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Your HPA axis is working optimally!
It looks like your HPA axis is well balanced and working optimally.But that does not mean you have completely dodged a bullet. If you feel overwhelmed with responsibilities and worries, it can still take a toll on your health. And even a smooth running HPA axis is susceptible to the effects of stress. So before you let the overwhelm take control of your life, you can take simple measures to reduce the impact of stress and rebalance your HPA axis. I will outline these simple, time tested strategies on “ how to increase your energy, manage your stress better and overall improve your health” that you can easily incorporate in your daily life. You may even wonder why it matters to employ these strategies. As humans, we are always motivated to act when we understand the "why"- the need for an action. And to understand the need for rebalancing HPA axis, you have to first know what HPA dysfunction really means. After all you can’t solve a problem that you don’t understand.What is HPA Axis dysfunctionHow your body responds to stress is a complex mechanism that involves communication between the nervous system and endocrine system.The whole HPA axis (also called Hypothalamus - Pituitary - Adrenal axis) is involved in preparing your body to respond immediately to stress.Take for example you are hiking in the woods and you come across a bear, you will naturally experience fear. Your HPA axis will gear up to get you ready to act. Your hypothalamus will send hormone signals to the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland in turn sends signals to the adrenal glands to produce stress hormones such as cortisol, adrenaline and noradrenaline. These hormones and neurotransmitters are responsible for helping you adapt to stress better.In addition to stress response, the HPA axis is also responsible for regulating various important functions in the body. And when there is disruption in HPA axis communication, it leads to a host of health issues such as anxiety, low mood, gastrointestinal issues, poor immune health and hormone imbalance.Over the next few weeks, I'll share with you my insights on hacking your HPA axis along with D-I-Y strategies to support your HPA axis. You will discover that these strategies involve only small changes but they will have big impact on your health. Hey there! I'm Dr.Sharmilee Jayachandran, licensed Naturopathic Doctor, Women's wellness advocate and Natural health coach. My practice is in the Greater Boston area and I provide online consultations throughout the US.In my Naturopathic medicine practice, I have helped countless women find relief from their multiple health issues primarily driven by the effects of long term stress. And if you are here, you must be experiencing some of these health challenges too.It’s time to break this cycle and empower yourself through education and support so you can take control of your health and wellness. Over the next few weeks, I will provide a series of emails containing actionable information to rebalance your HPA axis. Be sure to lookout for my emails!“It’s not the load that breaks you down, it’s the way you carry it “ – Lou HoltzP.S:If you want guidance on how to optimize your HPA axis and live your best life right away. Book a consultation with me I will not only assess your HPA axis related symptoms, but look at your overall health history, diet and lifestyle so we can find ways to better support your health needs and wellness goals.