Although many old school GPs refuse to acknowledge the existence of Adrenal Fatigue, millions of Americans report themselves to be suffering with the condition. Currently not enough research has been done on adrenal fatigue to classify it as a recognized illness within mainstream medicine, however the effects are very real out there among the people who are experiencing it.
In 1969 Dr. John Tinterra, a doctor specializing in adrenal problems, said that he estimated approximately 16% of the public could be classified as having severe adrenal fatigue, however if you included all the incidences of low cortisol the percentage was more like 66%. This was even before many of the modern stressors that we live with today.
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What Is Adrenal Fatigue?
Adrenal fatigue is linked to prolonged or acute periods of stress. The fight or flight chemicals adrenaline and cortisol are released into the body by the adrenal glands in response to stress. However when a person is constantly stressed the adrenal glands become over active. Adrenal fatigue can also occur after infections such as influenza (flu).
What Causes Adrenal Fatigue?
Adrenal fatigue is caused by over stimulation of the adrenal glands, usually from excessive stress or cumulative, prolonged stress, and this causes the glands to stop working effectively.
The adrenal glands are responsible for releasing the hormones to help you deal with stress. They control a number of reactions in the body including adrenaline and cortical production, energy levels, metabolism rate and immune functions, to name just a few.
Anyone can fall prey to adrenal fatigue and it has been dubbed ‘the 21st century stress disorder’. It usually affects people in the westernized cultures who have busy, stressful lifestyles or it may occur following on from a life crisis or time of severe emotional stress.
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Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue
Here is a list of symptoms which may indicate that you are suffering with adrenal fatigue:
- Lethargy
- Lack of energy
- Fatigue (sometimes extreme)
- Trouble getting out of bed in the morning even after long periods of sleep
- Brain fog
- General sense of malaise
- Listlessness
- Lack of motivation
- Flu like symptoms (unexplained aches and pains especially in the joints, a runny nose etc)
- A depressed immune system and regularly occurring illnesses such as colds and flu
- Allergies
- Loss of muscle tone
- Unexplained increase in body fat and weight
- Frequent urination
If you experience one or more of the symptoms above on a regular basis it’s possible that you are suffering with adrenal fatigue.
Traditional Treatments for Adrenal Fatigue
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms it is important to get yourself checked over by a GP to make sure that there are no underlying serious health problems. Assuming all is well there are some easy ways you can treat adrenal fatigue.
The first place to focus your attention is on your lifestyle. As simple as it sounds making some small lifestyle adjustments can make all the difference in dealing with adrenal fatigue.
Are you reliant on coffee or other stimulants such as chocolate and cola to get you through your day? You will need to slowly wean yourself off these. Replace them with hydrating drinks like redbush tea or other herbals teas and water.
Check your diet – If you are eating a lot of sugary foods this can also over stimulate the adrenals. Instead opt for fresh fruit and veggies.
Ensure you are taking enough exercise. The body is supposed to move. Exercise increases your energy and helps you to burn off the excess adrenaline and cortisol in your system.
Finally make sure you are getting enough sleep.
Using Adaptogenic Herbs to Treat Adrenal Fatigue Naturally
There are some herbs that can powerfully assist you to deal with your adrenal fatigue. They have proven incredibly effective for many people who have used them. We humans have been using herbs for thousands of years to treat ailments naturally.
The adaptogenic herbs include Ashwagandha, Astragalus, Eleuthero (also known as Siberian Ginseng), Ginseng, Goji berries and Licorice. Ionix Supreme contains a number of these ingredients and has proven useful for many people suffering with low energy, stress and fatigue.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha boosts your immune system, helping you to fight adrenal fatigue and ward off colds, flu and other illnesses. It also reduces inflammation in the body.
Astragalus
The herb Astragalus is known for fighting fatigue, increasing recovery from illness and preventing the oxidation process within your cells, which is the process responsible for aging. Therefore Astragalus is sometimes known as the anti aging herb.
Eleuthero (Siberian Ginseng)
Eleuthero root is one of the better known adaptogenic herbs. It may also sometimes be called Siberian Ginseng, although it is illegal to sell it under that name now in the US. It helps to limit the production of cortisol and adrenaline caused by over stressed adrenals and also boosts immune function.
Ginseng
The collection of herbs known as Ginseng help to reduce stress and anxiety and boost your energy levels.
Goji Berries
Goji berries contain antioxidants and flavonoids. They can assist your liver and kidneys as they work to detox your body and purify your blood. They are also sometimes prescribed for adrenal fatigue and to enhance performance.
Licorice
Popular in Chinese medicine. Licorice is known for preventing stress and fighting exhaustion. It is also antiviral and anti-inflammatory.
References / Citations
http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/features/adrenal-fatigue-is-it-real
https://womensinternational.com/connections/hypoadrenalism.html