Adrenal Fatigue: Causes, Symptoms, And Support

Adrenal Fatigue: Causes, Symptoms, And Support

We all experience stress in our daily living. There is no way to completely avoid it, and this can lead to a number of health issues including adrenal fatigue. Your adrenal glands sit on top of your kidneys and are responsible for a number of things like helping your body:

-control blood sugar

-burn protein and fat

-regulate blood pressure

-release hormones into the bloodstream responsible for dealing with stress

Causes Of Adrenal Fatigue

Adrenal gland can become fatigued and function below optimal levels. The most common causes are stress, diet, and inadequate sleep.

Stress- From dealing with a colic newborn to pressure from your boss to meet a deadline. From living in constant conflict with your spouse to mourning the death of a loved one. It is the ongoing stress that you feel will be temporary and manageable. But stress on the body still has the same effect.

Diet- I can't stress this enough: sugar is debilitating to your health! According to the USDA, Americans consume the equivalent of 31 five pound bags of sugar each year in the form of traditional sugar, candy, soda, and hidden in many foods we may not even be aware of! (https://www.onhealth.com/content/1/diet_sabotage_how_much_sugar_are_you_eating)

All this sugar consumption leads to higher insulin production which places stress on the adrenals. It also leads to weight gain, and the excess weight leads to adrenal fatigue as well.

Sleep- Most people average less than 7 hours sleep each night. Our bodies require more on a regular basis so it can repair itself. Try to aim for 7-8 hours sleep each night for better health in all areas.

Symptoms

We know what can cause adrenal fatigue, but what does it look like? Here are some of the most common symptoms of adrenal fatigue:

-Feeling tired and wired at the same time, getting poor quality sleep

-Dark circles under the eyes

-Cravings for salt, sweets, and carbs

-Low stamina for stress and easily irritated

-Lack of libido

-Heart palpitations

-Excessive sweating from little activity

-Dry, unhealthy skin with excessive pigmentation

If you suspect you may have tired adrenal glands, see your doctor and get checked out right away. Adrenal glands are very important to your immune system and necessary for proper thyroid function.

Support

In addition to speaking with your doctor if you suspect adrenal fatigue, here are some natural ways to support your adrenals.

-Find ways to eliminate and deal with stress. Practice self care daily, and don't be afraid to ask for help.

-Eliminate sugar and processed foods from your diet. Eat more whole, clean foods. Speak with your Health Advisor for examples if needed.

-Cut back on the caffeine/coffee and drink more water each day.

-Get more sleep. Aim for 8 hours of sleep each night. Turn off all electronics at least 30 minutes prior to lights out.

-Regular exercise is a great stress reducer. Try a daily walk on your lunch break. Try a yoga class. Join a gym.