Adrenal fatigue affects individuals who suffer from physical, mental, environmental, or emotional stress for more than three months. Adrenal fatigue can affect anyone, but more likely single parents, individuals who are drug-dependent, those who have faced a life crisis or trauma, or those who have a stressful job circumstance. The term “adrenal fatigue syndrome” encompasses a broad spectrum of debilitating symptoms associated with chronic adaptation to stress. Nervousness, body aches, sleep disturbance, digestive problems, reduced memory, and feelings of tiredness and exhaustion are some of the common adrenal fatigue symptoms.^[1]

Does Adrenal Fatigue Really Exist?

Prolonged exposure to stress leads to degenerative and physiological changes that are brought up by the excessive stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system in our bodies. As of now, no specific medical condition can diagnose this progression to health degeneration.

Science demonstrates that stress affects adrenal-gland activities and hormonal or glucocorticoid secretion via the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, supporting the theory of the adrenal fatigue syndrome.^[2] Whether or not the diagnosis exists, simple options are available to help with the collection of symptoms. A personalized and holistic plan that includes counselling, medications, herbs, supplements, and lifestyle changes can help to support the body’s adaptation to stress. In herbal medicine, plants that support the adaptation to stress are called “adaptogens.”

Then, What Is the Real Theory Behind Adrenal Fatigue?

Adrenal fatigue occurs when the body’s attempt to withstand chronic stress fails to respond appropriately to that stress. Adrenal glands are two small organs that are located above our kidneys; they are responsible for secreting the release of our stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline.^[3] With long-term stress, or maladaptive coping mechanism, the adrenal glands may release less stress-related hormones because of a negative feedback loop associated with hormone production via the HPA axis. Symptoms of adrenal fatigue occur because of such conditions.^[4][5] Physiological progression of adrenal fatigue consists of three phases: the alarm, the resistance, and the exhaustion phases.^[6]

During the alarm phase, also known as the fight-or-flight response, the body responds to the release of stress hormones by increasing blood pressure, heart rate, and blood flow to muscles. During the resistance phase, the action of cortisol is most prevalent. Anti-inflammatory when secreted in small amounts, cortisol suppresses the immune system when there is too much and increases the risk of disease. Diminished amounts of cortisol and aldosterone during this phase cause a decrease in gluconeogenesis, rapid blood-sugar fall, sodium loss, and potassium retention.^[6]

Adrenal Fatigue Versus Adrenal Insufficiency

Adrenal insufficiency is a medical condition that occurs when our adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones, due to damage in the adrenal or the pituitary glands.^[7][8] The pituitary gland is a pea-sized gland present in the brain; its primary function is to instruct the adrenal glands to produce cortisol.^[9] A person who has adrenal insufficiency can be confused as well as dehydrated and experience severe weight loss. They can feel tired, weak, and dizzy; and have blood pressure abnormalities.

Other symptoms include nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, and vomiting. Adrenal fatigue is not as severe, nor is it a medical condition, and it is characterized by high stress levels that affect the optimal functioning of the adrenal glands.

Symptoms and Signs of Adrenal Fatigue

The most common symptoms and signs of adrenal fatigue are the following:^[10][11][12]

• decreased energy and stamina—feeling exhausted and run-down most of the day
• reduced resilience
• decreased productivity
• feeling overwhelmed
• lack of a refreshed feeling, even after eight hours of sleep
• hypoglycaemia
• mild depression
• concentration problems
• craving sugar and salt
• digestive problems
• trouble in waking up and getting to sleep
• tiredness
• lightheadedness when standing up quickly
• inability to really wake until after 10 a.m., afternoon low between 3 and 4 p.m., and then feeling better after 6 p.m.
• increased effort to do everyday tasks.

Natural Treatment of Adrenal Fatigue

Lifestyle Modification

There are some modifications that you can bring into your lifestyle for reducing the effects of adrenal fatigue:^[13][14]

• Identify your biggest stressors, and what have been your usual coping mechanisms.
• Increase your free time up to two hours per day, away from screens and portable telephones.
• Practice mindfulness and deep breathing.
• Practice moderate daily exercise.
• Have a regular sleep schedule.
• Create a chart! After prioritizing the items, start doing more of the things that make you feel good and try to reduce the things that are making you feel low or stressed out.
• Avoid people or situations that drain your energy or reduce the amount of time with them.
• Eat meals at around the same time every day.

Dietary Changes: Foods to Avoid

It is recommended to limit the use of drinks and foods which are high in sugar.^[15] Here are some foods which should be consumed in moderation or avoided:

• white flour
• white sugar
• caffeine
• alcohol
• soda
• processed food
• fried foods
• artificial sweeteners
• fast foods

Foods to Eat

Prefer foods that have healthy fats, a balanced amount of protein, and nutrient-dense carbohydrates. Increase fruits and vegetables to at least five servings per day. Here is a list of foods you should include in your diet to help cope with adrenal fatigue:^[16]

• fish
• eggs
• nuts
• legumes
• colourful vegetables
• leafy greens
• whole grains
• olive oil
• grapeseed oil
• coconut oil
• low-sugar fruits

Nutraceuticals

Vitamins B and C as well as magnesium are also good for the optimal functionality of the adrenal glands. Vitamin C, which is essential in the production of adrenal steroid hormones and used in the adrenal cascade, is a crucial vitamin for adrenal recovery.

Herbal Supplements

Here are some adaptogenic botanicals that enhance the “state of non-specific resistance” in stress,^[17][18] to help you with the collection of the symptoms.

Licorice Root

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) root has shown benefits for those in the exhaustion phase of adrenal fatigue. Studies demonstrate that licorice functions to regulate cortisol levels and improve energy.^[19][20] Deglycyrrhizinated licorice may be preferable for people with high blood pressure.

Siberian Ginseng

Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) is an herb that supports the adrenal glands and increases body stamina. It also helps to improve memory, chronic fatigue, irregularities in blood sugar levels, and lowered immunity. It is one of the best natural treatments for adrenal fatigue.^[21][22]

Golden Root

Golden root is also known as Rhodiola rosea. If you are suffering from adrenal fatigue, then this root can help improve energy and mood.^[23][24]

Maca Root

Maca contains vitamins B and C, zinc, magnesium, calcium, and iron. Maca is a good source of phytonutrients, antioxidants, and plant-based proteins. It helps to relieve depression and anxiety as well as to support mood balance and energy.^[25][26]

Outlook

If you feel symptoms such as weakness, feelings of tiredness, or exhaustion, then you should visit your naturopathic doctor for your full diagnosis. You may also have anemia, sleep apnea, depression, fibromyalgia, or other health-related problems, so it is advised, if you suffer from multiple health concerns, to visit a naturopathic doctor.

Dr. Farnoush Khodarahmi, MSc, MA, ND

A naturopathic doctor from North York in Ontario, her passion in life is to guide her patients as they grow on their journey to their optimal health and wellbeing, inspiring others around them to do the same for themselves.

ndmedic.com

References

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