Prairie Health & Wellness Newsletter — May 2025, Edition 17
Pillar of the Month: Stress
Restore a well balanced nervous system by prioritizing self-care, managing stressors, and owning your stress-response
A Word from Kaylee Digby, APRN
Adrenal Health
In the fast paced world we live in, stress has become second nature to many. It seems as though our plates are always full and stress is all around us, impacting us in many different facets. Our bodies are not made to keep up with the demand of stress the way we do. It can begin to manifest through signs and symptoms, indicating that the body is trying to communicate a need to slow down or that it needs some support.
The nervous system and adrenal glands play a crucial role in protecting the body from various physical, mental, emotional, and relational stressors. The adrenal glands, small but mighty, sit on top of the kidneys and work alongside other glands to make up our hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, a complex network that governs our stress response. Understanding this system can lead to an intentional mindset on the value of stress management and adrenal health.
The Role of the Adrenal Glands
The adrenal glands produce a variety of hormones, including cortisol, adrenaline (epinephrine), and DHEA. Cortisol is commonly referred to as the "primary stress hormone," which plays a vital role in regulating blood sugar, blood pressure, and immune function. Adrenaline provides the immediate "fight-or-flight" response to acute stressors, increasing heart rate and alertness, but chronic adrenaline surges can lead to things like anxiety, palpitations, and blood pressure changes. DHEA, a precursor to other hormones, contributes to energy levels and immune support. DHEA levels can decline over time with chronic stress, which can contribute to fatigue and reduced resilience. When we encounter stress, whether physical or emotional, the hypothalamus in our brain produces corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH). This hormone triggers the pituitary gland to release adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which in turn stimulates the adrenal glands to release cortisol. This cascade of hormones is designed to help us respond to short-term stressors.
Chronic Stress
While the HPA axis is essential for survival, chronic stress can disrupt its delicate balance. Prolonged exposure to stressors leads to consistently elevated cortisol levels, which can have detrimental effects on our health and lead to adrenal dysfunction. Chronically elevated cortisol can wreak havoc on multiple body systems. It suppresses immune function, leaving us more vulnerable to infections, and disrupts sleep patterns, often resulting in insomnia and poor sleep quality. Cortisol also contributes to weight gain—especially around the abdomen—by promoting insulin resistance and encouraging fat storage. Over time, chronic stress can impair cognitive function as well, diminishing memory, concentration, and decision-making abilities.
Functional Approach to Assessing Adrenal Function
In functional medicine, we utilize advanced lab testing to assess adrenal function and identify imbalances in the HPA axis. We offer our patients a variety of serum/blood tests, salivary cortisol testing, and urinary adrenal metabolite testing. Testing allows us to assess cortisol levels through basic screening methods or more detailed measurements taken throughout the day, which provides a more comprehensive picture of adrenal activity. DHEA and other hormone levels can also be assessed to gain further insights into adrenal health.
Supporting Adrenal Health
Supporting adrenal health requires a multifaceted approach. Stress management and prioritizing quality sleep are crucial for adrenal recovery and can help regulate the HPA axis. A balanced diet, rich in whole foods, can provide the nutrients needed to support adrenal function. We also use a variety of supplements to help modulate and support adrenal health, such as glandular supplements, adaptogenic herbs, and vitamins. By understanding the intricate role of the adrenal glands, we can take proactive steps to manage stress by assessing adrenal function, identifying imbalances, and providing personalized support to enhance resilience and optimize overall adrenal health.
New Provider: Jami Mann, PA
We are excited to announce the newest member to our provider team, Jami Mann, PA! Jami is a family practice provider with special interest in women's health, hormone therapy, restorative fertility, adrenal/thyroid connection, gut health, and nutrition/lifestyle coaching. Jami is a wonderful addition to our team and is now open for scheduling!
We're Hiring
Full Time Nurse
Looking for a detail-oriented individual focused on Functional Medicine and helping patients navigate meaningful lifestyle changes.
Online Supplement Store
We are proud to announce the official launch of our online supplement store! Shop from anywhere, anytime, and enjoy recurring monthly shipments with our subscription options and free shipping on all subscriptions and regular orders over $100. PHW Members can utilize the discount code MEMBER20 at checkout to receive their 20% off. We can't wait for you to experience the convenience and quality of our online supplement store! Check it out at the link below!
Supplement Highlight: Adrenal Balance
Adrenal Balance contains a combination of adaptogenic herbs and B vitamins that assist in adrenal hormone production and support the body's stress response. This formula has been created to support optimal energy levels, reduce inflammation and aid in a healthy immune system response.
Nutritional IV Services
We offer several nutritional infusions to support wellness based on the needs of our patients. IV infusions are helpful because we can deliver higher doses of nutrients into the bloodstream than we are able to absorb in the gut. Energy and Stamina is a great IV option for those looking to support their adrenal health. It contains a hefty dose of vitamin C, B vitamins and amino acids, making this infusion a fantastic choice for those seeking to support their adrenal function.
Checkout our Spring Salads Cookbook!
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