Do you feel tired all the time even after a good night’s rest? Do you feel like your thinking is a bit foggy? Do you often get dizzy when you stand up? If you answered yes to all of these questions it’s possible you could have adrenal fatigue. Adrenal fatigue is not an official medical condition as typical testing methods do not measure low hormonal levels caused from depleted adrenal glands. Therefore, when patients experience symptoms related to low adrenal levels and seek treatment, they are often sent home with no diagnosis as or are misdiagnosed resulting in unnecessary pharmaceutical intervention.
Fortunately, more and more health care professionals are acknowledging the existence of adrenal fatigue and the subsequent effects it has on overall health. It’s important to point out that the adrenal glands, though less than the size of a walnut, produce some of the most vital compounds in our body. One of the most important compounds produced are the hormones our body uses to adapt to stress. However, when the adrenal glands are overworked or overly stressed adrenal fatigue can set in which may cause several consequences for overall health. Unfortunately, there are no tests that can diagnose adrenal fatigue. Diagnosis is made by observing particular symptoms.
10 SYMPTOMS OF ADRENAL FATIGUE
- Feeling tired all the time- You wake up tired, even after what should have been a good night’s sleep.
- Low libido.
- Craving for salty and sweet foods.
- Dizzy or light headed while getting up quickly from sitting or prone positions.
- Increased PMS or menopausal symptoms.
- Mood swings that were uncharacteristic earlier in life.
- Frequent spacey or foggy thinking; even memory loss.
- Hormonal imbalance and/or depletion.
- Constant muscular tension leading to hypertension and high blood pressure. Inability to relax completely.
- Autoimmune issues: constantly catching colds or frequent allergic reactions.
So what should you do if you suspect you have adrenal fatigue? The answer is rebuilding your adrenals so you can feel well again! Here are the necessary lifestyle changes you’ll need to make in order to return to optimal health:
- Eat organic, healthy natural foods, especially lots of fresh vegetables.
- Sleep at least 8 hours a day.
- Exercise.
- Minimize stress
- Eat regular meals
- Avoiding junk and processed food – eat clean!
- Take calcium and magnesium supplements
- Adding sea salt to your diet
- Take B-complex supplements
- Take licorice root extract