Adrenal Fatigue

 First mentioned in the late 1990s and was used to identify symptoms where the adrenal glands function below optimal levels.

 Although not a medically recognized condition, it doesn’t mean the symptoms one may be feeling aren’t real. Recently, there has been an   increased belief that chronic stress can create a situation in some individuals where their adrenal glands simply can’t produce enough of   cortisol to combat this persistent onslaught of stress. 

 Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue

• Extreme tiredness and Difficulty handling stress
• Trouble going to sleep and waking up
• Increased sugar or salt cravings
• Lack of motivation and Brain fog
• Weakened immune system and Poor circulation
• Increased caffeine consumption
• Frequent urination
• Atrophy and weight gain
• Decreased libido

 3 Stages of Adrenal Fatigue

 Stage 1:

• Adrenal glands produce more cortisol due to an increased stress response.
•  Inflammation occurs
• Chronic inflammation taxes the adrenal glands

 Symptoms may include: 

• Trouble sleeping
• Heartburn
• Anxiety and worry
• Increased belly fat

 Stage 2

• Adrenal glands are overworked
• Reduces production of other hormones to perpetuate the production of cortisol. 

 Symptoms may include:

• Fatigue
• More trouble sleeping
• Decreased libido
• Increased belly fat
• High levels of anxiety

 Stage 3

•  Most chronic phase of adrenal fatigue
• Adrenal glands becomes exhausted and so is the person
•  Glands can no longer keep up with the demand for cortisol
• All symptoms are maxed out and the person struggles to get through each day

 Symptoms may include:

• Depression
• Heavy brain fog
• Poor concentration
• Moodiness and irritability
• Exhaustion

 Ten Natural ways to combat adrenal fatigue.

1. Lose Weight: Carrying extra weight can cause additional inflammation the body. Reducing the inflammation also reduces the body's cortisol response.

2. Exercise: Exercise paired with a healthy diet can help in maintaining healthy weight and improves sleep.

3. Develop a Sleep Routine: a poor night’s sleep creates a stress response that elevates cortisol levels. Having a morning and bed time routine can pay large dividends.

4. Eat More Nutritiously: An adrenal-supporting diet promotes the eating lean protein, vegetables, fruits, whole grains and healthy fats to help the body maintain healthy blood sugar levels and avoid crashes that can cause stress or cortisol response.

5. Avoid Processed Foods: Processed foods can cause the body to experience crashes. Eat natural foods that provide the body with what it needs versus what the mind may be craving.

6. Avoid Refined Sugars: Eating too much sugar can spike your glucose levels and cause your adrenal glands to produce excess cortisol.

7. Avoid / Limit Caffeine: Excessive caffeine consumption can affect sleep patterns and increase anxiety.

8. Eliminate / Limit Alcohol
Too much alcohol can have a negative effect on many systems in the body.
It also impairs sleep and creates inflammation, all things which affect adrenals.

9. Stop Smoking: Aside from all of the obvious negative health effects of tobacco use, it can also affect a number of stress responses.   Smoking has been associated with increased blood pressure, heart rate and tensed muscles.

10. take Adrenal Supplements: Be careful when increasing vitamin consumption and be cautious to stay within the recommended daily  allowances for each. Some of the supplements suggested for improving adrenal function include magnesium, B-complex vitamins and  vitamin C.

When in doubt, consult your physician.

 Reference:

 Health Coach Institute: https://www.healthcoachinstitute.com/articles/adrenal-fatigue-causes-symptoms-treatment/

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