What You Need to Know About Adrenal Fatigue


 


Chances are you have heard of adrenal fatigue, but you may not be quite sure what it is.  Understanding this condition is important however, because some experts suggest that 80% of the Western world will be affected by adrenal fatigue at some point in their lives.

The adrenal glands are located above the kidneys and are responsible for secreting more than 50 different hormones that are essential for life.  Among these are adrenaline, cortisol, progesterone and testosterone.  Because they regulate so many important hormones, their proper function is critical for many functions essential to life such as producing energy, balancing electrolytes and storing fat.

These glands also help you deal with stress.  When you are under stress, the adrenal glands engage many different responses in your body to make it easier for you to handle that stress.

But during periods of intense, prolonged stress or chronic illness, the adrenal glands begin functioning below the level needed to maintain health and well-being in the body.  They still function but at less than optimal levels.  The result is adrenal fatigue.

Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue

There are some symptoms that are common among people who are suffering from adrenal fatigue.  These include:

·         Feeling tired for no reason

·         Craving salty or sweet snacks

·         Morning fatigue

·         Mid-afternoon sleepiness

·         Increased energy in the late afternoon

·         Decreased sex drive

·         Mild Depression

·         Weight gain, especially around the waist

·         Forgetfulness

·         Low body temperature

If you are experiencing these symptoms, you may be suffering from adrenal fatigue.

Treatment

Treatment for adrenal fatigue focuses on making changes to your lifestyle and diet.  If you have minor adrenal fatigue, you can expect to be better within 6-9 months.  Moderate to severe adrenal fatigue can take between 12-24 months to heal, and severe cases can take even longer.

Stress:  One of the first things you should do is reduce the stress in your life.  This may mean clearing your schedule, reworking some relationships or learning time management skills.  In order for your adrenal glands to heal, the demands placed on them should be lightened.

Sleep:  Sufficient sleep is also important.  The main repair work on your adrenal glands takes place between 10 pm and 1 am.  If you are prone to late nights, consider training your body to go to bed earlier.  It is also a good idea to reduce or eliminate caffeine from your diet in order to help you sleep more soundly.

Exercise:  Adrenal fatigue can also be helped by exercise.  Exercise regulates cortisol, relieves depression and increases blood flow.  Each of these benefits will contribute to your recovery.  Try to exercise at least 20 to 30 minutes each day.

Supplements: Finally, adding supplements to your diet can speed healing of adrenal fatigue.  Calcium, magnesium, vitamin C, E, and B complex are recommended. Also try to avoid ‘junk’ food as much as possible.  Rather, add plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables to your diet.

If you suspect you are suffering from adrenal fatigue, don’t be discouraged.  You can start the recovery process by making the above changes to your diet and lifestyle. 

 

Sources:

http://www.naturalnews.com/019339_adrenal_fatigue_chronic_stress.html

http://www.healthremedies.com/adrenal_fatigue.html


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Uncover the Energy Thief: Breaking Free from Daily Drains

Image
In the hustle and bustle of modern life, it's all too common to feel drained and fatigued. If you find yourself constantly running on empty, it's time to shine a light on the energy thieves that lurk in your daily routine. This blog is your guide to identify, confront, and conquer these culprits, paving the way for a life filled with sustained vitality. 1. The Culprit: Poor Sleep Habits Identifying the Thief: Irregular sleep patterns, insufficient rest, or poor sleep quality. Confronting the Culprit: Establish a consistent sleep schedule, create a sleep-friendly environment, and prioritize quality rest. 2. The Culprit: Unbalanced Nutrition Identifying the Thief: Relying on sugary snacks, processed foods, or skipping meals. Confronting the Culprit: Embrace a balanced diet rich in whole foods, prioritize regular meals, and stay hydrated. 3. The Culprit: Sedentary Lifestyle Identifying the Thief: Prolonged periods of sitting or lack of physical activity. Confronting the Culprit: I...
Read more

Boost Your Productivity: Strategies for Enhancing Focus and Concentration

Image
In today's fast-paced world, staying focused and productive can feel like an uphill battle. With constant distractions vying for our attention, it's easy to find ourselves overwhelmed and unable to concentrate on the task at hand. However, by implementing the right strategies and techniques, you can enhance your focus and concentration, boosting your productivity and achieving your goals more efficiently. In this blog, we'll explore effective strategies to help you sharpen your focus and maximize your productivity. 1. Prioritize Your Tasks One of the keys to maintaining focus and productivity is prioritizing your tasks effectively. Start each day by identifying the most important tasks that need to be completed and focus your energy on tackling them first. By prioritizing your tasks, you'll ensure that you're dedicating your time and attention to the activities that will have the greatest impact on your goals. 2. Break Tasks into Manageable Chunks Large, daunting ta...
Read more

The Journey of Self-Improvement: Continuously Working on Yourself

Image
  In the pursuit of personal growth and positive change, one crucial aspect often overlooked is the ongoing commitment to self-improvement. Making changes in life isn't just about achieving a specific goal; it's about embracing a journey of continual growth and development. Here's why continuing to work on yourself is essential for long-term success and fulfillment: 1. Embracing Adaptability: Life is unpredictable, and circumstances are constantly evolving. By committing to ongoing self-improvement, you cultivate adaptability and resilience. You learn to navigate challenges with grace and flexibility, adjusting your approach as needed to overcome obstacles and seize new opportunities. 2. Cultivating Self-Awareness: Self-improvement isn't just about acquiring new skills or achieving external success; it's also about deepening your understanding of yourself. Through introspection and self-reflection, you gain insight into your strengths, weaknesses, values, and aspira...
Read more