Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome

Adrenal fatigue is one of the most under-diagnosed illness in the United States, which affects around 80% of adults at some point in their lives. It is a result of dysfunction of the adrenal glands. Adrenal glands, which are situated on the top of the kidneys, belong to the endocrine system of your body and play an important role in stress management, by releasing the important hormones, adrenaline and cortisol. The balance of these hormones is crucial for maintaining the mental and physical health, as they affect every tissue, gland and organ of your body.

Adrenal Fatigue

Cortisol, released by the adrenal glands helps manage stress. There is always a chance of high level of stress; as our modern life is full of competitions and expectations. The adrenal glands often have to maintain high levels of cortisol, in order to fight stress constantly, which in turn affects the release of other adrenal hormones. Estrogen and adrenaline are the essential hormones for body metabolism. When the resources of the glands are repeatedly directed towards the production of cortisol, (as a result of excessive and constant stress), a shortage of estrogen and other hormones, resulting in adrenal fatigue syndrome is experienced by the person. The healthy tissues of the body are damaged due to excessive cortisol, leading again to fatigue. It has been observed that all problems with adrenal gland, mainly lead to adrenal fatigue.

Symptoms

• Low body temperature
• Fatigue and lethargy
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or hyperglycemia (high blood sugar)
• Low or high blood pressure
• Constant feeling of exhaustion
• Depression or feeling of nervousness
• Very low stamina
• Tendency to gain weight and difficulty to lose it.
• Reduced sex drive
• Neck pain
• Desire to eat salty foods
• Lack of sleep
• Low immune functioning or difficulty recovering from infections
• Digestion problems
• Palpitation
• Poor memory
• Difficulty concentrating or remembering
• Lightheadedness along with dizziness and fainting
• Unexplained hair loss
• Nausea
• Alternating constipation and diarrhea

The treatment involves use of prescribed medications, healthy diet, and regular and adequate exercise. If all these are accompanied by spiritual healing and meditation, then the person will never have to face any adrenal problems again.

Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome Diet

Food to Avoid:

• Potassium rich food like banana, dry figs, raisins, melons, dates, grapes etc.
• Refined carbohydrates like white bread, cakes, cookies, pasta etc.
• Pickled foods
• Excessive caffeine
• Fermented food like wine and cheese.
• Excessive alcohol
• Refined or artificial sugar
• Fungi like mushrooms
• Yeast and wheat products containing gluten
• Carbonated soft drinks
• Processed and junk food
• Deep sea fish like tuna and mackerel or oysters and lobsters

Recommended Food:

• Omega-3 essential fatty acids rich food
• High fiber diet
• Organic coconut oil
• Ground flax seeds
• Sprouted walnuts
• Lots of pure water
• Fresh vegetables and vegetable juices
• Dairy products having probiotics like yogurt
• Lots of unrefined, low-glycemic carbohydrates like brown rice

To lower the effects of stress, you can take small breaks from stressful activities, enjoy the activities of your own choice during free time or on holidays, laugh as much as possible, exercise regularly, eat 5-6 small meals rather than 2-3 big meals, and eat and sleep at fixed timings. All this is necessary to maintain hormonal balance. Simple dietary and lifestyle changes help prevent common health problems.