Adrenal Fatigue: Are you Stressed? Learn how to tell if you have Adrenal Fatigue

Don’t let stress cost you your health -- adrenal fatigue is not a myth and is more common than you would think.

What is Adrenal Fatigue? 

What is Adrenal Fatigue?

Adrenal fatigue is associated with prolonged or intense stress brought about by multiple internal and external factors -- physical, emotional, psychological, and environmental. It appears as different manifestations in the body (more on this below) but is commonly described as extreme exhaustion and difficulty getting out of bed for more than a few hours every day.

What Happens Inside the Body When There is Adrenal Fatigue?

The affected parts are the adrenal glands which function below normal standards when the body is experiencing adrenal fatigue. These glands produce cortisol, adrenaline, and noradrenaline, the body’s stress hormones. It’s basically responsible for our fight and flight response, a.k.a. survival mode.

When the body remains in a “survival” state for too long, it begins to rely on stress hormones, cortisol, in particular, to perform regular and daily functions. Prolonged reliance on cortisol worsens the body’s state and may lead to some sort of “resistance” to the normal levels of the hormone. The body’s response, then, is to require more cortisol whether it needs it or not. The worst-case scenario is abnormal functioning of the immune, digestive, and endocrine systems.

What Are the Causes of Adrenal Fatigue?

Prolonged exposure to anything that causes stress may lead to adrenal fatigue:

• Work-related stress

• Lack of rest and sleep

• Lack of physical activity

• Alcohol abuse

• Drug use

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Other mental health conditions

• Pre-existing physiological illness

What Are the Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue?

• Afternoon fatigue - This can manifest as difficulty staying awake, difficulty focusing, and having racing thoughts.

• Drop-in libido - This happens as sex hormones are converted into cortisol to compensate for the body’s high demand for the latter.

• Swelling of the tongue - Indentations along the side of the tongue indicate swelling.

• Lower backache - This may be associated with the anatomical position of the adrenal glands (on top of the kidneys).

Other Adrenal Fatigue Symptoms:

• Poor digestion

• Nausea

• Constipation

• Diarrhea

• A weak immune system (increased susceptibility to cold and flu, allergies)

• Irritability

• Cravings (for salty foods)

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Dizziness

• Increased caffeine intake

• Insomnia

• Skin breakouts

• Frequent urination

• Joint pain

• Low blood pressure

• Low blood sugar

• Weight loss

• Weight gain

Adrenal Fatigue Test

There are several testing options available for adrenal exhaustion. The best one of those is the new DUTCH Test or dry urine test. It assesses all the adrenal hormones and all the metabolites, as well as the sex hormones.

Adrenal Fatigue Treatments

Adrenal fatigue treatment involves strict compliance with the prescribed management plan. It may include the following:

• Increased protein intake to help build and repair muscles

• Increased fluid intake, especially water, to flush out toxins

• Intake of healthy fats for stored energy

• Decreased intake of simple carbohydrates

• Increased intake of complex carbohydrates, again, for stored energy

• Normal sleeping pattern

• Performance of mind-body exercises like yoga and meditation

• Massage therapy

• Getting rid of toxicity including alcohol, cigarette, drugs, stress-causing agents

• Taking supplements high in B-complex like Priority One Mega Stress

Check out this video from Dr. Stephen Smith where he discusses the most common signs and symptoms of adrenal fatigue:

Recovering from extreme exhaustion takes time; it could take months. Sticking to prescribed medications, supplements, and treatment plan is of utmost importance. Do not hesitate to visit a medical practitioner if you think your fatigue is caused by an underlying condition. 

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Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. None of the nutritional products mentioned is intended to Diagnose, Treat, Cure, or Prevent Any Disease.