Doctors will not diagnose adrenal fatigue, when in fact, this could be the underlying condition for many chronic health conditions and complaints.
Our adrenals are tiny little glands, they are about the size of a walnut, located on top of our kidneys and they weigh only a measly 5 grams. They are tiny but mighty and have a big say on how you feel! They are responsible for producing many hormones, like cortisone, cortisol, aldosterone, adrenaline, norepinephrine and DHEA.
Ironically, your adrenal glands in a large part help you to cope with stress, but too much will cause their function to break down (they want to help you with stress, but do not like to be overwhelmed). Our adrenals are responsible for the “fight or flight” stress response. While this response is necessary and crucial, many of us are faced with stressors daily, whether they are work related, from environmental toxins, not getting enough sleep, worrying too much, having personal relationship problems that we can’t let go, or not taking the time to breathe and relax throughout the day. All of these scenarios leave us in “fight or flight” mode for far too long.
Things that affect your adrenals:
- Feelings of anger, fear, anxiety, depression, guilt and other negative emotions
- Overworking yourself physically or mentally
- Excessive exercise
- Sleep deprivation
- Going to sleep too late, working shift-work
- Surgery, injury or trauma
- Chronic inflammation, infection, pain or illness
- Toxic exposure
- Nutritional deficiencies and severe allergies
Adrenal Hormones 101
The body’s 4 major stress hormones are:
- Adrenaline
- Cortisol
- DHEA
- Norepinephrine
“We have the highest levels of these hormones in the morning and the lowest levels at night.
Cortisol is involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates and the regulation of blood sugar.
Aldosterone works to maintain electrolyte and water balance in the body.
Aldosterone works to maintain electrolyte and water balance in the body.
Androstenedione and DHEA are androgens, which are similar and can be converted totestosterone.
DHEA is the anti-aging hormone, while it is available in many forms, it is a steroidal hormone. The best way to increase DHEA production naturally is by supporting the adrenals and reducing stress. Since stress is the true cause for aging.
Adrenaline speeds up metabolism and works to help the body cope with danger, it is produced when the body is under stress. “
In adrenal fatigue, the adrenals still produce enough hormones to maintain a relatively normal state of health, but stressful situations increase the need for hormones that the malfunctioning adrenals cannot produce.
In adrenal fatigue, the adrenals still produce enough hormones to maintain a relatively normal state of health, but stressful situations increase the need for hormones that the malfunctioning adrenals cannot produce.
Classic Adrenal Fatigue Symptoms Include:
- Fatigue and weakness, especially in the morning and afternoon
- A suppressed immune system
- Muscle and bone loss and muscular weakness
- Lethargy
- Increased allergies
- Dizziness
- Low blood pressure when standing
- Headaches
- Cravings for foods high in salt, sugar or fat
- Constantly cold
- Dark circles under eyes
- Depression
- Skin problems
- Hormonal imbalance
- Autoimmune disorders
- Increased PMS or menopausal symptoms
- Low sex drive
- Light-headedness when getting up from sitting or lying down
- Decreased ability to handle stress
- Trouble waking up in the morning, despite a full night’s sleep
- Poor memory
{Quite the laundry list!}
Refined carbohydrates like sugar and wheat flour deplete many of the nutrients required for the adrenal support, especially the B vitamins.
Healing the Adrenals
It takes time to burnout your adrenal glands, so in return it also takes some time to recover. You can expect:
- Six to nine months of recovery time for minor adrenal fatigue
- 12 to 18 months for moderate adrenal fatigue
- Up to 24 months for severe adrenal fatigueHolistic treatments are very effective for this condition (maybe a reason doctors do not take adrenal fatigue into account?) with time, patience, and using the tips that follow it is possible to recover.
Steps to Healing Adrenal Fatigue
Probably the single most important area in healing is to have powerful tools and strategies to address the current and past emotional traumas in your life.
- Meditation and mindfulness. If you were to focus only on one area when healing it would be best to concentrate in this area as this really is the central key to restoring your adrenal health.
- Listen to your body and rest when you feel tired (this includes during the day by taking short naps or just laying down).
- Sleep in (until 9 a.m. if you feel like it)
- Exercise regularly using a program of strength, aerobic, core, and interval training. Workout, but do not over-workout!
- Eat a healthy nutrient-dense diet that includes whole organic vegetables, fruits, gluten-free grains, grass-fed beef, organic poultry, eggs, raw nuts and seeds. Avoid stimulants like coffee and soda, as these can further exhaust your adrenals
- To maintain proper adrenal function it is imperative to control your blood sugar levels.
– Eat a small meal or snack every three to four hours
– Eat within the first hour upon awakening
– Eat a small snack near bedtime
– Eat before becoming hungry. If hungry, you have already allowed yourself to run out of fuel (low blood sugar), which places additional stress on your adrenal glands
– Eat within the first hour upon awakening
– Eat a small snack near bedtime
– Eat before becoming hungry. If hungry, you have already allowed yourself to run out of fuel (low blood sugar), which places additional stress on your adrenal glands
Healing adrenal fatigue requires a whole-body approach, one that addresses the excess stress and unhealthy lifestyle habits that wore out your adrenals in the first place.
Stress is the number one killer and cause for disease. It is extremely important for us to learn the powerful true meaning of inner peace in order to stay calm and relaxed.
Find awareness for your actions.
Work with Holisticole
When it comes to healing the adrenal glands, it will take more than meditation and mindfulness to support the body. When you work with Holisticole you will be able to uncover a deeper knowledge and understanding of the appropriate steps that are required for healing.
After your First Appointment with Holisticole you will be able to take home your very own Customized Wellness Plan for your Adrenals, this will include:
- How to overcome the root causes for your adrenal fatigue
- Everything you need to know about the healing process
- Which foods will be the most nourishing for you and your adrenals
- Which supplementation will be needed for you for in aiding in adrenal healing
- Recipes and meal planning tips that will suit your lifestyle
- Daily tasks and informative guides for your health + wellness
This article was republished with permission from holisticole.com.