How to Avoid and Correct Adrenal Fatigue
What is going on with my body? Have you ever gone through a period in your life when you are just tired? Tired. Are you going through that now? Regardless of how much sleep you get or how much coffee you drink, you can’t seem to get over bouts of exhaustion. What about irritability and the inability to handle stress? Regardless of how calm you try to be, you are in a state of heightened stress sensitivity and even the smallest of stressors leave you overwhelmed and uncomfortable. What about cravings for salty foods or a sudden drop in sex drive? If you have suffered or are currently suffering from several or all of these symptoms, look no further than Adrenal Fatigue.
What is Adrenal Fatigue?
Adrenal Fatigue is a condition that occurs when your adrenal glands are not functioning optimally. The adrenal glands are a lesser-known organ but they play a critical role in your health and well-being. They produce the important “stress” hormones, norepinephrine, cortisol, and DHEA, which allow you to respond and react appropriately to internal and external stressors in your life. These hormones defend your body against stressors by regulating your heart rate and immune system.
We’ve all experienced periods in our lives when cumulative stress has been more than we can handle. Whether this stress stems from personal goals, expectations, or deadlines or from society, family, or friends, they kick your adrenal glands into another gear and, perhaps, into overdrive. When the adrenal glands are overstimulated or overworked for an extended time, they become compromised and can fail entirely. Should this happen, your body will no longer be equipped with its natural stress-defense mechanism and that’s when things start to go awry and symptoms start to mount.
Potential Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue
As the name suggests, fatigue is the most common symptom. However, it is far from being the only symptom. The excessive and continuous overloading of your adrenal glands can lead to:
– extreme lethargy and lack of energy
– a weakened immune system
– inability to perform day-to-day activities
– reduced ability to handle stress
– low blood sugar
– low blood pressure
– low libido
– irregular sleep patterns
– irritable bowel syndrome
… to name a few.
Disclaimer: adrenal fatigue can be a serious matter. If you exhibit severe or extreme symptoms, consult a professional.
How to Avoid or Correct Adrenal Fatigue
Do the aforementioned symptoms scare you? They should! The good news is that you can take corrective measures to slowly abolish these symptoms. Here is a list of actions that you should habitually exercise in order to avoid or correct adrenal fatigue:
– reduce sugary foods
– reduce processed foods
– reduce caffeinated products
– drink more water
– eat more leafy greens
– eat more healthy fats
– sleep on a regular cycle
– sleep an adequate amount
– be active
– avoid sources of stress
– avoid negative people
– and… BREATHE!
Needless to say, adrenal fatigue is not enjoyable and will certainly be a great inconvenience to you. If not managed properly, it can lead to serious harm and, in extreme cases, death. These habits not only help you correct adrenal fatigue, but they also help facilitate a healthy mind, body, and spirit in general.
Being healthy does not need to be complicated.