by: Dr. Craig A. Maxwell
If you’re suffering from constant tiredness, depression, and irritability, you might be living with a condition called adrenal fatigue. This common health problem is often difficult to diagnose by the conventional medical community because of its unusual symptoms. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the symptoms of adrenal fatigue and show you how to get to the bottom of these problems so you can get back to the productive life you remember!
What is Adrenal Fatigue?
Adrenal fatigue is a condition characterized by chronic exhaustion caused by the inability of the adrenal glands to produce adequate quantities of the hormone, cortisol, throughout the day. Because this condition is not widely recognized by many physicians, it is often misdiagnosed as a mental health problem. In other words, some physicians may lead you to believe it’s “all in your head.”
Signs and Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue
The most prevalent feeling associated with adrenal fatigue is being tired all the time. Fatigue is constant and not relieved by rest or sleep. The sufferer may feel tired during the bulk of the day yet begin to “wake up” after 6 p.m. They may have difficulty falling asleep, yet not easily be able to rise in the morning. People with adrenal fatigue often find themselves dependent on coffee, tea, and energy drinks to get through the day.
Other symptoms of adrenal fatigue include:
Physical
- Non-Refreshing Sleep
- Insomnia
- Craving for Sweet or Salty Foods
- Slow Recovery from Exertion
- Light Sensitivity
- Cold Sensitivity
- Low Immune System Function
- Gastrointestinal Disturbances (IBS, Diarrhea)
- PMS
- Menopausal Symptoms
- Ravenous Hunger or Lack of Appetite
- Arthritis
- Frequent Colds and Flu
Mental/Emotional
- Overwhelmed by Emotion/Unable to Cope
- Anxiety/Fearfulness
- Irritability
- Depression
- Low Sex Drive
- Panic Attacks
- Poor Concentration/Brain Fog
- Poor Memory
- Quick to Anger (Will Usually Back Down When Confronted)
Causes of Adrenal Fatigue
Adrenal fatigue can be a real puzzler for many physicians because they’re not often trained to consider adrenal fatigue as a possible diagnosis. Many in the medical community do not believe this condition exists. This usually results in a battery of inconclusive and expensive tests and treatments with pharmaceutical drugs. This is not a productive way to get to the bottom of adrenal fatigue.
Common causes of adrenal fatigue include:
- Dietary Factors
- Junk Foods
- Excessive Carbohydrate Intake
- Excessive Caffeine Intake (Watch Those Energy Drinks!)
- Soy
- Aspartame
- High Fructose Corn Syrup
- Foods Dyes
- Lack of Good Salt (Sea Salt is Best)
- Undiagnosed Gluten Intolerance
- Physical or Emotional Stress
- Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies
- Magnesium Deficiency
- Zinc Deficiency
- Vitamin D3 Deficiency
- Inadequate Sleep
- Environmental Toxins
- Fluoride in Water
- Birth Control Pills
How to Raise Cortisol Levels Naturally
Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal gland. Too much of it and you’re at risk for severe anxiety and chronic belly bloat. Too little of it and you may experience the above symptoms. Balance is everything. When you raise your cortisol levels naturally, you can get rid of that constant feeling of being tired and reconnect with the world.
Diet can also affect your cortisol levels. If you eat a diet high in processed foods and sugary carbohydrates, now is the time to make a change for the better. Clear out your cabinets and fridge of all that sugary stuff that’s not good for you and head to the grocery store. Add nutritious, whole-food fare such as organic poultry, fish, lean meats, organic vegetables, organic fruits, and healthy grains such as brown rice and quinoa to your grocery cart. Try avoiding gluten grains for at least one month as undiagnosed gluten intolerance is a leading cause of chronic tiredness.
Since the symptoms of adrenal fatigue often mimic the symptoms of many conditions, it’s important to really know for sure what’s happening inside your body. The Adrenal Stress Kit by Neuroscience can give you an accurate diagnosis in the comfort and privacy of your own home. Simple saliva and urine tests can take a reading of your cortisol levels so you can take a more proactive approach to your treatment plan.
What’s The Best Natural Supplement To Heal Adrenal Fatigue?
I recommend Diamond Nutritionals’ Adrenal Support Formula as one of the most effective ways to combat adrenal fatigue. I have successfully treated hundreds of patients with this natural formula over the past twelve years. I recommend taking two with breakfast and two with lunch or evening meal. Those who have before-and-after saliva testing are often amazed to see how their greatly improved lab results correlate with their clinical improvement. Improvement time varies from one week to eight weeks depending on severity.
Adrenal Support Formula works so well based on the fact that it addresses adrenal fatigue on several levels, including key micronutrients needed to boost adrenal gland function, adaptogenic botanicals (used to help “jumpstart” the adrenals), and adrenal concentrate. Like all Diamond Nutritionals products, Adrenal Support Formula is made in America from the finest professional grade, natural ingredients.
When you feel tired all the time, it’s sometimes hard to just make it through the day. If you’re having difficulty working, being with family, or socializing with friends, it can lead to feelings of depression and inadequacy. Adrenal fatigue is not your fault. It doesn’t mean you’re weak or incapable. This condition can be reversed with proper testing and treatment. Take it one step at a time. You’ll get there and we can help.