A human body’s adrenal system is the one that is mainly responsible for managing stress and anxiety levels, apart from a few other important functionalities. Anything going amiss with our adrenal glands results in a chaotic state of stress and anxiety. This happens when a person is suffering from adrenal fatigue, a condition in which adrenal glands go crazy and unleash a bombardment of high-levels of Cortisol hormone. This hormone is directly responsible for managing stress and anxiety levels.

So, this is a straightforward explanation of how adrenal fatigue can contribute to uncommon anxiety levels. But, in this detailed narrative, we will not be sticking only to the layman terminology on how adrenal fatigue causes anxiety, but that we will be exploring this topic in utmost detail, finding how and why this condition contributes to anxiety.

Let us move ahead with this narrative and try to understand the condition, how it works, and how we can prevent ourselves from getting caught in this painful situation of adrenal fatigue.

What is Anxiety and How it is Caused?

The journey of anxiety initially starts from our brain. The two almond-shaped organs on both sides of the brain, known as the amygdala, serves as our natural surveillance system for perceived threats. Whenever we come across a situation that jeopardizes our safety or survival, the amygdala comes into action and sends away a chemical response directly to the Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal (HPA) Axis, which is a group consisting of Hypothalamus, Pituitary and Adrenal glands.

Together, the combination of these three glands formulates a survival response and determines the next step and behavioral pattern. The format of action is as follows:

• Amygdala detects a threat and activates Hypothalamus via chemical injection
• Hypothalamus registers a survival response and passes it to the Pituitary gland (a major hormonal regulatory gland)
• Adrenal glands receive the survival response and start secreting adrenaline in the human body

When it happens normally in a situation of danger, this response is perfectly in line with the body’s working mechanism. This is also known as the Hypervigilant mode of protection. In primitive times, this was one of the most important and fundamental aspects of the human brain which ensured the survival of our ancestors in those harsh times. And it stills serves as our first protection against life-threatening situations.

But, having said that, if this Hypervigilant mode becomes a constant and continues bugger, instead of going on only in distress times, it will have disastrous consequences for our health. For once, the chronic Hypervigilant condition will continue to keep the stress levels high which results in uncontrollable anxiety.

The constant activation of adrenal glands is the primary cause here. Their essential functions become disrupted and they continue to produce hormones when they are not required, or in incorrect amounts, and or stop producing them at all when they are most needed. Thus, such malfunctioning of adrenal glands is commonly caused by adrenal fatigue, which eventually leads to chronic stress and anxiety conditions. Since this was a general overview of every element involved in the production of chronic anxiety, we will now describe to you how adrenal fatigue and adrenal glands can further this situation on their own.

The Individual Role of Adrenal Fatigue in Anxiety

For those of our readers who do not know this yet, adrenal hormones are one of the most involved hormones with the brain functions and mood patterns. Hormones such as estrogen, cortisol, progesterone, and testosterone are directly involved with some main cognitive abilities, and all of these are secreted by adrenal glands. Among this tally of hormones, cortisol is the one that deals with the levels of stress and anxiety in a human body.

When a person is suffering from adrenal fatigue, the secretion of cortisol – along with others – is disrupted. Conversely speaking, both high and low levels of cortisol have been found responsible for not only anxiety but depression as well (source: Medium). This unbalancing of cortisol also results in several other impediments such as memory loss, dizziness, foggy brain, intolerance, and extreme fatigue/frustration.

Adrenal fatigue sufferers often report high levels of anxiety and other indicators mentioned above. If that is the case with you as well, you should probably need help with adrenal fatigue supplements and other related treatments from a certified chiropractor or naturopath. Feeling all these things constantly can gravely disrupt the adrenal and most of the other hormonal imbalances in later stages.

So, the worsening of adrenal fatigue can also result in the worsening of anxiety and stress. Along with taking help from adrenal fatigue supplements, there are some lifestyle recommendations as well which a person can follow and prevent such a malady. In the next chapter, we will try to look at these recommendations which will guide us on how to prevent adrenal fatigue, and anxiety disorder in general, with effective results.

How to Prevent Adrenal Fatigue & Anxiety

While we will be discussing how to avoid anxiety via adrenal fatigue, and treating anxiety generally, but first we would like to tell our readers how to stay away from adrenal fatigue. While the main essence for avoiding adrenal fatigue is to curb stressors in your life and eat a diet that is high in probiotics. However, in the case where adrenal fatigue gets that much worse as to cause constant anxiety, there are some additional combined changes which will heal this worsening adrenal fatigue condition and help you curb anxiety as well:

Let us look at the guidelines to prevent adrenal fatigue and anxiety combined:

• Eliminating stress pointers in your life is the first and foremost rule for both adrenal fatigue and anxiety, in general.
• Avoid heavy physical exertion (long runs, extensive workouts, high-intensity exercise, etc.) or anything that exhausts you to the bone.
• Walking, hiking, and biking are some of the best exercises you can do to curb the harmful effects of adrenal fatigue and anxiety.
• Put yourself first! The ideology here is to avoid those work commitments, toxic relationships, and feelings of unhappiness that springs from these unnecessary burdens.
• Alcohol, caffeine, and strong tea are all a certain no when it comes to treating adrenal fatigue and anxiety.
• Foods that are rich in protein, digestive carbohydrates, colorful vegetables, Vitamin-C, and green-leafed are all good for treating adrenal fatigue and anxiety.
• Sufficient sleep is essential. Sleep at least 8 hours every night and set up a room environment that promotes such healthy sleep.
• Take certified adrenal fatigue supplements to accommodate the healing process further.

And now, some general tips to heal the overall anxiety disorder which affects most people with or without adrenal fatigue (guidelines provided by Anxiety and Depression Association of America):

Take a time-out. Practice yoga, listen to music, meditate, get a massage, or learn relaxation techniques. Stepping back from the problem helps clear your head.

Eat well-balanced meals. Do not skip any meals. Do keep healthful, energy-boosting snacks on hand.

Limit alcohol and caffeine, which can aggravate anxiety and trigger panic attacks.

Get enough sleep. When stressed, your body needs additional sleep and rest.

Exercise daily to help you feel good and maintain your health. Check out the fitness tips below.

Take deep breaths. Inhale and exhale slowly.

Count to 10 slowly. Repeat, and count to 20 if necessary.

Do your best. Instead of aiming for perfection, which is not possible, be proud of however close you get.

Accept that you cannot control everything. Put your stress in perspective: Is it as bad as you think?

Welcome humor. A good laugh goes a long way.

Maintain a positive attitude. Try to replace negative thoughts with positive ones.

Get involved. Volunteer or find another way to be active in your community, which creates a support network and gives you a break from everyday stress.

Learn what triggers your anxiety. Is it work, family, school, or something else you can identify? Write in a journal when you are feeling stressed or anxious, and look for a pattern.

Talk to someone. Tell friends and family you are feeling overwhelmed, and let them know how they can help you. Talk to a physician or therapist for professional help.

With a Little Effort, It Is Easier to Beat Adrenal Fatigue and Anxiety

For the initial time, knowing that you are suffering from adrenal fatigue and its induced side-effects can be overwhelming. However, it is a certain fact that this condition will not last with you forever if you just put up a little effort in healing your adrenal system. Make it your habit to follow these guidelines and no sooner then you realize it, you will be completely rid of adrenal fatigue and its related issues.

Remember, persistence and commitment is the key here, along with much-needed value-added help being provided by adrenal health supplements. The Fruit of Spirit’s “Superfood Immune Support Powder” is an organically certified adrenal health supplement which will heal your malfunctioned adrenal system faster, along with the hard-worked effort you put in yourself. Follow the health guidelines, try our adrenal health supplement, and easily make your way through this ordeal in no time.