Adrenal Fatigue is a condition that can follow a lengthy period of chronic stress or it may show up after an acute sickness such as pneumonia. When the adrenal glands stop functioning efficiently, a person may be said to suffer from adrenal fatigue. While the main symptom of this syndrome is a feeling of fatigue (even after an optimum amount of sleep), many people report non-specific symptoms that ultimately combine to make them feel generally unwell. Although sufferers of adrenal fatigue try to go about their everyday tasks, they typically rely on caffeine-laden drinks while going through their day--which can actually exacerbate the problem.
How Does Adrenal Fatigue Happen?
Your adrenal glands coordinate your body's defense system during periods of stress or sickness. These glands produce hormones and also regulate the body's energy production. Anyone can suffer from adrenal fatigue. Illness or extreme stress can lead to adrenal fatigue. While your glands still function during a bout of adrenal fatigue, but not at an optimum level--not at the level your body needs for energy balance. A serious infection, a stressful relationship, or even the death of someone you love can put you at risk of adrenal fatigue.
Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue
People who suffer from adrenal fatigue invariably suffer from the feeling of fatigue during the day. Waking up can be extremely difficult for someone suffering from this condition, even if they've gotten a healthy amount of sleep. People suffering from adrenal fatigue typically report feeling like they are physically or mentally overwhelmed or run down. Some people with this syndrome suffer from symptoms like aches and pains that are unexplained while others might have low blood pressure or feel lightheaded periodically.
Treatment for Adrenal Fatigue
If you think you might be suffering from adrenal fatigue, it's important to schedule a visit with your healthcare provider. Your doctor may suspect this condition, but will need to rule out any other potential causes. If you are diagnosed with adrenal fatigue, your healthcare provider will advise you to try to lower your stress level. A healthy diet, exercise, and regular sleep will help your body naturally overcome this syndrome, but it can take time.
Nutritionists encourage patients suffering from adrenal fatigue to eat foods that support the adrenal glands like whole foods, organic foods, fruit juices, and herbal teas. It's important to reduce your caffeine intake and drink more water as well. If your symptoms do not improve in time, your doctor may advise you to see and endocrinologist, a doctor who specializes in hormones.
If you are going through a stressful time or have been coping with an acute infection, you could be at risk for adrenal fatigue. If you are suffering from adrenal fatigue symptoms, visit your doctor and also do your utmost to take care of yourself by eating right, getting plenty of rest, and exercising--even if you don't feel up to it at first. After a while of taking good care of yourself and reducing stress levels, you'll find that your adrenal glands will likely begin to function optimally again and you'll feel more energy as your symptoms improve.