Oh yes, it’s everywhere! How are you? The most common response in today’s day and age… “Busy!!” “Exhausted!” “I never stop!”
We currently live in a society that doesn’t stop. We are always switched on, tuned in, running around. Filling our lives with tasks, errands, work, social engagements, social media, children’s activities and the list goes on and on!
While we may be able to withstand this fast paced lifestyle to a certain degree, what happens when we add just that little bit more? A stressful life event, deadline at work or longer hours? We might start having that extra coffee or afternoon sugar hit to get us through. You could then be joining the express lane to destination adrenal fatigue!
What is adrenal fatigue?
Adrenal fatigue refers to a lowered function of the adrenal glands. The function of your adrenal glands is to respond to all forms of emotional, psychological and physical stress, releasing hormones like cortisol and adrenalin. When you are under stress in the long term this can lead to an underproduction of these hormones resulting in lowered resistance to stress, energy instability and cravings for salt, sugar and coffee.
Why does it happen?
When the body has been under chronic stress for a prolonged period, higher levels of cortisol circulate within the body and eventually the adrenal glands start to become tired and decrease the amount of cortisol and DHEA being produced. This response to stress goes way back in evolution.
This is a human survival mechanism. We need to have a surge of cortisol and adrenaline to help us flee from danger, however, we weren’t however supposed to initiate this response on a weekly or even daily basis.
But with long term stress and the daily rushing of life, our poor little adrenal glands are likely to shrivel up and go on strike!
Stress that could combine to result in adrenal fatigue may include:
- Long working hours
- Face paced and high pressured
roles within the workplace
- Running your own business
- Illness and poor health of yourself
or a loved one
- Relationship break up or divorce
- Putting pressure on yourself to
rush and get everything done
- Poor dietary choices and low i
intake of vegetables, protein and healthy fats
- Social isolation
- Moving house
- Death of a loved one
What symptoms could I experience?
Lower levels of cortisol that can occur in a state of adrenal fatigue have been found to contribute to the following symptoms:
- Sleeping issues, including not being able to fall or maintain sleep
- Low morning, mid-morning and mid-afternoon energy
- Fatigue
- Craving for salt and sugar
- Feeling like you have a “second wind at night”
- Foggy head and low mood
- Blood sugar imbalance particularly hypoglycaemia or low blood sugar levels
- Low blood pressure
- Low thyroid function
- Lowered immune function and inflammation
- Hormonal imbalances
How can I beat adrenal fatigue?
The good news is that yes, there is something that you can do to lift yourself out of adrenal fatigue. Your Naturopath may assist you in identifying the factors that are contributing to your condition and work with you in developing the right nutrition, lifestyle and supplement support to help you to recover from adrenal fatigue and start living your life again with energy and enthusiasm.
Emma Tippett, Naturopath has a passion for helping her patients to achieve their optimal state of health and function. Contact the clinic today for a complimentary 10 minute chat with Emma and discover how you can move from a state of fatigue to optimal health with the support of Naturopathy.
