Adrenaline (Epinephrine)
Your emergency response system. Adrenaline prepares you to fight or flee— heart racing, muscles primed, senses sharp. Life-saving acutely, destructive chronically.
What Adrenaline Does (Acutely)
Increases Heart Rate
More blood pumped to muscles. Heart pounding sensation.
Dilates Airways
More oxygen intake. Why EpiPens work for anaphylaxis.
Releases Glucose
Liver dumps glycogen for immediate energy.
Sharpens Focus
Heightened alertness, tunnel vision on threat.
Diverts Blood
Away from digestion, toward muscles. Butterflies in stomach.
Pupils Dilate
Better peripheral vision, light sensitivity.
How Adrenaline Is Made
The final step requires SAMe (methylation). Poor methylation = altered adrenaline production.
When Adrenaline Stays High
Adrenaline is meant for brief emergencies. Chronic stress keeps it elevated, causing damage:
Anxiety
Constant fight-or-flight feeling. Panic attacks. Racing thoughts.
Insomnia
Can't wind down. Wired but tired. 3am wake-ups.
Digestive Issues
Blood diverted from gut. Poor digestion, IBS symptoms.
Heart Problems
High blood pressure, palpitations, increased cardiac risk.
Blood Sugar Swings
Constant glucose release → insulin resistance.
Adrenal Burnout
Eventually can't produce enough. Chronic fatigue, crashes.
What Triggers Excess Adrenaline
Chronic Stress
Work, relationships, financial—constant perceived threats
Blood Sugar Crashes
Low glucose triggers emergency adrenaline release
Caffeine
Stimulates adrenaline release directly
Sleep Deprivation
Body compensates with stress hormones
Calming Excess Adrenaline
Magnesium
Nature's chill pill. Calms nervous system, blocks excess adrenaline effects.
Blood Sugar Stability
Protein + fat at meals. No crashes = no emergency adrenaline.
Reduce Caffeine
Or at least time it carefully. Not on empty stomach.
Breathwork
Slow exhales activate parasympathetic, counter adrenaline.
GABA Support
L-theanine, GABA, taurine—calming neurotransmitters.
Adaptogens
Ashwagandha, rhodiola help modulate stress response.
Sleep
Adequate sleep resets stress hormones.
Exercise
"Burns off" excess adrenaline. Not too intense if burned out.
Address Root Cause
What's driving the chronic stress? Can't supplement your way out.
