Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome
Are you feeling tired, worn out, or just unable to regain your normal energy level no matter what you do? If the answer is yes then you may be suffering from a condition called Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome. Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome (technically called hypoadrenia) is a disorder that is affecting more and more people every day, however a majority of the sufferers are not even aware that their symptoms are even symptoms at all. This is a very prevalent, yet rarely diagnosed condition that has been around for the past 50 years. Because this condition has gone mostly overlook, most will be left untreated.
First, what exactly are the adrenal glands? The purpose of your adrenal glands are to assist your body in coping with any sort of stress. The stress can come from any possible source, from injury and disease to work and relationship problems, the adrenals handle it all. Often referred to as “the glands of stress”, the adrenal glands are directly responsible for your resiliency, energy, and endurance. Without any of these things we wouldn’t even be able to get out of bed in the morning, let alone deal with stress! They also are responsible for producing hormones such as adrenaline, cortisol, estrogen, and testosterone which are a necessary part of your body’s functionality. You have two adrenal glands, each the size of a walnut, and they sit atop each kidney. Centrally located, these glands not only affect every tissue, organ, and gland in your body, they also greatly affect how you think and feel as well.
Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome is when your adrenal glands have been over stimulated and are not functioning at the optimal level. Overstimulation of the adrenals can occur after periods of intense and lengthy physical or emotional stress. Your glands then become exhausted, unable to keep up with your increased stress levels, therefore resulting in the adrenals not being able to supply your body with the sufficient amount of hormones that it needs to function at a normal level. Some common symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue are:
– excessive fatigue and exhaustion- inability to cope with stress of any kind- feeling constantly rundown- craving salty and sweet foods- craving caffeine or other stimulants- difficulty concentrating- low stamina- poor digestion- low immune function- low blood pressure- getting non-refreshing sleep
Unfortunately, there is no test that one can take to diagnose adrenal fatigue syndrome and there is no miracle pill to cure it either. Recovery from Adrenal Fatigue takes major lifestyle changes along with taking different supplements and vitamins that your doctor recommends. In order for you to fully recover from this condition it will take dedication and patience.
If you believe that you indeed may be suffering from Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome here are some simple life style changes that can help improve the functionality of your adrenal glands:
– Laugh as often as possible, this increases the parasympathetic supply to the adrenal glands- avoid stressful environments and people- exercise 3-4 times per week (or more)- go to bed no later than 10 pm every night- sleep in until 9 am, if possible- eat 6 small meals a day, rather than 3 large meals- always eat breakfast- avoid alcoholic beverages as they hinder the functioning of your immune system- avoid excessive caffeine intake- avoid excessive sweets, try to regulate your blood sugar- take a multivitamin/ B complex- take adrenal glandulator, this is helpful in replacing some hormones that may be missing- take Pregnenolone, DHEA, these are good hormones that can help to resolve adrenal fatigue