Supporting the Adrenals

Located at the top of each kidney, the adrenal glands produce hormones that help the body control blood sugar, burn protein and fat, react to stressors like a major illness or injury, retain salt, and regulate blood pressure. Two of the most important adrenal hormones are cortisol and aldosterone. Adrenal insufficiency is a serious condition and occurs when the adrenal glands don’t make enough cortisol, and sometimes, aldosterone. Symptoms include fatigue, muscle weakness, decreased appetite, and weight loss. Some people experience nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Supporters of adrenal fatigue believe the problem begins when many different life stressors become too much for the body to handle. Our adrenal glands usually deal with stress by producing hormones like cortisol. According to the theory of adrenal fatigue, when people are faced with long-term stress, their adrenal glands cannot keep up with the body’s need for these hormones. When this happens, symptoms of “adrenal fatigue” may appear. There is no test that can detect adrenal fatigue. Many times, a person will be told he or she has adrenal fatigue based on symptoms alone.

Adrenal Fatigue is known as the 21st century's stress syndrome.

There are many options for treating adrenal fatigue depending on the severity of the condition and the individual's symptoms. Generally, these treatments may involve lifestyle modifications, like eating a balanced diet, getting enough restful sleep, and reducing stress. Some people may find it helpful to make dietary changes such as eating smaller meals more frequently or eliminating caffeine from their diet. Additionally, supplements such as Vitamin C, Rhodiola, and B vitamins can be beneficial for those with adrenal fatigue. It is important to keep in mind that supplements may interact with medications or be dangerous if taken in large doses, so it is recommended to discuss with a physician before starting any new supplements.

It is important to keep in mind that adrenal fatigue is not a recognized medical condition and symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and headaches can also be caused by a number of medical conditions. If you are experiencing symptoms of adrenal fatigue and they are interfering with your daily life, it is recommended to see a doctor. A doctor will evaluate your symptoms and may order hormone tests, imaging tests, or other tests to diagnose an underlying condition.