Adrenal Function Testing

Stress has its place in a healthy body. Small bursts of our stress hormones are essential to keep us functioning and performing in everyday life. However, when prolonged stress causes a continuous exposure to rushes of adrenaline and/or cortisol which compromises our waking and sleeping patterns, and increases inflammation. This condition may cause nutrient depletions, e.g. calcium, vitamin D, magnesium, to mention a few important ones. A number of body functions start to be compromised: from our digestion and our ability to detoxify.

What is Adrenal Fatigue?
Adrenal Fatigue is a condition in which the body has stopped being able to cope with defence mechanisms, because the adrenal glands are no longer capable of releasing cortisol at the correct time and in the correct doses, nor are they able to counter the reduction of cortisol with the equally important release of DHEA hormone.

What are some common symptoms of adrenal insufficiency?
– Low energy
– Craving salty foods
– Brain fog
– Poor sleep quality
– Difficulty waking
– Low libido
– Reliance on caffeine
– Weakened immunity
– Inability to handle stress
– Central (abdominal cavity) weight gain

What can testing your adrenals do for you?
Testing your adrenal glands can give you and your health care practitioner the information required to see which stage of adrenal exhaustion you may be at. There is a lot of support available through the intake of correct nutrients in terms of both food and supplementation, when required, to help your adrenal glands return to their correct function.

What does adrenal testing involve?
The adrenal test requires 5 salivary samples to be taken at specific times throughout one day. Results are available within 15 working days. A comprehensive test report details the levels of cortisol throughout the day, as well as morning and afternoon DHEA concentration and the cortisol/DHEA ratio.

The role of your healthcare professional
Functional tests should always be performed with the help of qualified professionals as they are able to interpret the test results, explain them to you in a clear and informed manner, as well as create a full dietary protocol that can support your condition.Nutritional therapists have studied and trained thoroughly in functional testing and are qualified to perform all functional tests.

What happens at the initial appointment?
I will discuss your symptoms with you, help you understand why you may be experiencing specific symptoms and decide whether Adrenal testing or another type of testing may be more appropriate (Vit. D, Thyroid, IgG for Food Intolerances, Leaky Gut, Candida, DNA testing). If Adrenal Testing is the most appropriate, I will then explain to you exactly how to test and will give you a kit to take away with you.

What happens after the test results?
You will attend a follow up appointment with me and I will assess the results, explain them to you and create a personalised dietary protocol which will also contain lifestyle changes. All foods, supplements and lifestyle changes will be negotiated and agreed with the client to ensure full compliance. The client’s motivation and cooperation in making dietary and lifestyle changes happen is fundamental for the success of the programme.

Costs
Initial: £30
Adrenal Test: £108 (Lab cost)
Follow up: £70
You would receive your fully personalised protocol within 3 to 4 days of your follow up appointment.

Glutathione – the master antioxidant

Glutathione is one of the most important molecules in the body – almost like a magic elixir of health. Too little of it and you’re at risk of developing one of the most feared health conditions facing us today, including stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, and heart disease.

If you’ve got good enough levels, that’s where the gold is…

But when levels are adequate or high, that’s when the magic happens. You’ll not only have protection from the conditions above, but you’ll have amazing energy, glowing skin, healthy detoxification, strong heart and brain function, and possibly even a longer life!

Glutathione is made up of three amino acids called cysteine, glycine, and glutamic acid (or glutamate). It’s often called the “master” antioxidant because it helps recycle all the other antioxidants in your body like vitamins C and E, as well as alpha lipoic acid and CoQ10.

Research show glutathione primes the white blood cells of the immune system and helps them produce more infection-fighting substances so they can control both bacterial and viral infections.

Foods to increase glutathione

Eating the right foods to naturally increase glutathione will help keep you fighting fit. There are a small number of foods that naturally contain glutathione. These include asparagus, avocado, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, spinach, broccoli, garlic, chives, tomatoes, cucumber, almonds, and walnuts.

Some other foods contain the building blocks needed to make glutathione (they are the pre-cursors – the warm-up act); the foods containing cysteine and other sulphur-containing foods, and selenium.

Good foods to choose are onions, spring onions, shallots, leeks, kale, bok choy, rocket, spring greens, watercress, radishes. Some spices such as turmeric, cinnamon and cardamom – have compounds that can also help to restore healthy levels of glutathione and its antioxidant enzymes.

Want to bulletproof your immunity? How to endure Lock Down and Still Thrive!

Increase your antioxidants

You need to stockpile those natural antioxidants (and not just the packets and tins of pulses!). When you supercharge this “antioxidant potential” you give your immune system a real boost. And, if you’re wondering ‘where have I heard about antioxidants before?’ they’re the things skincare companies tell you their anti-ageing moisturisers are full of so double win.

Why are antioxidants important?

Viruses and bacteria produce oxidants, which are reactive forms of oxygen that damage cells and age you faster. Simply, they are bad news. We’re also getting our fill of oxidants from eating chargrilled/ blackened foods or breathing polluted air, and maybe you’ve had a less than great diet over the years. Where you can end up is a situation in which you have too many oxidants and not enough antioxidants.

Revving up your antioxidant status at times like these is a really good idea. While vitamin C seems to get all the praise when it comes to immunity, there’s another molecule that is the under-recognised supporting actor who deserves the starring role – glutathione.

…more about glutathione tomorrow!

GLUTEN-FREE OVERNIGHT OATS

Choose one item from each category and mix all the ingredients thoroughly. Top with your choice of topping, put in the fridge overnight and it’s ready for you first thing in the morning. (Serves 1)

♦ BASE (40G)
oats | quinoa flakes | buckwheat flakes

♦ LIQUID (150-200ML UNSWEETENED) almond milk | hemp milk | coconut milk

♦ PROTEIN
1tbsp protein powder | 100g plain Greek yoghurt 20g chopped nuts

♦ SEEDS (1TBSP)
chia seeds | flaxseeds | pumpkin seeds

♦ TOPPINGS
1 handful frozen / fresh berries
1 chopped apple / pear / peach / nectarine 2 chopped plums / apricots

GLUTEN-FREE OVERNIGHT OATS

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