Adrenal Fatigue... what is it and how do I know if I have it?
Updated: Sep 20, 2018
Stressed? With the fast pace of the world today it is difficult to avoid it. As Dr Libby Weaver describes so well here:
"between deadlines and financial responsibilities, school runs and household duties, caring for loved ones of all ages and intimate relationships, our lives can be demanding. We’re often wound up, running ourselves ragged in a daily battle to get things done, feeling as though there’s so much to do, and yet never quite getting on top of things."
I don't know about you, but I am there! With the busyness of everyday life: working, having three small children, a husband and a household to run, life can seem so overwhelming and I constantly have to tell myself that it is impossible to get everything done and to lower my expectations on myself. There is only so much a person can do!
The adrenals glands are located above the kidneys and are at the centre of the body's stress response system. They are responsible for secreting hormones into the body, such as aldosterone, cortisol and androgens. When the hypothalamus (a portion of the brain responsible for releasing hormones, regulating body temperature, controlling appetite and emotions) senses stress, it triggers the adrenal glands to release the appropriate amount of cortisol into the body. Adrenal insufficiency is a well-documented condition in which the adrenals cannot keep up with the stress response of the body.
Signs and symptoms that you may be having adrenal insufficiency/fatigue includes:
Fatigue
Body aches
Difficulty with morning waking
Prone to infection
Weight/muscle loss
Low blood pressure
Lightheadedness
Loss of hair
Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
Hyperpigmentation
Craving sweet or salty foods
Decreased libido
Depression
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, consult your GP and if a diagnosis is made, there are various nutritional interventions that can be worked through with a practitioner that can improve and reverse the symptoms.
~ Jo Kate