Do you feel lethargic most days and get overwhelmed by daily tasks? ADRENAL FATIGUE/INSUFFICIENCY - What It Is, symptoms, causes and treatments

Adrenal Glands and Their Function?
Your adrenal glands are endocrine glands located on top of your kidneys that you cannot live without. They produce many important hormones, including cortisol, aldosterone and adrenaline. The adrenal hormones help regulate several bodily functions including metabolism, blood pressure, your body's response to stress, and sex hormones.


IF YOU HAVE THESE SYMPTOMS, YOUR ADRENAL GLANDS HAVE BECOME FATIGUED: 

1.  Lethargy and increased effort to perform daily tasks
2. Lack of energy in the mornings (difficulty getting up) and low energy in the afternoon between 3-5 pm
3. Need coffee or stimulants to get going in the morning
4. Hypoglycemia, and cravings for salty and fatty foods, as well as high protein foods. You will feel better suddenly for a brief period after a meal.
5. Reduced libido
6. Low body temperature 
7. Decreased ability to handle stress 
8. Nervousness 
9. Alternating diarrhea and constipation/digestive issues (bloating, pain)
10. Insomnia 

 Joint pain and body aches are also common symptoms.  

The fourth stage is called Adrenal Insufficiency, also know as Addison's Disease. The symptoms usually develop gradually and may vary from one individual to another. The common symptoms include:

• Extreme tiredness/weak muscles
• Reduced appetite/weight loss
• Darkening of the skin (hyperpigmentation)
• Reduced heart rate or low blood pressure
• Light-headedness and fainting
• Salt craving
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
• Lower blood pressure
• Nausea or vomiting, diarrhea/abdominal pain
• Increased muscle or joint pains
• Irritability, depression
• Body hair loss or sexual dysfunction in women

In some cases, injury or illness can cause a serious emergency condition called Addisonian crisis. It is characterized by:

• Pain in the lower back, abdomen or legs
• Severe vomiting and diarrhea that causes dehydration
• Low blood pressure
• Low blood sugar
• Confusion, fear, or restlessness
• Loss of consciousness 
• High potassium levels in the blood (hyperkalemia)
• Low sodium levels in the blood (hyponatremia)

 The different stressors that can lead to or worsen the progression of Adrenal Fatigue include such things as:

• Eating an unhealthy diet
• Exposure to toxins/using products that contain chemicals
• Overconsumption of sugar & alcohol
• Regular use of certain medications, especially antibiotics, and Prednisone. 
• The presence of a chronic illness
• Recurring infections/Immune System Disorders
• Psychological stress
• Not getting enough sleep.  8 hours is what our bodies need.
• Hashimoto's or Grave's Disease (Autoimmune Thyroid Disease)
• Mast Cell Activation Syndrome

WHAT CAN BE DONE
Treatments for Adrenal Fatigue & Adrenal Insufficiency: 

• Supportive diet/Vitamins to help with rebuilding the adrenals
• Stress management (breathing techniques, time management, massage, acupuncture, healthy relationships, prayer)
• Improved sleep hygiene and supplements like magnesium and melatonin to help get you into deeper REM sleep for healing the adrenals.  You will need lots of REST! *Adrenals rebuild between 8pm and 12pm.  If you get to bed after 11:00 there isn't much time for them to rebuild.  Bed between 10-10:30 PM is ideal. Up between 7-8 AM.
• Low impact exercises or short periods of HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training).  Do not overdo!  It can burn you out further.
• Get sunshine in the morning or buy a Happy Lamp.  Use it for at least 30 mins every morning. (12 inches from your face)  
• Black Currant Buds - they help with balancing cortisol levels or increasing cortisol when your body isn't able to produce it on it's own. 
• Adrenal Glandular:  Porcine adrenal capsules to build the adrenals up.  
• Cortisol Meds (like Cortef - bioidentical cortisol) are sometimes needed for a short period.
• Find a health practitioner to help support you in your health journey. 

For more information or to BOOK A CONSULT to help with your adrenal health,  go to FORMS to submit a request!