Adrenal Fatigue – Causes and Treatment
Although the term adrenal fatigue has been coined only in the 1990s, the symptoms of the condition have existed for decades. If the adrenal glands function below the optimal level, you will experience fatigue. Several health conditions can cause poor functioning of the adrenal glands.
Causes of adrenal fatigue
The adrenal glands are located on top of your kidneys. During stressful situations, these glands secrete hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, which help the body to counter stress. By increasing the heart rate, immune function, energy production and muscle function, the adrenal hormones help to cope with stress and trauma. Adrenal fatigue develops when your adrenal glands are unable to produce enough hormones that could help your body to meet physical and emotional challenges. The poor adrenal function will cause exhaustion. Extreme stress or recurring chronic stress could diminish adrenal function. Recurring infections such as pneumonia and bronchitis can reduce the activities of the adrenal glands. Your adrenal glands can be weakened by a chronic ailment. Poor nutrition is one of the common causes of adrenal fatigue. The adrenal glands could work below the optimal level due to poor sleep and substance abuse.
Symptoms of adrenal fatigue
The symptoms of adrenal fatigue are widely prevalent in the modern society. Feeling exhausted for no apparent reason, difficulty in recovering after stress or trauma and difficulty to wake up in the morning even after going to bed at a reasonable time could indicate that you are suffering from adrenal fatigue. Although you might feel exhausted throughout the day, if you have adrenal fatigue, you will feel a sudden surge of energy after 6pm. Adrenal fatigue might increase food cravings, especially for salty and sugary foods.
Beating adrenal fatigue with diet
You can easily overcome adrenal fatigue with diet. People with adrenal fatigue should have nutritious meals throughout the day. Skipping meals could make you more tired. You should be particularly careful about your breakfast and lunch. Include complex carbohydrates in your menu. Limit intake of refined carbohydrates and sugary snacks. By consuming adequate amount of proteins, you can overcome exhaustion. If you are not suffering from additional health problems such as hypertension, poor kidney function or edema, you can add 1/8-teaspoon of sea salt to a glass of water and drink the saline water when you are feeling extremely tired. Sometimes nutritional supplements containing vitamins B, C and E can help to beat adrenal fatigue.
