What is Adrenal Fatigue?
Our practitioners help treat adrenal fatigue which is a combination of symptoms often induced by chronic stress. This is a very interesting article by FullScript explaining the condition and some helpful ways to treat it which are commonly suggested by our Doctors.
Feeling constantly drained and wondering if you may be suffering from adrenal fatigue? It’s one thing to be tired after a long day, but if you are experiencing chronic fatigue and stress, there may be something off with your adrenal glands and hormone production. Find out what exactly adrenal fatigue is, and learn what specific natural supplements integrative medical experts recommend for improving adrenal gland function and overall energy levels. Chronic fatigue is a crippling disorder characterized by persistent exhaustion despite getting rest.
Though scientists haven’t figured out what exactly causes chronic fatigue, recent research has shown adrenal function seems to play an important role. (1) Data analyzed from over 50 studies on chronic fatigue and adrenal function found that the majority of chronic fatigue patients also have an abnormal adrenal function.
What are adrenal glands?
The adrenal glands, which are tiny, crescent-shaped organs seated on top of your kidneys, are in charge of releasing several important hormones. Cortisol, aldosterone, DHEA, androgenic steroids, norepinephrine, and epinephrine all come from your adrenal glands. These hormones help regulate (2) your immune system, metabolism, blood pressure, response to stress and other essential functions.
For example, cortisol is one of your primary stress hormones and helps regulate your energy levels. The two most common ways these nickel-sized organs can cause health issues are by producing too little or too much of certain hormones. If you often wake up tired in the mornings and still feel like you need a nap in the afternoon and can’t sleep at night, you may be suffering from what many integrative experts now refer to as adrenal fatigue.
What is adrenal fatigue and how can you recognize it?
The term “adrenal fatigue” (AF) is used by holistic healthcare providers and functional doctors to describe a collection of nonspecific symptoms often induced by chronic stress. Even though adrenal fatigue is yet to be recognized by any American Board of Medical Specialties, there is a widely used clinical perspective (3) by holistic healers written by James L. Wilson, DC, ND, Ph.D. offering a protocol for diagnosing and successfully treating AF.
Other common signs of adrenal fatigue include:
A weakened immune systemInability to handle stress or to focusFrequent urinationUpset stomachLoss of body hairDizziness when standing upJoint aches and painsFood cravings for salty foodsLow blood pressureDecreased libidoSkin hyperpigmentation (discoloration)Difficulty getting up in the morningMild depressionOveruse of stimulants (ex: caffeine or energy drinks)