Check out: Adrenal Fatigue – Chronic Stress Response

Cortisol helps regulate blood pressure and the immune system during a sudden crisis, whether a physical attack or an emotional setback. This helps you to tap into your energy reserves and increases your ability to fight off infection.

The trouble arises when relentless stress can keep this survival mechanism churning in high gear, ruining the hormone’s good intentions.

Constant high cortisol levels can cause:

• sleep problems

• a depressed immune response

• blood sugar abnormalities

• abdominal weight gain

“When cortisol spikes, it tells the brain to eat something with a lot of calories—a great survival tactic if you need energy to run away from a lion.  But not so great if you are stressed over a mother-in-law, paying bills, highway traffic or other modern issues.

To gain control over the Cortisol stress hormone our mind and body has a natural balance.

Relaxation.

Beat your stress hormone with these 9 easy and natural ways

Cut Cortisol 66% – Music soothes and heals

Music can have a calming effect on the brain, especially while you’re facing down a major stressor. When doctors at Japan’s Osaka Medical Center played tunes for a group of patients undergoing colonoscopies, the patients’ cortisol levels rose less than those of others who underwent the same procedure in a quiet room. Even if an invasive gastrointestinal exam isn’t in your immediate future, you can forestall cortisol spikes in other stressful situations—when hosting dinner for your in-laws, for instance—by queueing up background music. And to wind down faster at bedtime, listen to something soothing instead of watching TV.

Check out this 30 minute YouTube stress busting gentle music.  Dawn your headphones, close your eyes and for 30 minutes just breath slowly and deeply, focusing on your breath and feel warm energy flow in as your inhale and dark stress leave as you exhale.  You can even listen to this over your lunch break relaxing in your car.  Or laying in the grass at a nearby park.

Take a nap if needed. Get at least 8 hours of sleep but some people need more to deal with stressful periods to cut cortisol.

Cut Cortisol 50% – Sleep 

What’s the difference between getting six hours of sleep instead of the suggested eight? “Fifty percent more cortisol in the bloodstream,” Talbott says. When a group of pilots slept six hours or less for seven nights while on duty, their cortisol levels increased significantly and stayed elevated for two days, found a study at Germany’s Institute for Aerospace Medicine. The recommended 8 hours of nightly shut-eye allows your body enough time to recover from the day’s stresses, Talbott says. When you fall short of the mark, take a nap the next day—Pennsylvania State University researchers found that a midday snooze cut cortisol levels in subjects who’d lost sleep the previous night.

Cut Cortisol 47% – Drink black tea

The “cup that cheers” has deep associations with comfort and calm—just think of how the English revere their late-afternoon teatime. As it turns out, science confirms the connection. When volunteers at University College London were given a stressful task, the cortisol levels of those who were regular black-tea drinkers fell by 47% within an hour of completing the assignment, while others who drank fake tea experienced only a 27% drop. Study author Andrew Steptoe, PhD, suspects that naturally occurring chemicals such as polyphenols and flavonoids may be responsible for tea’s calming effects.

Cut Cortisol 39% – Laugh

The pal who keeps you in stitches can do more than distract you from your problems—her very presence may help temper your hormonal stress response. Simply anticipating laughter is enough to reduce cortisol levels by nearly half, according to researchers at Loma Linda University.

Cut Cortisol 31% – Schedule a Massage

A little pampering can rub your stress levels the right way. After several weeks of massage therapy, subjects’ cortisol levels decreased by nearly one-third, on average, according to studies at the University of Miami School of Medicine and elsewhere. In addition to keeping cortisol under control, massage sessions reduce stress by promoting production of dopamine and serotonin, the same “feel good” hormones released when we socialize with pals or do something fun.

Book Your Massage Appointment Now

Cut Cortisol – With Acupuncture

As reported Journal of Endocrinology, researchers led by Ladan Eshkevari, assistant program director of the nurse anesthesia program at Georgetown University School of Nursing and Health Studies found that stimulated the body via acupuncture has significant results in lowering the stress hormone.  Read about it in the New York Times online here.

Book Your Acupuncture Appointment Now

Cut Cortisol 25% – Do Something Spiritual

Religious ritual fortifies many people against everyday pressures, and it can also lower cortisol secretion, report University of Mississippi researchers. Churchgoing study subjects had lower levels of the stress hormone, on average, than those who did not attend services at all. If organized religion isn’t of interest to you, try developing your spiritual side by taking a walk in nature’s “cathedral”—in the woods or along a beach—or volunteering for a charity.

Cut Cortisol 20% – Meditate

People who practiced Buddhist meditation significantly decreased both cortisol and blood pressure in a 6-week Thai study. Similarly, participants who meditated daily for four months decreased the hormone by an average of 20% in a study at Maharishi University, while levels in the nonmeditating control group actually went up slightly.

Here’s a sample guided meditation.  It instructs to lie down, yet you can do any meditation in a comfortable chair.  It can even be done over your lunch hour in your car with the seat tilted back comfortably.

Cut Cortisol 12-16% – Chew a Piece of Gum

Next time you feel frazzled, try popping a stick of gum into your mouth to instantly defuse tension, suggest new findings from Northumbria University in the United Kingdom. While under moderate stress, gum chewers had salivary cortisol levels that were 12% lower than nonchewers and also reported greater alertness than their gum-deprived counterparts. One possible mechanism: In past experiments, chewing gum increased blood flow and neural activity in select brain regions.

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Adrenal fatigue is a collection of symptoms which develop when the adrenal glands are unable to function at their optimum level. Though it usually develops after periods of prolonged stress, adrenal fatigue can occur after severe infections.

Why does Adrenal Fatigue occur?

Everyone has stress in their life.  As humans we developed the natural Fight or Flight reaction to our environment long ago.  It’s base function is to kept us safe.  Although most people don’t encounter predators such as tigers and alligators – unless you are on a reality TV show, this Fight or Flight was the brain’s trigger to get out of harms way.

In today’s modern world stressors can come in many forms such as:

• Getting the kids fed, dressed and off to school in time
• The roadway traffic jams on our way to work
• Balancing work and family life – shuffling kids to sports practice and the many other activities to keep our kids growing and engaged
• Interpersonal relationship struggles be it marriage issues, extended family or at the office
• Health concerns – Dealing with personal or family ill health, disease / cancer.  Losing a loved one (human or pet)
• Financial concerns – loosing a job, taxes, buying a new car, having an accident, getting a traffic / speeding ticket, buy / selling / losing a home
• Major life events such as getting married, getting divorced, buying / selling a home, new job or losing a job

Check out: Beat Your Stress Hormone – 9 Natural Ways

Adrenal Fatigue Phases

The body’s stress response is characterized by the following three phases:

Phase 1 – Alarm Phase

This first phase of the body’s response to stress which is also known as the acute stress response, develops when the person encounters something that they perceive as a threat. The adrenal glands release stress hormones like adrenaline which prepares the person to fight or flee from the source of stress.

As a result of the secretion of adrenaline, the blood pressure, heart rate and breathing rate increase and the blood is shunted from the digestive system and taken to the muscles in the hands and legs.

This type of stress can be caused by everyday occurrences like arguments and traffic jams. After the person deals with the stressful situation the body recovers and the hormones that were elevated return to their normal levels within 30 minutes to 60 minutes.

Phase 2 – Resistance Phase

This second phase develops when the person is exposed to continued stress–which forces the body to respond before it recovers completely from the first stressful event. The adrenal glands also respond by secreting stress hormones like cortisol.

The release of cortisol also results in elevated blood pressure and heart rate as well as craving carbohydrates to provide the body with a source of energy.

Other symptoms that may be experienced by patients in this phase include irritability, malaise, anxiety, depression, low libido, difficulty sleeping and concentrating.

Phase 3 – Exhaustion Phase

This third phase is also known as adrenal fatigue. Here, essentially, burnout develops because the person has been exposed to stress for a long time. The body loses its ability to cope with the stressful event since the adrenal glands cannot keep up with the signals sent by the nervous system to release hormones.

Symptoms associated with this stage include extreme fatigue and difficulties completing everyday activities. During this stage other body organs begin to suffer the effects of continued stress on the body. This results in the development or aggravation of stress related illnesses like high blood pressure, heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases.

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Natural Medicine Acknowledges that You are Unique.

Unlike many health models, the model for Natural Medicine sometimes referred to as Alternative Medicine is one of individualization.  No two people are alike, so just because two people suffer from headaches, the natural homeopathic remedies provided for them may be completely different.  Each person has a different  lifestyle, diet, environment and other contributing factors that require a personally unique approach.

Some general benefits to natural homeopathy are:

• It can be used by pregnant and nursing women
• It does not interfere with medications taken by a person
• If an incorrect remedy is selected, it is completely safe and will not harm the person at all
• There are no or mild short lived side-effects of homeopathic remedies
• It can be used for chronic or acute conditions

• It is an individualized system of medicine which treats the person, not merely the symptoms
• Homeopathy is a holistic approach to healing:  one that involves the body, mind, emotions, and spirit of the person being treated
• Homeopathic medicine is non-invasive
• There are many studies proving the effectiveness of homeopathy, when used correctly

Understand RGCC Genetic Cancer Testing: A Personalized Approach to Cancer Care

At Natural Medicine Center, we are committed to offering innovative tools that can help patients and their healthcare teams make more informed decisions. That’s why we’re excited to offer RGCC (Research Genetic Cancer Centre) testing—an advanced laboratory analysis that provides personalized insights into an individual’s cancer biology through a simple blood draw. While RGCC testing […]

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Myers Cocktail IV

  The Natural Medicine Center in Lakeland, FL offers a Myers Cocktail IV at a discounted rate of $160, below the national average of $225. This formulation includes 10g of preservative-free vitamin C, higher-than-typical doses of key nutrients, and zinc for immune support.        Key Features Premium Ingredients: Uses preservative-free, high-dose components for enhanced safety and efficacy. Qualified Staff: Administered by RN or […]

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Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) for Women: Benefits, Process & Costs

    Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) is a treatment designed to alleviate symptoms associated with perimenopause, menopause, and hormonal imbalances by using hormones that are chemically identical to those naturally produced by the human body.  Derived from plant sources like yams and soy, these hormones are custom-compounded to meet individual needs.    Why Take BHRT? BHRT […]

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Thermography for Breast Health – $25 off now until Nov 10th, 2025

  October is Breast Health Awareness Month—a time to prioritize education, prevention, and early detection. At our center, we use thermography not just to screen for risks, but to assess overall breast health.   Unlike traditional screening methods that primarily focus on identifying formed masses, thermography allows us to detect subtle physiological changes in breast […]

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The EWG’s 2025 Dirty Dozen & Clean Fifteen:  What You Need to Know About Pesticides in Produce

    Each year, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) releases its Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce, which includes two key lists: the Dirty Dozen and the Clean Fifteen. These lists highlight which fruits and vegetables are most—and least—likely to be contaminated with pesticide residues when grown conventionally (i.e., not organic). What Do These Lists […]

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NAD+ Injections in Lakeland and Polk County

  NAD+ Therapy: A Transformative Approach to Aging and Vitality   What is NAD+?   NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) is a vital coenzyme found in every living cell. It plays a crucial role in numerous biological processes, including: Energy production DNA repair and regeneration Detoxification Mitochondrial function When combined with a healthy lifestyle, NAD+ can […]

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Why We Recommend PEMF Therapy—Like BEMER

    PEMF therapy stands for Pulsed Electromagnetic Field therapy. The term itself is broad—think of it like the word “phone.” There are basic, outdated models, mid-range devices, and highly advanced versions packed with the latest technology. Just as an old payphone and an iPhone 16 Pro are technically both phones, not all PEMF devices […]

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Why Thermography?

    Hi, my name is Darla, and I’ve been a practicing clinical thermographer here at The Natural Medicine Center for over ten years. Medical thermography uses a thermal camera that detects temperature differences as small as 0.01 degrees within the body. This technology has been used for decades to detect inflammation, reduced blood flow, […]

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Methylene Blue

  What Is Methylene Blue?   Methylene blue is the parent compound of hydroxychloroquine—the same drug that gained widespread attention in recent years when used as an off-patent treatment for COVID-19. Beyond its medical applications, methylene blue is also known as a fish tank antiseptic and a textile dye, famously used for dyeing blue jeans. […]

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A Little Each Day…

Dear Friends,   Pheww.. these last few years have been a lot to manage. Between trying to stay healthy, supply shortages and just a whole lot of drama, we have all had a lot on our plates! Here at the Natural Medicine Center we want to encourage our community members and patients to stay positive. […]

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Thermography after COVID

  Darla Fleche, has been a clinical thermographer at Natural Medicine Center since 2015. Darla reports that in her practice, she is seeing a lot of patients who have recovered from COVID but now have new health challenges that have emerged after their infections.   ‘COVID seems to affect everyone a little differently. Some examples […]

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Emergency Ready!

Prepare for an EMERGENCY now     Dr. Catherine is passionate about being ready for any curveballs 2022 might throw our way! Watch the video below for more information!       Dr. Catherine recommends getting a ‘bug out bag’ ready for emergency evacuation… ———————————————————————- https://www.thebugoutbagguide.com/bug-out-bag-list/   ————————————————————   News outlets are projecting supply chain […]

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Dr. Catherine Onuoha is knowledgeable, compassionate, and professional. She takes the time to listen to all my health concerns and has helped me to understand why certain treatments are beneficial. I know that she is on my side in addressing the cause of my condition in a holistic fashion, not just treating my symptoms. I am very grateful to be her patient – thank you so much!
  
 
  
 
 
 
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When I was looking for a more natural clinic and I found Natural medicine Center I had no idea how much it would change our lives. My husband, myself, and children are seen here for various reasons.
My daughter, who has some significant mental health problems,  has been treated here and is doing better now than she has in years.
It's nice to have a facility where the practioner is so knowledgeable in the way the human body works and can help you overcome various issues.
When you're in an appointment with Dr. Catherine you don't feel rushed, or like you're just a number. There is real care and concern.
When I say I don't know what my family would do without this clinic would be a huge understatement.
I can't recommend them highly enough!
  
 
  
 
 
 
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Catherine Onuoha is NOT a doctor. She is a pharmacist with a PhD. She purports to be an expert in many different fields and treats conditions that are far outside her area of expertise. She has tried to treat me for mental health issues while also treating family members for cancer and epilepsy. Clearly these are different areas of expertise and require experts (I.e. real doctors) in each area. She severely misdiagnosed my problems which led to them worsening. Do not trust this practice with your health.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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Natural Medicine Center of Lakeland is a welcoming and caring environment. Dr Catherine Onouha is very kind and knowledgeable. The clinic offers so many natural health and wellness services (too many mention) and the consultation with the Dr is worth every penny. She has personally changed my life and so happy to be a part of the clinic. If you are looking for comprehensive complimentary (not free…look it up) integrative medical care, I highly recommend you visit and make an appointment here.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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Love the staff and the service we get here.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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We're hopeful that the treatment will work.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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On 9/6/2020 I took my wife to the Natural Medicine Center for an alternative to mammograms. Mammograms are useless for my wife due to breast density. My wife decided on the Thermal imaging. She was very pleased with the results.
After my wife’s consultation was over Dr. Catherine asked me if I had any health concerns. I explained to her that I had pre-Diabetes, High Cholesterol, and extremely low vitamin D levels, 17 to be exact. I had also been lethargic and severe muscle pain. Dr. Catherine told me that she could help that immediately with a shot. I received a shot that day. Within 4 hours I felt way better. I have continued to receive weekly shots of Vitamin D since 9/6/2020.
My health has greatly improved, all the muscle pain is gone. I believe that Dr. Catherine saved my life.
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All around great place
  
 
  
 
 
 
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Dr. Onuoha is fantastic.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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Spent many years at the doctors for my various issues and doctor Onouha spent the time to actually seek out the core issue. I am forever thankful for the work she has done for me and my family. She empowers patients to take control of their own health and helps navigate those choppy waters. Now, I feel in control of my health and nothing beats that feeling
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
    
 
 

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