What is Adrenal Fatigue and What Can You Do About It?

Do you often feel lazy and tired even after getting optimum hours of sleep? If yes, then you might have googled it zillions of time and probably heard about adrenal fatigue. Adrenal fatigue is a progressively common yet controversial topic but if you want to know about what exactly it is and what you can do about it then you have stumbled upon the right place!

First things first- what is adrenal fatigue?

Adrenal fatigue was coined in 1998 by James Wilson, PhD, a naturopath and health expert. He defined the term as a “group of related signs and symptoms (a syndrome) that shows when the adrenal glands function below the necessary level.” Moreover, he said that this condition is linked with extreme stress and often trails various lasting infections like bronchitis, flu, or pneumonia. He further concluded that anyone who is suffering from this might not show any bodily signs of illness other than feelings of exhaustion and fatigue even after getting an ideal sleep. People can also have a strong desire to consume salty snacks.

He explained the theory behind adrenal fatigue by explaining, “If you are suffering from long-term stress, say, death of your loved one or a serious illness, extended production of cortisol can easily burn out your adrenal glands and this is the basic reason for adrenal fatigue. There’s no approved test for adrenal fatigue. An underlying condition can hamper the process of your adrenal glands.

Here is what you can do about it

Consulting a doctor if you are suffering from the symptoms of adrenal fatigue is an effective way to treat this condition. A personalised plan that includes counselling, medications, supplements and lifestyle changes from a health expert is the best way to treat this condition. Natural remedies like change in lifestyle, changing dietary patterns like consuming low-sugar/low-caffeine food items, cutting junkies from the diet, following a healthy sleep schedule, and consuming naturally wholesome foods can also help in treating the condition.

Dietary modifications

• Add in high protein foods
• Increase the consumption of whole grains
• Do include vegetables and fruits
• Keep yourself hydrated all the time
• Decrease the consumption of simple carbohydrates, especially sugar
• Stay away from processed foods
• Avoid fried foods
• Follow a caffeine-free diet

Decrease your stress levels

• Do add physical activities to your routine
• Try the meditation and yoga way
• Cut the usage of electronic devices

Essential vitamins and minerals

Supplementation of various vitamins and minerals can increase your symptoms but always consult your doctor before consuming.

• Vitamins B-5, B-6 and B-12
• Vitamin C
• Magnesium

Herbal supplementation

Adding herbal supplements to your diet can ease out the symptoms. Do consult a doctor before adding these supplements to your diet.

• Liquorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
• Maca root (Lepidium peruvianum Chacon)
• Golden root (Rhodiola rosea)
• Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus)

Footnote

If you are feeling symptoms of adrenal fatigue then do consult a doctor to know the underlying issue. Make healthy changes in your routine to treat the condition. Make sure to decrease your stress levels to get effective results.