Chronically Exhausted and Foggy? Adrenal Fatigue Basics

Everyone needs to know about adrenal fatigue – what exactly it is, and how to address it.  You may not even know that you need to know about it, but trust me, as you read you will come to see its importance.

Adrenal fatigue symptoms are rampant among ourselves and our friends, and especially among mothers.  I want to spread the word so that more people can support their adrenal glands and avoid the unhealthy state that so many of us are mislead to believe is “normal.”

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Do you ever…

…wonder why you always feel sluggish, tired, depressed, unproductive, or foggy?

….have weight around the middle that just won’t budge?

…or, feel like your circulation is poor, your blood pressure is low, or your sex drive is lacking?

What about experiencing random things like hair loss, indigestion, chronic colds, unexplicable anxiety, or an onset of horrible PMS?

Do you have a sudden onset or worsening of allergies, asthma, or skin conditions?

Are cravings for caffeine, sugar, or salt your norm? Or, do you feel better with plenty of fats in your diet?

Do you have dark spots on your face, forehead, neck or shoulders? Do you get rashes, or other skin conditions?

Would you be surprised if I told you that all of these things are related?

The fact is that all of these symptoms point to your adrenal glands.

First, let’s look specifically at the adrenal glands, and then we’ll talk about what happens when they are over-stressed for too long, and how to avoid adrenal fatigue.

What are the Adrenals?

The adrenal glands sit atop the kidneys (you have two) and the best way to understand them is as glands that manage survival and the body’s ability to cope with stress.

The adrenals respond to any type of stress, and any magnitude of stress, whether it is physical, emotional, psychological, physiological, environmental, dietary, or infectious stress.  That’s right, your adrenals will be recruited whether you just got a high-pressure assignment at work, went 3 rounds with your angry 13 year-old, or are being chased by a hungry lion.

It’s no wonder, then, that many people’s adrenal glands are getting quite a workout every. single. day.

The adrenal glands are small, but mighty. The stress hormone cortisol, which is secreted by the adrenal glands can affect nearly every system and cell in the body, and lead to a variety of physiological responses.

All hormones are released at a distance from their target, and circulate throughout the body.  Whether a cell or body system responds to the hormone depends only on whether the cells have a receptor for the hormone.  So when cortisol (or corticosterone) is released, the entire body is bathed in the stress hormone, and every cell with a receptor will be affected.

The adrenal glands secrete other hormones, too.  For example, the hormones of the adrenal gland can affect how the body uses carbohydrates, protein and fats, thereby affecting weight, and the distribution of that weight. In addition, they affect how the body regulates blood sugar, cardiovascular function, gastrointestinal function, allergic reactions, sex hormone levels, responses to both chronic illnesses and common infections, and more.

Clearly the adrenal gland is incredibly important in maintaining optimal health on many levels. Even illnesses that have their roots in other body systems can be affected by the output of the adrenal glands.

What are Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue?

The symptoms of adrenal fatigue are as varied as the systems on which the adrenal hormones act.  In adrenal fatigue, the glands have been over-worked, so they may become hyperactive or have a hair-like trigger.  Then , with time, the glands are unable to maintain high levels of activity, so they become less and less responsive, and given the importance of the hormones secreted by the adrenal glands, this is a potentially dire situation.

Typically the symptoms of adrenal fatigue are consistent with tiredness, slow metabolism, weak or hyperactive immune system, and reduced cognitive function.  People who suffer with adrenal fatigue have a significantly reduced quality of life.

Here are some of the most common symptoms, in addition to the symptoms listed at the beginning of the article:

• Difficulty getting out of bed in the morning, regardless of how much sleep you got. You really wake up around 10am.
• Craving salty foods, or just plain salt. Or, craving stimulants (like caffeine, chocolate, or sweets). Or, craving fatty or protein-rich foods, and feeling better when you eat those. Feeling worse if you skip a meal, or your meal is inadequate.
• Lethargy. Reduced Productivity. The sense that everything is a “chore.”
• Afternoon slump in energy between 3-4pm.
• Reduced libido.
• Lack of patience. Inability to tolerate any amount of stress. Less tolerance – people are more annoying.
• Increased recovery time from illness, injury, or trauma. Increased frequency of infections.
• Light-headedness. Low blood pressure. Poor circulation.
• Depression ranging from mild to more severe. Less enjoyment or happiness with everyday pleasures.
• Increased PMS symptoms.
• Reduced cognitive function. Fuzzy thoughts. Poor memory. Inability to focus.

No one symptom indicates adrenal fatigue, but if several of these describe you, then you fit the profile of a person with adrenal fatigue.

It’s worth seeing a physician to rule out other causes of these symptoms.  Ultimately, a health care provider would have to diagnose you with adrenal fatigue, but unfortunately, that may be unlikely.  Most physicians only recognize severe adrenal hormone insufficiency with a formal diagnosis – that is, your adrenal glands must completely “crash” in order for the problem to be recognized.  In this case, hormone levels in blood and/or saliva tests are drastically reduced.

Adrenal fatigue symptoms that have not hit the level of a dramatic decrease in hormone output are often diagnosed as chronic fatigue syndrome, psychiatric disorders, fibromyalgia, or Epstein Barre.

Too often, we are lead to believe that it is “normal” to feel this way; that it just “comes with being a mother,” or “is a part of life.”  It may be common, but it is not healthy – kinda like McDonald’s.

The good news is that there is no downside to nourishing your adrenals. It is especially well-advised to take extra care of your adrenals if you are at high risk for adrenal fatigue. It is much easier to maintain wellness than to try to regain it once the adrenals have “crashed.”  Which leads me to my next point…

What are the Risks for Adrenal Fatigue?

 

Stress is the primary risk factor for adrenal fatigue. Stress comes in many forms, but regardless of its form, the body responds the same way: as though it’s a matter of survival!

Here are some examples of stressors – some of which you may not have even considered:

• Sleep deprivation
• Poor diet
• Using food or drinks as stimulants
• Staying up late even when you’re tired; getting a “second-wind”
• Being in a powerless position, or feeling helpless
• Driving yourself hard, or trying to be perfect
• Staying in a no-win situation over an extended period of time
• Lack of relaxing or enjoyable activities
• Frequent crises at work or home, or in relationships
• Any emotional trauma, or death of a loved one
• Major surgery, trauma, or injury
• Prolonged or repeated respiratory infections
• Large life transitions, loss of a job, change in financial position, or relocation
• Environmental chemical exposure
• A sense of constant stress or insecurity

Everyone will experience stress throughout their lives, but…

All these stresses add up. The more stress you experience, the harder your adrenals work.  The frequency and consistency of stressors matters.  All work and no rest can lead to adrenal burn-out – when the glands cease to be able to meet daily demands any longer.

Individuality plays a role, too.  Are you the type of person who “lets things roll off your back,” or do you hold a grudge and stew over things for a while?  Are you always wishing things were better, striving to be more perfect?  You can imagine how individual tendencies contribute to the burden on your adrenals.

If you’ve been reading this and thinking that it applies to you, or someone you love, chances are you’re right. But don’t worry, there are ways to care for your adrenals. I plan to write a more in-depth article about adrenal care, but the MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU CAN DO RIGHT NOW to right a path that is adrenal-intensive is…

Reduce your risk factors for adrenal fatigue. Spend some time really looking at that most recent list of risk factors right up there.  To which ones do you nod your head?  To the best of your ability, remove those circumstances, habits, and factors from your life.

Read More about Why Life-Balance is a Sham

It’s great to supplement and support the adrenals while they’re working hard, but it’s most important to let them rest!  Stock up on the carefree and content time that the adrenals love most.

Only you get to choose how you will spend your time, what you will prioritize, and what will be important enough to stress about.  So, hibernate a little more with loved ones, and delight in a few of your favorite things. Your health depends on it!

If you’d like to read more about Adrenal Fatigue, I highly recommend Adrenal Fatigue: The 21st Century Stress Syndrome by James L. Wilson.

Do these symptoms resonate with you or a loved one?  Have you struggled with adrenal fatigue?  What are your favorite ways to protect your adrenal glands?  Comment below…

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