Adrenal fatigue is a condition characterized by chronic fatigue, body aches, difficulty sleeping, irritability, and other symptoms that are thought to occur when the adrenal glands become overtaxed and unable to produce adequate levels of hormones. The adrenal glands are endocrine glands that sit on top of the kidneys and produce hormones like cortisol, adrenaline, and aldosterone that help regulate metabolism, immune function, blood pressure, and the body's response to stress.
Some key things to know about adrenal fatigue:
- Causes: Prolonged stress, poor diet, infections, hormonal imbalances, and certain medications can tax the adrenal glands over time and disrupt normal hormone production. High intensity exercise training without enough recovery can also contribute.
- Symptoms: Fatigue, body aches, salt and sweet cravings, low blood pressure, irritability, depression, and trouble sleeping are common signs of adrenal fatigue. Symptoms tend to be worse in the morning after waking and improve over the course of the day.
- Diagnosis: There is some debate over whether adrenal fatigue is an actual medical condition, as blood tests may show only subtle hormone changes. However, a doctor can check for it with an Adrenal Stress Index test that measures cortisol levels throughout the day.
- Treatment: Lifestyle changes like stress reduction, proper sleep, nutritious diet, and moderate exercise can help support adrenal function. Adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha and licorice root may also help balance cortisol levels. In some cases, hydrocortisone therapy is used temporarily to support adrenal function.
The experts at
Renew Medical Clinic can help diagnose and treat adrenal fatigue through advanced saliva testing that looks at daily cortisol and DHEA rhythms. We create customized treatment plans that may include stress management, dietary changes, targeted nutraceuticals, and bioidentical hormone therapy if needed, to rebalance the adrenal glands. Our goal is to identify the root causes and support long-term adrenal health.
Here are some common questions about adrenal fatigue:
How do you know if you have adrenal fatigue? The main symptom is increased fatigue that is not relieved by sleep. You may also experience cravings for salty or sugary foods, low blood pressure, irritability, body aches, difficulty concentrating, and worsening symptoms in the morning. Having your cortisol levels tested throughout the day can help confirm if the adrenals are not functioning optimally.
What is the best diet for adrenal fatigue? Eating a nutrient-dense diet with clean proteins, healthy fats, colorful fruits and vegetables, and complex carbs stabilizes blood sugar and provides key nutrients to support the adrenals. Avoid inflammatory foods like sugar, excess caffeine, alcohol, and processed foods. Stay hydrated and get enough salt to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance.
Can adrenal fatigue be cured? There is no quick fix, but with the right lifestyle measures and treatment plan, the adrenal glands can recover normal function over time. It takes a commitment to reducing stress, eating well, exercising in moderation, and getting quality sleep. Herbal therapies, specific nutrients, and bioidentical hormones can also help restore adrenal health when guided by a knowledgeable practitioner.
Is adrenal fatigue a real diagnosis? There is some debate over this. While standard blood tests may not always indicate abnormal cortisol levels, many integrative medicine doctors believe the collection of symptoms reflects impaired adrenal function not detected on basic lab work. They find supporting the adrenals with individualized plans leads to improved energy and wellbeing.
I hope this overview on adrenal fatigue gives you a good understanding of this complex disorder. The practitioners at Renew Medical Clinic are adrenal fatigue experts who can provide personalized guidance if you are struggling with chronic fatigue and believe your adrenals may be involved. Our goal is to get your energy back using targeted natural therapies and lifestyle changes tailored just for you!