Adrenal Fatigue
Adrenal Insufficieny or Fatigue
A majority of our new patients are in some stage of adrenal fatigue. We, as a nation, are running on adrenaline and burning out our engines, or adrenal glands, at a phenomenal pace. It is important to understand what the adrenal glands do, so we can begin to treat them respect and give them the opportunity to perform their many functions with ease.
The adrenal glands sit on top of the kidneys and are no larger than a grape, yet they perform many complex functions, such as producing the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline. They also help regulate blood sugar and produce sex hormones such as progesterone and testosterone. Yet, most medical doctors do not recognize the condition of adrenal fatigue, and therefore do not know how to treat it.
There are three stages to adrenal exhaustion:
Stage 1: When in a Chronic Stress Response, pregnenolone, the common precursor to cortisol, DHEA and other hormones is preferentially diverted to cortisol production at the expense of the rest of the steroidal hormones . Generally in Stage I cortisol increases and testosterone, progesterone and estrogen decrease. When cortisol increases, we tend to store fat and gain weight.
Stage 2: In this stage cortisol output will decrease and tend to be lower than normal in the morning and afternoon hours causing fatigue. The adrenal output of cortisol declines due to the adrenal fatigue associated with continued hyper-stimulation.
Stage 3: Adrenal Exhaustion is an advanced stage of adrenal exhaustion characterized by decreased total cortisol output. The adrenal glands are now exhausted to the point of losing their capacity and reserve to produce enough cortisol. You are extremely fatigued and continue to feel tired even after a good night’s sleep.
Adrenal fatigue can be reversed. It may take 6 months to 2 years for the recovery process to take place. The following are some of the important steps that we will be covering with you in more detail:
1. Removal of stressors: We will help you identify and remove endogenous and exogenous stressors.
2. Sleep: Without a good sleep, our bodies cannot regenerate to deal with stressors the next day.
3. Avoid caffeine: Coffee and tea act as stimulants and interrupt sleep pattern.
4. Maintain glycemic control: One of the most effective ways to prevent or reverse adrenal stress and improve cortisol balance is to balance the amount of carbohydrates and proteins that are eaten with each meal. We will teach you how to obtain balance in your diet.
5. Exercise: This is a wonderful stress reducer and a tremendous oxygenator. Exercise reduces depression, increases blood flow, normalizes level of cortisol, insulin, blood glucose, growth hormones, thyroid, and makes you feel much better overall.
6. Minimize multi-tasking: The constant shifting of one’s focus from thing to another places tremendous stress on the adrenals. Forcing the brain to constantly shift from one subject to another not only causes stress but also results in a negative impact on your hormone and immune systems.
7. Nutritional Supplementation: The adrenals need specific, targeted nutrition to regenerate.
8. Eat a high protein/fat breakfast and avoid sugar altogether.
If you are one of the many with adrenal fatigue, we have a plan for you. You will have more energy, handle stress more effectively and have a new lease on life.