Adrenal Fatigue

Whether for a short time or as a chronic condition, most people will struggle

with Adrenal Fatigue at some point in their life.

DEFINITION:

Adrenal glands are two thumb-sized organs that sit above the kidneys and are part of the endocrine system. They are involved in producing over 50 hormones that drive almost every bodily function, many of which are essential for life. Adrenal glands play a huge role in the stress response. The brain registers a threat, whether it is emotional, mental or physical, and the adrenal medulla releases adrenaline hormones to help react to the threat, rushing blood to the brain, heart and muscles. The adrenal cortex then release corticosteroids to dampen processes like digestion, immune system response and other functions not necessary for immediate survival.

The Adrenal Glands Are Responsible For Balancing Hormones

Glucocorticoids that balance the body's blood sugar, help with energy and food metabolism, stress and manages the immune response.

Mineralocorticoids that maintain healthy blood pressure, manage the blood hydration level and keeps the blood healthy by keeping salt and water in balance.

Sex Hormones keep estrogen and testosterone balanced.

Adrenals affect the heart health, makes sure that all parts of the body are getting blood and converts glycogen into glucose in the liver.

CAUSE:

Adrenal fatigue is a condition where the body and adrenal glands can't keep up with the tremendous amount of daily stress many people experience. Sometimes misunderstood as an auto-immune disorder, adrenal fatigue can mimic some precursors to other common illnesses and disease. Wellness doctors and practitioners believe that an episode of acute stress or prolonged, chronic stress can cause adrenal glands to become over loaded and ineffective.

Stressful experiences like death of loved one, divorce or surgery

Exposure to environmental toxins and pollution

Prolonged stress due to financial hardship, bad relationships or work environment and other conditions that entail feelings of helplessness

Negative thinking and emotional trauma

Lack of sleep

Poor diet and lack of exercise

According to the Mayo Clinic, severe adrenal fatigue symptoms may actually be Addison's disease.

SYMPTOMS

When the adrenal glands stop producing hormones efficiently every bodily function is affected and as adrenal hormone levels shrink even the normal "get up and go" you get from them disappears.

  • Morning fatigue or trouble waking up

  • Deceased libido

  • Depression

  • Muscle weakness

  • Poor focus

  • Bone loss

  • Inflammation

  • Increased allergies

  • Difficulty sleeping

  • Irritability

  • Fatigue

  • Cravings for sugar

  • Hair loss

  • Weight gain

  • Muscle tension

  • Inability to tolerate high carb/potassium foods unless paired with fat and protein

Adrenal Fatigue Stress Reduction

1. Rest when you feel tired.

2. Sleep 8-10 hours a night.

3. Avoid staying up late and stay on a regular sleep cycle. Ideally in bed before 10 pm.

4. Laugh and do something fun every day.

5. Minimize work and relational stress.

6. Exercise (even moderate exercise and walking helps).

7. Eat on a regular food cycle and reduce sugar and caffeine.

8. Avoid negative people and self talk.

9. Take time for yourself (do something relaxing).

10. See counsel or support for any traumatic experiences.


Adrenal Fatigue Diet

In every case of adrenal recovery, diet is a huge factor. There are a number of foods that support adrenal function, but first you must start by removing any hard to digest foods and any toxins or chemicals in your environment.

FOODS TO AVOID:

Caffeine - it interferes with the sleep cycle.

Sugar & Sweeteners - avoid high fructose corn syrup and artificial sweeteners. Avoid sugary foods, cereals, candy, sweets, etc. To avoid as much extra sugar as possible. Use raw honey or stevia as an alternative.

Processed and Microwaved foods - microwaves have dangers of its own, and most microwaveable foods have many preservatives and fillers that are hard to digest and wear out your body's energy and digestion cycle.

Hydrogenated Oils - Vegetable oils like soybean, canola and corn oil are highly inflammatory which can lead to adrenal inflammation. Try to use good fats such as coconut oil, olive oil, organic butter or ghee.

SUPERFOODS

Coconut

Olives

Avocado

Sea Salt

Cruciferous Vegetables - cauliflower, broccoli, brussel sprouts, etc

Fatty fish - wild-caught salmon

Chicken and Turkey

Nuts, walnuts and almonds

Seeds, pumpkin, chia and flax

Celtic or Himalayan sea salt

They are are all nutrient dense, low in sugar and have healthy fat and fiber.

Adrenal Recover Time

Recovery may take a while. After all, it took months or years to wear out your adrenals.

6-9 months for minor adrenal fatigue

12-18 months for moderate fatigue

Up to 24 months for severe adrenal fatigue

Adrenal Support Blend Ingredients: Black Spruce, Black Pepper, Geranium, Peppermint, Pine Needle, Vetiver, Hyssop

The information on this page is for educational purposes only and should not replace consultation with a health care provider. The material offered here is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease and is available to the general public via various public sources.