Hormones and the Holidays

by Glen Depke

Really, two women this week referred to themselves as raging lunatics and I would bet that there are some other women and men who may be thinking the same thing around the holidays.

While we hear a lot of the "reason for the season" we need to be real also. The holidays are unfortunately filled with stress and frustration. It can seem endless:

• Parking at the mall
• Crowds at the mall
• Too much to do with too little time
• Less than optimal food choices
• Too much alcohol
• Challenges with relatives
• So many parties, so little time
• So many gifts to buy without enough money
• Trying to make everyone happy
• Lack of proper sleep
• Disruption in schedules
• Holiday travel
• ...and the list goes on

I think you get the picture and I am sure that you can substantially add to this list.

So, with the real Christmas as it is too many, what is this doing to your hormones?

Can you say, jacking them up?!

Of course this is a figure of speech to describe the hormonal imbalances that are created by excessive stress. The physical, mental, emotional and chemical stress that we endure puts a huge strain on the adrenal glands. This then creates a likely dysfunction in the:

• thyroid
• pancreas
• ovary function
• metabolism of fat and protein
• regulation of body weight
• mucosal tissue integrity
• detoxification processes
• immune system function
• pro and anti-inflammatory states
• cellular energy
• glucose balance
• bone and connective tissue turnover
• muscular integrity
• quality of sleep and mood
• ability to memorize and learn
• overall neural connectivity

Does the raging lunatic make sense now?

Even if you do not get pushed to the raging lunatic, you may experience weight gain, the "winter" cold or flu or other nagging symptoms at this time of the year. While there are many culprits that tie into adrenal dysfunction, stress is at the top of the list.

Now that we recognize the underlying issue, how do you resolve this?

That's easy...take a vacation to a remote island in the Pacific and lay around in a hammock reading a good book for the next month.

I know not likely for most of us, myself included. Does sound like a great idea though.

Truly you can help your adrenal gland function by taking a higher dose of vitamin B5 during this time of the year. You can usually get this in the form of Pantothenic Acid or Pantethine. The Pantethine is a more bioavailable form but the cost is much more than reflective of this benefit. I personally use and recommend to my clients the Pantothenic Acid at 1000mgs per day during these stressful times. Taking one 500mg capsule with breakfast and dinner provides the support that your adrenals need during these trying times. If you do not have stock of Pantothenic Acid, visit the Depke Wellness Store and pick some up. One 120 count bottle is just over $15.00 and when you get this online, shipping and handling is free with the Depke Wellness Store. It is simply too inexpensive to not do. Even if you do not get some from our store, get some locally or from another provider. Your adrenals and your hormones with thank you!

At this time of the year, the stress is real as is the need for additional B5.

Here's to your hormones and holidays and no more raging lunatics. LOL!

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