Is Adrenal Fatigue Real? How does it Affect Your Life?
Chronic stress can impact your body’s ability to recuperate or recover from mental, physical, or emotional health issues. This is likely the reason most people have dealt with a purported medical diagnosis called adrenal fatigue at some stage in their lives.
The term “adrenal fatigue,” also known as hypoadrenia, has recently received plenty of air time, especially in health and wellness circles. You may know that people cite adrenal fatigue for things like low energy and brain fog. Adrenal fatigue is a common yet sometimes controversial diagnosis that indicates depletion of your adrenal glands.
What is Adrenal Fatigue?
“Adrenal fatigue” was proposed by Dr. James L. Wilson as a new condition in 1998. His main assumption was that the overstimulation of your adrenal glands by long-term stress might lead to inconsistent levels of cortisol in your bloodstream. This term is now applied to a vast collection of non-specific symptoms, like body aches and nervousness.
Besides this overload or inadequate stress hormone levels, individuals with adrenal fatigue usually lack enough DHEA.
Is Adrenal Fatigue Real or a Myth?
The main issue with recognizing and diagnosing adrenal fatigue is that it is hard to distinguish its symptoms, signs, and patterns from other health disorders.
Many parameters for this health condition are non-specific. This has led to a significant controversy around this topic. According to multiple peer-reviewed studies, adrenal fatigue is not a real diagnosis.
An adrenal fatigue diagnosis is difficult and tricky because stress hormone levels in your body usually fall “inside the normal range.” However, the symptoms and patterns are clear to people suffering from this health condition.
There aren’t any scientific facts or theories to support the notion that long-term stress will drain your adrenal glands to the extent that they are not functional. Rather, when faced with higher stress levels, the adrenals respond by pumping out more stress hormones. The fact is that adrenal fatigue is not a myth and people take supplements and support for it.
On the other hand, proponents of the adrenal fatigue diagnosis say that it is a mild or moderate form of adrenal insufficiency triggered by chronic stress. Many practitioners of natural medicine know and understand that hypoadrenia is real and associated with numerous complications and issues. Some doctors also recommend adrenal support and adrenal fatigue supplements for the same.
Symptoms
So, what happens when your adrenal glands don’t produce hormones efficiently? This affects every bodily function, and since adrenal hormone levels tend to ebb and flow abnormally, you may not even get the normal “get-up-and-go.” Studies indicate that adrenal fatigue signs and symptoms include the following:
- Autoimmune conditions and chronic fatigue
- Brain fog
- Poor stress response
- Hair loss
- Cognitive problems or “brain fog”
- Hormone imbalance
- Higher energy levels in the evenings
- Cravings for sweet and salty foods
- Overusing caffeine or other stimulants
- Lightheadedness
- Diminished sex drive
- Depression
What is Adrenal Insufficiency?
Unlike adrenal fatigue, adrenal insufficiency is a recognized disease that medical experts can diagnose. There are two primary forms of adrenal insufficiency, and both are caused by problems with or damage to your adrenal glands.
As a result, they don’t make enough cortisol. Apart from fatigue, the condition is marked by joint pain, weight loss, vomiting, and anorexia.
The Best Approach for Managing a Suspected Adrenal Problem
If you are looking for answers or have adrenal fatigue, it is best to consult your family doctor for a timely referral to an experienced endocrinologist. Since the symptoms and signs of an adrenal issue might be non-specific, you must figure out if there is an underlying issue or complication causing your symptoms.
This will help you manage your health and well-being properly. To assess and evaluate the adrenal function, your healthcare professional will conduct an ACTH stimulation test, which is both safe and reliable.
Conventional Medical Treatment
Due to the controversial nature of this health condition, you might need to look for a naturopath. They will help you treat and overcome adrenal fatigue using a combination of supplement recommendations and dietary advice, as well as any hormonal and other medications necessary. Many studies indicate that with an oral dose of about 20 milligrams of hydrocortisone, you can manage cortisol levels.
Natural Remedies
Some suggested natural remedies for this condition include lifestyle changes like avoidance of junk food, a low-sugar/low-caffeine diet, nutritional supplementation, and a healthy sleep schedule.
Natural remedies and tips for adrenal fatigue involve:
- Lower stress on your mind and body
- Eliminating harmful substances and toxins
- Avoiding negative thinking or thought patterns
- Replenishing your body with balanced and healthy foods, and supplements
Herbs and Supplements
If you would like to overcome adrenal fatigue, it is crucial to take the right supplements and herbs. As it can still be challenging to get enough of each nutrient you need on a daily basis, you can use supplements to ensure that you receive the minerals and vitamins that are vital for adrenal health and support.
Also, there are specific herbs and spices that can help to combat adrenal fatigue and support a vibrant and energetic life.
Introducing Dr. Nandi’s Adrenal Support
Adrenal Support enables your body to adapt to stress in a positive and healthy way. The formula contains a blend of essential micronutrients and adaptogenic botanicals that strengthen your body’s stress response, supporting healthy energy levels.
Rhodiola Rosea Root Extract
Rhodiola Rosea is an adaptogenic botanical and can increase resistance to numerous stressors. Rhodiola supports optimal and healthy energy levels while reducing stress and fatigue.
Rhodiola is widely used in Asia and Eastern Europe to help support and facilitate the nervous system, mental clarity, mood regulation, work performance, and even the sleep cycle. Rhodiola is well known for its beneficial impact on both mental and physical fatigue.
And within the central nervous system, Rhodiola can also preserve levels of various neurotransmitters like serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine.
Eleuthero Root Extract
Eleutherococcus senticosus, also known as Siberian ginseng, is a strong adaptogenic botanical. It is widely used in China to enhance general health, physical endurance, and support memory. Eleuthero limits excess cortisol in your system. This is achieved by inhibiting the cortisol-enhancing enzyme C-Jun N-terminal kinase.
This is how Eleuthero helps decrease stress-related fatigue, shorten recovery from acute stress, and improve stamina. Besides its unique ability to improve stress resilience in your system and maintain energy, Eleuthero also supports your immune system.
Schisandra Berry Extract
The formula also contains Schisandra. It is an adaptogenic botanical used in Russia and China to help support the stress response, mental clarity, and emotional wellness. Schisandra supports a healthy and natural resistance to stress, supporting mental endurance and clarity.
Schisandra berry can support learning and memory and boasts some protective features that support brain health. Stress relief is possible with healthy habits and can be further supported by adaptogenic herbs and act as adrenal fatigue supplement.
Licorice Root Extract
The main components or ingredients in licorice root that support and facilitate adrenal health include glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhetic acid. Licorice helps your adrenals by preventing the breakdown of cortisol, which is the major hormone produced by the adrenals to combat stress.
Licorice’s cortisol-sparing effects help maintain energy levels, resulting in a better and healthier response to stressful situations.
Ashwagandha Root Extract
The formula also contains ashwagandha. This herb is derived from a shrub native to Southeast Asia and India. Ashwagandha is a popular and reliable medicinal herb and adaptogen often used in Ayurvedic medicine.
Ashwagandha has potent adaptogenic properties that provide many benefits for individuals with compromised health because of extreme stress exposure. Research indicates that supplementing with ashwagandha effectively and safely improves stress resistance. I’m not
Ashwagandha’s benefits also include supporting immune response, improving stress resilience, and regulating the sleep cycle.
Micronutrients
Adrenal Support has many micronutrients, such as vitamins, which buffer the effects of stress and support adrenal gland function. Vitamin B5 supports balanced and stable cortisol production, helping lower levels of high cortisol triggered during stressful events.
Vitamin B6 is valuable as it helps restore equilibrium to the nervous system by supporting the production of key neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine.
On the other hand, vitamin B12 helps in resetting the circadian rhythm of cortisol excretion during the day. Vitamin C is an important nutrient for healthy adrenal gland function, and supplementation with vitamin C supports the health of your adrenals and immune function.
Adrenal Fatigue: Summarized
To keep your adrenal function healthy, you should:
- Eat a well-balanced diet to support your overall health and well-being and to help regulate your sugar levels.
- Avoid foods like white sugar, soda, and fried items.
- It is also essential to stay hydrated.
- Consume alcohol in moderation
- Exercise regularly
- Maintain a healthy weight
Sources
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4997656/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23627245
