By Dr. Abayomi Meeks
In my January 2008 article, I explained the significance of the kidney and urinary bladder from an eastern and wholistic medical perspective. For Black history month, I will expand your knowledge of how the kidney and adrenal affect your energy level.
The adrenals are no bigger than a walnut and weigh less than a grape. There is one adrenal gland that sits like a tiny pyramid on the top of each kidney. From this location, they not only significantly affect the functioning of every tissue, organ and gland in your body, but they also have important affects on the way you think and feel.
The purpose of your adrenal glands is to help your body cope with stressors and survive. In fact, they are known as the “stress glands.” They help you deal with stress from every possible source. These glands also determine the energy of your responses to every change in your internal and external environment. They signal attack and retreat, and as every cell of your body responds, you feel the results.
One way to understand the powerful role that the adrenals play in your life is to take a look at the wide range of medical conditions treated with drugs that imitate the actions of the adrenal hormone cortisol (synthetic corticosteroids). The uses of hydrocortisone (a corticosteroid) listed in The Physicians Desk Reference will give you the information. They include but are not limited to the treatment of diseases and disorders of the heart, blood, joints, respiratory, gastrointestinal tract, skin, eyes, and nervous system. Also, hydrocortisone is used to control inflammation, swelling and symptoms of allergies, cancer, viral infections, immune and auto-immune diseases.
The effects of your body’s own adrenal hormones, which can be manipulated naturally with acupuncture without side effects, on your health and bodily functions are even more profound and extensive. Your adrenals influence the following:
- utilization of carbohydrates and fats into energy,
- distribution of stored fat (especially around your waist and face),
- normal blood sugar regulation,
- minimization of negative allergic reactions,
- function of your sex drive, sex hormones, weight, stamina, muscular strength, and so on.
Factors which weaken your adrenals, thus contributing to “adrenal fatigue” (Addison’s disease or non-Addison’s hypoadrenia) are: toxins, fear, overwork, anger, infections, caffeine, smoking, negative attitude, poor sleep, poor diet, worry, and stress Symptoms of adrenal fatigue include: being fatigued after sleep, craving salty and sweet foods, lethargia, decreased energy, low sex drive, mild depression, frequent illness with slow recovery, impatience, despair, melancholy, memory loss, decreased mental focus, and the list goes on and on.
Now for some good news: you control the outcome. It is time to reframe your lifestyle. Changes must be made that include making the correct choices. We must change bad habits to good habits, and avoid or at least decrease the “energy robbers” in our lives. The foods you eat, the way you think and behave, and the people you spend your time with all can be energy robbers.
Let’s eat healthier, energy-providing foods like complex carbohydrates, fiber, proteins, vitamins and minerals. Raw or lightly cooked proteins are best, but use moderation and avoid fried foods. A balance of sweet (fruits), starchy (grains) and non-starchy (vegetables) represents carbohydrates of choice.
Eat plenty of vegetables but do not overcook; minerals and vitamins are lost with greater heat. Avoid too much salt but eat veggies that have naturally occurring sodium (i.e. olives, dulse, kelp, bell peppers, spinach, celery, zucchini, beet greens, etc.). The preferred fruits to strengthen adrenals or decrease adrenal fatigue are: papaya, mango, plums, pear, kiwi, apples, cherries, and grapes.
Furthermore, good sources of fat and oils are raw, organic seeds and nuts. Also, butter is better than margarine, which is synthetic. Cook with extra virgin, cold-pressed olive oil.
Finally, there is no replacement for regular exercise, which elevates cortisol and aldosterone levels. This increases natural sodium levels in the blood, allowing for greater digestive tolerance of fruits, while also stimulating endorphin release, thus reducing pain and creating a sense of euphoria and wellness.
The topic of the adrenals, rejuvenation and energy is one I could elaborate upon for weeks, so take this information as a basis for you to start a healthy regime that will enhance your quality of life and don’t waste time!
“Know who you are and love who you are.”
Love and Happy Black History Month!
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