Irene Boshoff

Obesity is NOT YOUR FAULT! Yes, you read right! Obesity is one of the symptoms of adrenal fatigue. Now the question is what is adrenal fatigue? In a nutshell, the adrenals are two small glands, each situated on top of one of the lobes of the liver. Their main function is the production of cortisol. Cortisol is a hormone that, when released, helps the body combat stress. It also triggers other hormone-producing organs to release their own hormones, such as the pancreas that produces insulin. When the adrenals go into a state of stress due to overwork, they go into what is known as ‘adrenal fatigue’ and no longer produce the levels of cortisol needed by the body. The result of this is constant fatigue, high blood sugar, high blood pressure, and yes, the body putting on the pounds! Things you can do to help yourself if you think this might be your problem: 1. Get enough rest! Do not think that excessive workouts in the gym will alleviate the problem. Your body cannot deal with the added stress. 2. Get rid of, or deal with, things in your life that cause stress. This might be work-related or personal. You could also try meditation, yoga, walking, or taking up a hobby. 3. Stay away from caffeine in any form – caffeine puts added stress on the liver and the adrenals. 4. Stay away from sugary food as well as sodas (even diet soda). Sugar and artificial substitutes are an added burden on the adrenal glands. 5. Eat smaller, healthy meals throughout the day. Large meals mean the body (and adrenal glands) have to work harder. 6. Drink enough water. It flushes out the toxins in the liver, helping the adrenals in their function. These few guidelines will go a long way in balancing the body once more, and if kept up over a period, the added pounds will soon melt off.