Is Adrenal Fatigue Curable?
Posted by Fruit Of Spirit on
What You Need to Know About Adrenal Fatigue Treatment
Everyone has two adrenal glands. These glands play a very important role in your health. The adrenal gland produces and secrete physiologically-important hormones. Without these hormones, your body may fail to function at optimal levels. Their functions include:
- Burning of protein & fat
- Regulation of blood sugar
- Reaction to stressors
- Blood pressure regulation
In the event that the adrenal glands cannot produce hormones in optimal amounts, you may experience some health issues and symptoms.
Adrenal fatigue vs adrenal insufficiency
Another name for adrenal insufficiency is Addison's disease. It is a health condition caused by the inability of the glands to produce hormones in adequate amounts.
The Adrenal fatigue theory that states that stress at high levels can cause a not-so-serious form of adrenal insufficiency.
Let’s learn more about these conditions.
How do I know that I have adrenal insufficiency?
You have adrenal insufficiency when the cortical (external or outer) region of your adrenal gland is damaged. Because of this damage, the cortex fails to produce aldosterone and cortisol in adequate amounts. Note that both hormones are classified as steroid hormones. One of the hormones, cortisol is a major stress hormone. It regulates the reaction of your body to stress. On the other hand, aldosterone regulates potassium and sodium levels.
People with adrenal insufficiency can have symptoms such as:
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Anorexia nervosa (appetite loss)
- Lightheadedness
- Loss of body hair
- Hypotension (reduction of blood pressure below the normal)
- Drastic weight loss
Symptoms of adrenal fatigue
People who support the existence of adrenal fatigue suggest that when a person has been exposed to extreme stress, their glands weaken and fail to function optimally, thus failing to produce the necessary hormones required for a healthy feeling.
According to their theory, techniques employed in the testing of blood have a low sensitivity to slight declines in the functioning of the adrenal gland. Symptoms that are commonly attributed to adrenal fatigue include:
- Problems with getting sleep
- Fatigue
- Inordinate cravings for sugar
- Salt cravings
- Difficulty waking up
- Brain fog
- Zero motivation
Adrenal fatigue may not be recognized by the medical field but this doesn’t deny the existence of the symptoms.
Diagnosis and treatment for adrenal fatigue
Most times, a health condition may be the reason why your glands fail to produce adequate amounts of hormones.
If you are experiencing symptoms attributed to adrenal fatigue, you should first go to your doctor for evaluation of your health status. Some health conditions that could contribute to or trigger the same symptoms include:
- Sleep apnea
- Anemia
- Heart problems
- Kidney disease
- Infections
- Lung problems
- Diabetes
- Autoimmune disease
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Liver disease
If your doctor cannot give any biological reasons for your symptoms, he or she may consider the possibility of underlying mental health conditions, like:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Reactions to stressful environment and lifestyle
Discuss with your doctor about the chances of many factors contributing to your symptoms. You may work together to formulate a personalized plan that would involve medications, counseling, supplements, and changes to one's lifestyle.
Home treatment for adrenal fatigue
Proponents of natural healing have proposed several ways of resolving the symptoms of adrenal fatigue.
Adrenal fatigue diet
The adrenal fatigue diet is formulated according to the guidelines of the most recommended balanced diets. It encourages the increased intake of:
- Whole grains
- High protein foods
- Vegetables
The adrenal fatigue diet also recommended decreasing your intake of:
- Caffeine
- Fried foods
- Processed foods
- Simple carbohydrates, such as sugar
It also suggests the proper timing of meals for the proper regulation of blood sugar.
Reduce stress levels
The adrenal fatigue theory is founded on stress. Some of the ways by which you can reduce stress include:
- Exercise
- Meditation
- Deep breathing exercise
- Keeping your electronic devices, a far way off.
Minerals and vitamins
Proponents of adrenal fatigue advise that you supplement your diet with:
Of course, there is no straight evidence supporting the fact that these supplements might cure your adrenal fatigue. But before supplementing with minerals and vitamins, be sure to discuss it with your doctor.
Herbal supplements
Many natural healers who have accepted the adrenal fatigue theory suggest that the condition should be treated with herbal supplements like:
- Rhodiola Rosea (golden root)
- Lepidium peruvianum Chacon (Maca root)
- Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice root)
- Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus)
Because most health bodies don't regulate herbal supplements, their benefits aren't backed by any research. You must discuss with your doctor before supplementing your diet with any herbal supplements.
Conclusion
If you experience symptoms like depression, weakness, or tiredness, then consult your doctor for a full diagnosis. Perhaps it may be obstructive sleep apnea, adrenal insufficiency, depression, or any other underlying medical condition.