Stressed out, momma? You're going to want to read this.

Hey momma, how ya doing? Hanging on by a thread just like me? Cool, I get it. 

I want to help you.

We made it through the longest summer break ever and the kids are finally back in school, but some of you may now be in the role of home-school teacher for the first time. It’s stressful! You’re stressed and the kids are stressed trying to adjust. But this one is for you, momma, so keep reading. 

One of the most important things you can do for yourself right now to support your body is to eat.

And I don’t mean a quick piece of toast in the morning, thrown together leftovers for lunch, and whatever the kids want for dinner. I mean thoughtful meals that are nutrient-dense and going to support you best. 

When our bodies are stressed out we are in constant survival mode. Cortisol and adrenaline are elevated and our adrenal glands are working overtime to support the release of those stress hormones. If we are not fueling properly and eating to support blood sugar regulation, then the liver is also working overtime to compensate for lack of energy. When we do not eat enough and do not provide our bodies with necessary fuel, the liver is stimulated to create usable energy (glucose) from body tissue like muscles, connective tissue, and fat. While this may provide energy short term, other important processes like thyroid hormone conversion and estrogen detoxification are getting put on the back burner. The effects of those will follow suit. Other important body functions like digestion, hormone balance, and fertility are also put on the back burner while the body is in survival mode. 

I know not all stress is something that is within our control-- I’m looking at you virtual schooling-- but eating enough is.

Eating to support blood sugar regulation looks like eating properly prepared, nutrient-dense, whole foods in 3-4 hour intervals throughout the day. Balance each meal with a protein, carbohydrate, and fat, and consume your morning coffee with or after breakfast. Adding some substance to your coffee can go a long way, too! Try some coconut milk, collagen, and a bit of ghee, butter or mct oil blended together and topped with cinnamon-- sooo good!

Our adrenal glands, the ones pumping out cortisol and adrenaline, should be given some serious love. You can think of them as the body’s back up generators for energy. While they do great things for us, they can also burn out. If we are exposed to stress for long periods of time, the body will try to protect itself from the effects of cortisol. Through the HPA axis (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis), the brain stops its signals to the adrenal glands to produce cortisol, and this is why we feel tired. 

Signs and symptoms that we are over-stressed and our adrenals are taking the hit:

1. Difficulty falling asleep or tend to be a night person

2. Slow starter in the morning

3. Experience headaches after exercising

4. Feeling wired or jittery after drinking coffee

5. Chronic low back pain that is worse with fatigue

6. Crave salty foods

7. Salt foods before tasting them

8. Sweat easily

9. Chronic fatigue

10. Afternoon yawning and/or headaches

Beyond simply supporting the adrenal glands, which we must do anyways, we need to uncover the root cause of why they burnt out in the first place. We need to actively take steps to reduce stress in our lives and in our bodies. This can look like eating enough throughout the day, scaling back the intensity of workouts, saying no to events, sleeping for at least 7 hours at night, resting more, drinking plenty of water, removing food sensitivities. The adrenal glands are also where 95% of our whole food vitamin C is stored in the body. Incorporate plenty of vitamin C rich foods daily!

This can seem a little daunting and if you don’t know where to start or just need some support in your health, that’s why I’m here. During your intake appointment we will deep dive into your health concerns and lifestyle to uncover hidden stressors and actively work to remove them. 

In the meantime, try this AMAZING adrenal cocktail recipe. It’s a perfect balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates to support blood sugar. It also is packed with vitamin C from the orange juice, and provides added electrolytes from the sea salt. Your adrenal glands will thank you and your taste buds will love you! I usually enjoy mine between meals, or post hot yoga.

4-6 oz orange juice

2 tbsp collagen

2 tbsp coconut cream

As much salt as you can tolerate 

Blend together!