.
  2. Increased Toxins: Stress can cause your body to produce more toxins, which your enzymes need to work harder to remove.
  3. Slower Metabolism: Stress hormones can slow down your metabolism, making it harder for your body to use food efficiently.

To keep your enzymes happy, it’s important to manage stress. Here are a few tips:

  1. Exercise Regularly: Physical activity can help reduce stress and boost enzyme activity.
  2. Get Enough Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night to allow your body to repair and produce enzymes.
  3. Practice Relaxation Techniques: Activities like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can help lower stress levels.

Conclusion

Enzymes are vital for keeping your body running smoothly, especially as you age. For women over 40, maintaining enzyme health can help with digestion, energy levels, and overall well-being. By including enzyme-friendly foods in your diet, avoiding foods that hinder enzyme activity, and managing stress, you can support your body’s natural processes and stay healthy. So, next time you think about what to eat or how to relax, remember the little helpers in your body—your enzymes—are counting on you!

Take the Gut Health Survey

Gut Health Survey

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Curious about your gut health? Take the Gut Health Survey to assess potential imbalances affecting your digestion, energy levels, and overall well-being.

  1. How often do you experience digestive discomfort such as bloating, gas, or abdominal pain?
  2. Have you noticed any changes in your bowel movements, such as constipation, diarrhea, or irregularity?
  3. Do you frequently experience heartburn or acid reflux?
  4. Have you recently undergone antibiotic treatment or taken medications that affect the gut (e.g., proton pump inhibitors, NSAIDs)?
  5. Do you experience low energy levels or fatigue?
  6. Do you often experience cravings for sugar, chocolate or processed foods?
  7. Have you experienced significant stress or emotional upheaval recently?
  8. Does your diet lack daily servings of  fruits, vegetables, and fermented foods?
  9. Have you been diagnosed with any autoimmune conditions or food sensitivities?
  10. Are you experiencing symptoms of anxiety, depression, irritability, brain fog, or chronic stress?

Your responses to the survey questions can offer valuable insights into potential gut health imbalances that may be impacting your overall well-being. If you find yourself answering yes to any of the above questions, it’s essential to seek guidance from an expert who can provide personalized recommendations. Opt for professionals who prioritize holistic approaches and avoid over-reliance on over-the-counter or prescription medications, which could potentially exacerbate gut issues and compromise your long-term health.

Schedule a complimentary session today to discuss your gut health journey and explore tailored solutions for your well-being.