Optimizing Blood Sugar, Inflammation & Stress for Hormone Health

Question 1

What is blood sugar?

Answer 1

The concentration of sugar, technically known as glucose, that is in the bloodstream at any given time.

Question 2

When a carbohydrate is consumed, it is broken down into BLANK via the BLANK.

Answer 2

Glucose via the digestive system, this includes carbs in the forms of not only simple sugars but complex carbohydrates.

Question 3

What are the different kinds of carbohydrates?

Answer 3

• Monosaccharide: 1 simple sugar molecule
• Disaccharide: 2 simple sugar molecules
• Oligosaccharide: roughly 3-9
• Polysaccharide:many simple sugar molcules (anything w/ more than 10)

Question 4

What are examples of monosaccharides?

Answer 4

• Glucose
• Fructose
• Galactose

Question 5

What are examples of disaccharides?

Answer 5

• Sucrose
• Lactose
• Maltose

Question 6

What are examples of moligosaccharides?

Answer 6

• Fructooligosaccharide
• Galactooligosaccharide

Question 7

What are examples of polysaccharides?

Answer 7

• Gylcogen
• Starch
• Cellulose

Question 8

How goes gluclose become glucose?

Answer 8

Carbs start in the form of larger saccharide-chain (or sugar-chain molecules) and must be broken down into a single, simple sugar (or monosaccharide) known as glucose.

Question 9

The more BLANK, the more complex the carb is and the longer it takes to break down into glucose.

Answer 9

saccharides

This is the reason why 1/2 tsp of table sugar will increase blood sugar significantly fater than a slide of whole-grain bread, even if the two carbohydrates contain roughly the same amount of total sugar, which comes to about 2 grams.

Question 10

Because fiber is BLANK, the more fiber a carbohydrate has, the slower it is broken down into BLANK.

Answer 10

indigestible; glucose.

Question 11

Pairing carbohydrates with fat & protein can help to do what?

Answer 11

Slow the breakdown of carbohydrates into simple sugars.

Question 12

What is the reason why carbohydrates are broken down into the monosaccharide glucose is?

Answer 12

Glucose is the preferred source of fuel—or energy—for the body, as it is used to facilitate virtually every single cell and cellular function within the body.

Question 13

The body wants to keep a balance of around how much sugar in the bloodstream at all times?

Answer 13

Around 1 gram (roughly 1/4 tasp)

Anything more or less can be very stressful and damaging to the body, casuing inflammation and a fight-or-flight response

Question 14

What happens when the body senses a blood sugar spike?

Answer 14

It calls upon the hormone insulin

Question 15

Where is insulin produced and secreted from?

Answer 15

The pancreas

Question 16

How does insulin work?

Answer 16

It works to lower blood sugar back into a normal, healthy range by taking the sugar out of the bloodstream and delivering it to various cells for energy production.

Question 17

How does insulin deliver it to various cells for energy production?

Answer 17

It does this by docking to the cell’s insulin receptor site which is located on its membrane.

From there, insulin’s job is to allow glucose to transport into the cell.

Question 18

What is insulin sensitivity?

Answer 18

The aility for the cell to receive insulin’s message for glucose deliverance.

Question 19

In order for cells to properly uptake BLANK, they need to have functional cell membranes and receptors, of which both can be damaged from excess BLANK within the bloodtream

Answer 19

glucose; glucose

Question 20

Once insulin has done its job, another hormone BLANK is released from the delta cells of the pancreas to inhibit insulin production.

Answer 20

somatostatin

Question 21

Is it normal for blood sugar to spike after consumption of food, particularly carbohyrdates?

Answer 21

Yes and it’s not something to be concerned about. However, when blood sugar spikes time and tie again, it can lead to detrimental health problems.

Question 22

When blood sugar goes up out of the normal range, what happens?

Answer 22

it causes stress on the body.

many people are also consuming high carbohydrate lunches, and even dinners, with sugary snacks, desserts & beverages in between.

This in turn results in numerous blood sugar spikes throughout the course of the day, which will eventually tax the system and lead to blood sugar dysregulation.

Question 23

Whenever there is stress there is always BLANK that follows.

Answer 23

Inflammation

Question 24

After the spike in blood sugar, to help bring things back to balance the produces BLANK which takes the sugar out of the bloodstream and delivers it to the cells for energy production.

Answer 24

Insulin

Question 25

When there’s too much BLANK within the bloodstream, there winds up being too much energy to go around, so BLANK will also store the glucose within the body as body fat or adipose tissue.

Answer 25

glucose; insulin

Question 26

Adipose tissue is made up of BLANK?

Answer 26

triglycerides or 3 fat molecules surrounding a glucose molecule.

This body does this so that in case of emergency, such as a state of famine, the body has locally stored fuel to run off until the next meal.

Question 27

Why do tend to see a sugar crash after a sugar spike?

Answer 27

When there’s a ton of sugar in the bloodstream, it calls upon a lot of insulin — and sometimes too much insulin —which can have a negative effect, sending blood sugar below healthy ranges.

Question 28

True or false: blood sugar balance is not affected by drinking caffeine in the morning, particuarly without food.

Answer 28

False, it can interfere with blood sugar balance, which can interfere with insulin sensitivity, resulting in higher blood glucose and insulin levels. This can send the body way below the normal range into extreme low blood sugar, causing a lot of stress, inflammation, and damage.

Question 29

True or false: caffeine consumption can trigger adrenaline production, which will temporarily elevate blood sugar levels, resulting in an insulin spike.

Answer 29

True

Question 30

True or False: caffeine can decrease insulin sensitivity which can increase insulin levels further

Answer 30

True

Question 31

Over-consumption of caffeine may eventually lead to BLANK due to the excessive amounts of adrenaline and cortisol that are produced from its consumption.

Answer 31

HPA dysregulation

Question 32

Is a cup or two of high-quality coffee a day okay?

Answer 32

It is for most people and may even promote inflammation balance due to the natural antioxidants it contains. This depends ont he individual and how ewll they are able to metabolize the caffeine.

Question 33

If your clients ever feel “hangry” in between meals or are they extremely fatigued mid-afternoon accompanied by some pretty intense sugar cravings, they be experiencing BLANK?

Answer 33

The effects of low blood sugar

Question 34

What will the body do to bring the blood sugar back up to a normal range?

Answer 34

it’s very stressful on the body so it will call upon glucagon from the pancreas as well as the stress hormone cortisol.

These hormones will work together to tell the body to break down the stored forms of sugar to manually bring the blood sugar back up to the preferred range.

Meanwhile, it’s telling the body that it’s starving, so clients may experience extreme cravings and “hanger”

If someone indulges and goes for a coffee or donut break, they may feel better, but then their blood sugar will spike and go back down and spike and that’s why a lot of people struggle with their symptoms including energy fatigue, mood swings, inflammation, flairs, and more.

Question 35

What causes insulin resistance?

Answer 35

By there being an increased amount of glucose and insulin within the bloodstream eventually leading to cellular resistance of insulin’s message and a steady increase of glucose and insulin within the bloodstream.

Question 36

Some research shows that insulin resistance may not always from a resistance at the receptor site. What are the other reasons why the internal blood sugar regulation systems are disrupted?

Answer 36

Inflammation and oxidative damage from excess blood sugar, toxins, and other irritants can interfere with the cell’s metabolic function.

This is one reason why some individuals respond so well to insulin sensitivity protocols, whereas others may not.

Question 37

What is the key to correcting blood sugar and insulin dysregulation and metabolism?

Answer 37

Within balancing bood sugar and inflammation through one’s nutrition and lifestyle such as eating balanced meals, decreasing stress, and minimizing exposure to toxic compounds and other irritants.

Question 38

What are Advanced Glycation End Products or AGEs?

Answer 38

When high circulating levels of glucose bind with protein molcules in the bloodstream, turning them into a sticky substrate that can gum up cell receptors and inhibit them from being able to receive hormonal messages.

Question 39

What will AGes do?

Answer 39

Will perpetuate the high blood sugar cascade by inhibiting cells fro being able to receive glucose. This in turn will tell the brain to produce more glucose internally, by stimulating glucagon, cortiol, and adrenaline production, eventually leading to a very catabolic situation which can result in lowered muslce mass, adrenal dysfunction, and hormone disruption.

Question 40

High glucose levels and high circulating insulin levels are both highly BLANK

Answer 40

Inflammatory; this combo can lead to an increased amount of vascular entdothelial irritation and plaque build-up and if not corrected can potentially lead to cardiovascular disease.

Whent his situation goes entirely out of hand, it can be a contributing factor behind the onset of type 2 diabetes, as eventually the beta cells within the pancreas give out and can no longer produce insulin sufficiently.

Question 41

The stress of blood sugar dysregulation can contribute to the production of BLANK which we thank for increased BLANK.

Answer 41

cytokines; inflammation

Question 42

When the body interprets the blood sugar dysregulation (both before and after the onset of insulin resistance) as an emergency, this triggers the cells within the immune system to produce BLANK.

Answer 42

inflammatory cytokines, specifically the cytokines TNF-alpha and IL-6.

Question 43

Cytokines not only contribute to the increased systemic inflammation by initiating a heightened immune response, but they have also been known to directly disrupt BLANK

Answer 43

hormones

Question 44

How do cytokines directly disrupt hormones?

Answer 44

They impair hormone production and block cell receptors for progesterone and thyroid hormone, setting the scene for increased testosterone, estrogen excess, and hypothyroidism.

Improper cellular function and communication, which can make it even more difficult for hormonal messages to be delivered, as well as having an impact on nutrient uptake and toxin clearance from the cell.

Question 45

Cellular inflammation can contribute to what?

Answer 45

Poor ovarian follicle formation and function, interfering with ovulatory quality and the production of progesterone.

When this inflammatory cascade perpetuates, this can further detriment hormone production by demanding a high quantity of cortisol to be produced as a result.

From there, when cortisol is produced in excess in response to elevated levels of inflammation, it can further increase blood glucose levels by initiating gluconeogenesis, leading to a perpetuating cycle of stress, inflammation, and rising blood sugar levels.

This can result in chronic, low grade systemic inflammation that can exacerbate many health conditions, making them more difficult to correct

Question 46

Due to the high demand for BLANK with blood sugar dysregulation & insulin resistance, BLANK becomes the favored hormone pathway

Answer 46

Cortisol/Cortisol

Question 47

Due to the high demand for cortisol with blood sugar dysregulation & insulin resistance, cortisol becomes the favored hormone pathway. For a long time this was referred to as BLANK

Answer 47

the pregnenolone steal, where the idea was that during times of stress, cortisol would “steal” essential building blocks such as pregnenolone (derived from cholestorol) from the production of other steroid hormones to enhance cortisol’s production.

Question 48

Why does cortisol not necessarily “steal” pregnenolone from other hormones?

Answer 48

For one, this is because cortisol is not directly produced from pregnenolone.Cortisol can be produced from pregnenolone metabolites, but it can also be produced from the conversion of progesterone.

Secondly, the name “pregnenolone steal” instills the thought that there is a limited pool of pregnenolone available to produce all of the steroid hormones. Fortunately, this isn’t the case.

Question 49

How is pregnenolone produced?

Answer 49

from the conversion of cholesterol on an as-needed basis to produce the steroid hormones that are needed.

Question 50

What is pregnenolone?

Answer 50

A chemical that comes from cholesterol. It’s used to make steroid hormones in the body.

Question 51

Pregnenolone is also a precursor for BLANK production.

Answer 51

DHEA

DHEA can and usually does drop with excess cortisol levels, but it has

Question 52

What is DHEA?

Answer 52

A hormone that your body naturally produces in the adrenal gland. DHEA helps produce other hormones, including testosterone and estrogen. Natural DHEA levels peak in early adulthood and then slowly fall as you age.

Question 53

Rather than use pregnenolone steal, what is the proper term?

Answer 53

Cortisol dominance

Question 54

What is cortisol dominance?

Answer 54

During times of increased stress, cortisol becomes the prioritized hormone, and is typically dominant over the others.

Question 55

Because cortisol can be produced from the conversion of BLANK, this is the primary reason why BLANK levels tend to decrease during times of stress.

Answer 55

progesterone/progesterone

In turn, this can interfere with ovulatory function and can increase various cyclical symptoms such as PMS and infertility struggles.

Question 56

Insulin resistance and the inflammation that follows has been known to lead to numerous problems with hormone balance and reproductive health such as…

Answer 56

specifically when it comes to promoting estrogen dominance, and being a key factor behind PCOS as well as gestational diabetes.

Question 57

How does insulin resistance promote estrogen dominance?

Answer 57

By increasing body fat deposition.

Androgens can be aromatized into estrogen via adipose tissue, which can potentially lead to more estrogen production, resulting in estrogen excess.

On top of that, the stress and inflammation that’s induced from insulin resistance can decrease progesterone, leading to estrogen dominance by ratio.

Question 58

Insulin resistance is a driving factor behind many BLANK cases

Answer 58

PCOS

Question 59

Why is insulin resistance is a driving factor behind many PCOS cases?

Answer 59

Because insulin resistance can increase androgens & testosterone levels in a few different ways.

Question 60

Why can insulin resistance increase androgens & testosterone levels?

Answer 60

High insulin levels can increase LH production, causing the ovaries to produce more androgens and less estrogen

Can lower levels of SHBG, thus, increasing levels of free testosterone within the blood

Question 61

Insulin resistance is also a huge driving factor behind BLANK.

Answer 61

When pregnant, the body automatically induces a very mild case of insulin resistance to help ensure that the fetus has plenty of glucose for its maturation.

If a woman is already insulin resistant, or borderline, the natural increase of resistance during pregnancy may decrease her insulin sensitivity further, which can increase her risk for developing gestational diabetes

Question 62

The high levels of androgens, and the symptoms that come from high androgens, are some of the necessary biomarkers for diagnosing PCOS but does not mean PCOS is BLANK

Answer 62

Guaranteed.

However, high androgen levels, specifically high testosterone, can interfere with GnRH pulsation, leading to stunted ovulation, which could potentially form ovulatory cysts, another biomarker for a PCOS diagnosis.

Question 63

What are some ways to promote the cell’s insulin receptors to become more sensitive & accepting of insulin’s messages?

Answer 63

• Movement
• Sleep
• Low carb diet
• Particular supplements

Question 64

Why can light movement help with insulin resistance?

Answer 64

As cells within the body begin to efficiently utilize glucose for energy production due to moderate physical exertion, they become more receptive to insulin’s messages and lower their levels of resistance. However, it’s important to note that excessive exercise can have a detrimental effect on the body by inducing a stress response and revving up the production of cortisol, which as we’ve discussed, is not supportive of healthy blood sugar regulation. Thus, with exercise & movement, it’s important to have some, but not too much, as to avoid health detriments on either end.

Question 65

What kind of movement would you recommend to someone with insulin sensitivity?

Answer 65

In general, for someone with blood sugar dysregulation, roughly 30 minutes of movement daily, in the form of walking, stretching, or other daily movements such as gardening, cleaning, etc.

Other than that, exercise with short interval intensity like HIIT (or High-Intensity Interval Training) and weight training, have also been shown to help improve insulin sensitivity. Basically, with these exercises, the intense intervals of exercise are met with extended periods of rest in between that help to mitigate the stress that’s applied to the body from the intensity.

Question 66

Why is sleep important for supporting healthy insulin sensitivity?

Answer 66

In the evening, while we are sleeping, our blood sugar levels naturally increase slightly to accommodate for the post-absorptive state of rest — that is — a fasting period where we are not actively consuming food.

This is a normal process and is nothing to be concerned about. However, sleep deprivation on the other hand can both increase the risk for insulin resistance and can affect the body’s appetite regulation system by increasing levels of Ghrelin, and decreasing Leptin.

Question 67

A lower carbohydrate diet may be beneficial therapeutically for those who are experiencing blood sugar dysregulation, or insulin resistance, as well as for those with PCOS, or who need to lose weight. Why is that?

Answer 67

Restricting carbohydrates to this extent can help encourage the body to improve sensitivity to insulin by restricting the amount of glucose that comes in as well as the amount of insulin that’s produced.

However, this type of diet is potentially not recommended to continue long term, as it can be too restrictive for some. Many women thrive on higher-carbohydrate diets, especially those who are experiencing any HPA dysfunction, amenorrhea, or other ovulatory issues, as a low carb diet in those situations may very well increase the body’s stress response

Question 68

What is considered a low carb diet?

Answer 68

consists of a carbohydrate ratio around 15-30% of the overall diet, or roughly 75-150 grams daily.

The carbohydrates in this case should preferably come from sources such as vegetables, fruit, and moderate starchy vegetables, rather than grains, especially if the person has a gut health imbalance or sensitivity to grains or gluten.

Question 69

One of the enzymatic processes that magnesium supports is the activation of the enzyme: Tyrosine Kinase, which is an enzyme that’s essential for the function of BLANK receptors in our cells

Answer 69

Insulin; without magnesium, this enzymatic process cannot take place properly, resulting in insulin cell receptor dysfunction.

Question 70

What are the different types of magnesium and how much to take per day?

Answer 70

Recommend taking roughly 300-400 mg of magnesium glycinate taken daily, as this form is very bioavailable and isn’t prone to initiating diarrhea.

Magnesium citrate has more of a laxative effect and may be beneficial therapeutically for those suffering from constipation.

Question 71

Curcumin has been shown to help improve BLANK by helping BLANK to get into the cells through activiting the AMPK pathway, which is an enzyme responsible for facilitating glucose & fatty acid utilization in cellular energy production

Adenosine Monophosphate Activated Protein Kinase

Answer 71

Insulin sensitivity

Question 72

What are the benefits of curcumin?

Answer 72

• a powerful anti-inflammatory agent and antioxidant, which helps to improve cellular function & inflammation balance within the body
• a fat-soluble nutrient and is said to be rapidly absorbed by the body
• can help improve insulin sensitivity

Question 73

What is the recommended amount of turmeric and the contraindications?

Answer 73

Roughly 500 mg of turmeric with 95% curcuminoid concentration twice daily.

Those on blood thinners will want to be mindful of interactions between their medications and turmeric/curcumin supplementation.

Question 74

What is Chromium essential for?

Answer 74

Proper insulin function and glucose absorption.

Unfortunately, diets high in carbohydrates and refined sugar can lead to chromium deficiency, impairing one’s ability to process their high carbohydrate intake. Therefore, supplementation may be beneficial for those who are or who have previously consumed a higher carbohydrate diet.

Question 75

How much Chromium is recommended for supporting healthy glucose control and insulin sensitivity?

Answer 75

Between 200-1,000 mcg

Question 76

What may Gymnema Sylvestre help with?

Answer 76

Supporting healthy insulin secretion and improving its function by increasing the absorption of glucose within the bloodstream

Question 77

What herb can suppress the desire for sweets by blocking sweet taste receptors on the tongue?

Answer 77

Gymnema Sylvestre

Question 78

What is the recommended amount of Gymnema and the contraindications?

Answer 78

For blood sugar support, recommend taking 100 mg 1-4 times per day.

It is best to start low and work your way up. Diabetics must be sure to work closely with a physician, as insulin amounts may need to be monitored and potentially lowered while taking Gymnema.

Question 79

What is Berberine?

Answer 79

An alkaloid found within Oregon Grape, Goldenseal, and Barberry. Similar to Curcumin, berberine has been shown to activate the enzyme AMPK, which not very many chemicals are known to do.

Question 80

What are some examples of “beneficial” stressors that stimulate the onset of AMPK activation?

Answer 80

Fasting, calorie restriction, and exercise

Question 81

What is the recommended dose of Berberine and the contraindications?

Answer 81

500 mg taken 2-3 times daily for therapeutic purposes.

Berberine should not be taken long-term as it may disturb the gut microbiome and those on antibiotics and HBC should avoid taking berberine entirely.

Diabetics should consult with their physicians and be monitored as insulin levels may need to be adjusted accordingly when supplementing.

Question 82

What happens when the enzyme AMPK is stimualted?

Answer 82

Through activating AMPK, more ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) is produced via utilizing stored forms of sugar via body fat, and through promoting glucose uptake and utilization.

Thus, helping to support healthy weight maintenance, which in turn can help balance the appetite and improve blood sugar regulation.

Question 83

What is fiber?

Answer 83

The indigestible components of plants

Question 84

What are the types of fiber that are the most beneficial for supporting blood sugar balance?

Answer 84

The soluble forms, which break down in water, such as Inulin, Psyllium Husk, Oat Bran, and Pectin.

These forms of fiber help to slow the release and break down of glucose in the bloodstream.

Question 85

How much fiber should one get in a day?

Answer 85

Roughly 30 grams per day. Ideally one would want to first seek their fiber intake from food, and then rely on supplementation to fill out their needs.

Question 86

How can you assess your blood sugar regulation without pricking your finger?

Answer 86

Take note of how they feel within 1- hours after eating.

Ideally, they would want to assess how satisfied and full they feel, or how hungry they are, what their energy levels are like, as well as their mood and mental alertness 1-2 hours after eating their meals.

Question 87

A balanced meal should keep one satiated for at least BLANK hours before feeling hungry, or the effects of low blood sugar once again.

Answer 87

4 -5

Question 88

If someone wants more data on how their food choices are impacting their blood sugar, what can they do?

Answer 88

Use a standard glucometer

Question 89

If someone is using a standard glucometer, when should they test their blood sugar?

Answer 89

Before their meal, immediately after they eat, every 15 minutes until an hour has passed, and two hours after their meal.

They can also check it after eating certain foods if they are curious about how they affect them.

Question 90

In between meals, fasting blood glucose levels should be somewhere between BLANK and BLANK and then roughly 30-45 minutes after eating, blood sugar should spike about BLANK to BLANK points, but ideally no higher than BLANK, as that range is indicative of blood sugar dysregulation.

Answer 90

70-85 mg/dL; 20-25 points, no higher than 110mg/dL

Question 91

What other forms of stress are there besides mental/emotional?

Answer 91

• Physical stress (such as trauma, infections, blood sugar imbalances, or digestive disturbances)
• Dietary stress (from processed, sugary & nutrient-depleted diets)
• Environmental stress (such as clutter in the home, toxins, beauty products, living close to a cornfield or highway, etc.)

Question 92

Regardless of the type of stress we experience, our bodies respond to stress in the exact same way - by initiating the BLANK cascade.

Answer 92

Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis

Question 93

The stress cascade actually begins within the BLANK, rather than within the adrenals.

Answer 93

Brain

Question 94

When the brain perceives an immediate stress, BLANK is released from the Locus Coeruleus, a part of the brain stem, which then sends a message to both the BLANK and the BLANK, initiating the HPA axis.

Answer 94

Norepinephrine; amygdala; hypothalamus

Question 95

What can create a downward effect that may lead to the potential for chronic anxiety/stress by rewiring neuronal pathways?

Answer 95

The Amygdala, will also release norepinephrine, amongst other signals, but it has more of an acquired function, “learning” threat responses over time

Question 96

What contributes to the flight-or-flight response so the body can overcome or process the danger?

Answer 96

When the hypothalamus initiates the HPA axis and even more adrenaline is produced by the adrenals.

Question 97

Is cortisol responsible for the stress response?

Answer 97

No, cortisol is actually the final hormone to be produced by the adrenals in response to stress.

Some research shows it takes roughly 15 minutes for cortisol to be released after the initial stress is perceived.

Question 98

Many assume that cortisol is responsible for breaking down glycogen stores (glycolysis) and facilitating protein conversion into glucose in the liver (gluconeogenesis), but most of that responsibility actually falls on BLANK

Answer 98

norepinephrine and epinephrine within the first 15 minutes of perceiving the stress, rather than cortisol

norepinephrine: also called noradrenaline, is both a neurotransmitter and a hormone

epinephrine: also known as adrenaline, is both a neurotransmitter and a hormone

Question 99

What is cortisol’s main job within the stress response system?

Answer 99

To modulate inflammation and re establish homeostasis after the stress has been perceived and reacted upon.

Cortisol does this by suppressing the immune system and proinflammatory cytokines and facilitating gluconeogenesis and glycolysis for maintaining energy requirements and facilitating the body’s repair processes.

Question 100

Why can you think of cortisol as the janitor?

Answer 100

Because it cleans up the damage and mess that the first responders (epinephrine & norepinephrine) made when processing the scene of the crime (the stressor).

Question 101

Can cortisol help the body adapt and recover from short-term stres?

Answer 101

Yes, but chronic, long-term, or recurring stressors can eventually lead hypercortisol secretion and eventually cortisol dysfunction which can have the opposite effect, increasing inflammation levels

Question 102

Why do inflammation levels increase as recurring stressors lead to hypercortisol section and eventually coristol dysfunction?

Answer 102

Due to the up-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are produced as the body’s way to mitigate the high levels of cortisol and its inflammation-suppressing properties.

Question 103

Excess cortisol can be damaging to the body’s cells, specifically the aldosterone receptors of the kidneys. To manage this, the kidneys will wind up doing what?

Answer 103

Deactivating the cortisol into its inactive sister, cortisone.

Question 104

An over-accumulation of stress can result in poor stress management & cortisol dysfunction AKA BLANK

Answer 104

HPA dysregulation

Question 105

What happens with HPA dysregulation?

Answer 105

First, the adrenals are told to produce cortisol to handle the incoming or persistent stressors. From there, excess cortisol leads to increased inflammation.

The body interprets the inflammation caused by excess cortisol as another stressor, calling upon even more cortisol to help tame it. So because there’s so much cortisol and inflammation floating around, the kidneys take it upon themselves to deactivate the cortisol into cortisone as an effort to protect its aldosterone receptors.

The deactivation causes an even higher need for cortisol production, contributing to this cascade even further.

All the cortisol that is being produced is getting deactivated, meaning there’s no cortisol for the cells and tissues to utilize

Question 106

Why is bloodwork not the best route to determine cortisol production and utilization?

Answer 106

During HPA dysregulation, all the cortisol that is being produced is getting deactivated, meaning there’s no cortisol for the cells and tissues to utilize.

This can result in “normal appearing” cortisol in those with symptoms of low cortisol, such as fatigue.

Question 107

The more stressors we experience (via physical, dietary, mental, emotional, or environmental), the more our BLANK is pushed to perform

Answer 107

HPA system

Question 108

What can happen with HPA dysregulation?

Answer 108

More nflammation, the triggering of predisposed conditions, the onset of symptoms, & systemic dysfunction like blood sugar and hormone imbalances, and an overall decreased ability to respond to stress in an appropriate manner.

This can trickle into jeopardizing one’s mood, sleep quality, concentration and focus, memory, energy levels, and can even contribute to stubborn weight gain.

Question 109

What is the best way to test cortiol?

Answer 109

Urinary and salivary markers

Question 110

What is the first step to supporting your client’s HPA system and adrenal health?

Answer 110

Optimized nutrition; eating a healthy, nutrient-dense & whole-foods diet as much as possible, and by avoiding too many processed foods and sugars, which can stress out & inflame their body.

Question 111

What else can you do to support your client’s HPA system and adrenal health?

Answer 111

• You may consider addressing inflammation and oxidative damage directly through the support of antioxidants and inflammation-modulating compounds such as omega 3 fish oil (EPA/DHA) and turmeric while addressing blood sugar balance
• Addressing specific nutrient deficiencies may be a necessary step for some as their body may not be able to relax or function optimally until the deficiency is addressed

Question 112

Magnesium deficiency can impair what?

Answer 112

• Energy metabolism
• DNA repair &
• GABA production, affecting sleep quality and relaxation, further contributing to internal stress and inflammation

Question 113

Chronic stress can also lead to nutrient deficiencies because?

Answer 113

It can increase the clearance of certain nutrients such as magnesium and potassium through the urine

Question 114

What can help you determine the best mode of action when it comes to chronic stress and nutrient deficiencies?

Answer 114

Assessing their blood work, dietary intake, and symptoms associated with specific deficiencies may help you to determine the best mode of action in this situation.

Improving other potential factors that could increase inflammation such as digestive issues, infections, mold exposure, impaired detoxification, or other internal stressors.

Question 115

What are Adaptogens and what can they help with?

Answer 115

A classification of herbs that help to directly nourish & protect the adrenal glands and other endocrine organs. Adaptogens work by helping the body & adrenals to adapt better to stress. They have key properties to them that provide
deep nourishment & support to the adrenal glands while modulating cortisol production and promoting a calmer nervous system in times of perceived stress.

Question 116

What are the contraindications of Adaptogens?

Answer 116

During pregnancy as many adaptogenic herbs can cause pregnancy loss and birth defects. After delivery, they may help support stress recovery, although you may still want to be cautious of contraindications while breastfeeding

Question 117

Supporting a healthy cortisol awakening response is an effective way to BLANK…

Answer 117

To support cortisol production, utilization, and proper regulatio