Adrenal Fatigue

What is Adrenal fatigue?

Adrenal fatigue is a term used to describe a condition where the adrenal glands, which are responsible for producing and regulating stress hormones such as cortisol, are said to be functioning at a suboptimal level.

Although it is most commonly associated with intense or prolonged stress, it can also develop during or after acute or chronic infections, such as influenza, bronchitis, or pneumonia. The primary symptom of adrenal fatigue is fatigue that is not relieved by sleep.

Adrenal fatigue is not easily identifiable. You may seem and act relatively normal with adrenal fatigue and have no obvious signs of physical illness, but you may live with a general sense of unwellness, tiredness, or feeling of fogginess. Burn-out, which is linked to adrenal fatigue and involves feelings of energy depletion and exhaustion, has been included in the 11th Revision of the International Classification of Diseases issued by the World Health Organization.

• Difficulty getting out of bed in the morning
• Chronic fatigue and exhaustion, even after sleep
• Difficulty concentrating or brain fog
• Low blood pressure
• Cravings for salty or sweet foods
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Reduced sex drive
• Weak immunity
• Muscle weakness or pain
• Increased susceptibility to illness
• Difficulty handling stress or feeling overwhelmed
• Insomnia or trouble sleeping
• Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
• Mood swings or irritability
• Hair loss or thinning hair
• Dark circles under the eyes.

What causes adrenal fatigue?

Located above the kidneys, the adrenal glands are responsible for secreting cortisol, a hormone that plays a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions such as digestion, blood pressure, and sleep. In response to stress, the adrenal glands release cortisol into the bloodstream, which helps the body cope with the stressor. Cortisol also helps regulate the body’s response to inflammation, and it is involved in the metabolism of glucose, protein, and fat. Overall, the adrenal glands play an essential role in maintaining the body’s physiological balance, or homeostasis.

When it is overused, with added stressful modern lifestyle, poor diet and toxic load, it can cause the adrenal glands to become fatigued and less able to produce these hormones, which can lead to the symptoms associated with adrenal fatigue

In eastern medicine theory, adrenal fatigue is seen as a manifestation of an underlying imbalance in the body’s energy and organ systems, particularly the kidney qi. Qi /Ki is the energy that runs through all of us and stress affects the free flow of qi. This results in stagnation, excess heat and impeded circulation.
Chronic stress causes an imbalance in the body and leads to health issues.

How to alleviate the symptoms of adrenal fatigue

1. Reduce stress: It is essential to find ways to reduce stress. This may include practising relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga. It may also involve making lifestyle changes to reduce stressors in your daily life.
2. Get enough sleep: Quality sleep is essential for restoring the body’s energy and promoting healing. Aim to get 7-8 hours of restful sleep each night, and try to establish a consistent sleep schedule.
3. Exercise: Exercise can help to reduce stress, improve mood, and increase energy levels. However, it’s important not to overdo it, as intense exercise can also be a stressor on the body. Gentle exercises such as walking, yoga, Qi gong or tai chi may be more beneficial for those with adrenal fatigue.
4. Eat a balanced diet: Eating a diet that is rich in whole foods, healthy fats, and nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables can help to support overall health and reduce inflammation in the body. Avoid processed foods, caffeine, and sugar, which can exacerbate adrenal fatigue symptoms.
5. Practice self-care: Self-care activities such as taking a warm bath, getting a massage, or spending time in nature can help to reduce stress and promote relaxation.

Strengthening and nurturing your Kidney Qi

The kidney is considered as the “root of vitality”. the Kidney is responsible for regulating the body’s energy and fluid balance, as well as storing the body’s essence, or Jing. The Kidney is considered the root of vitality, as it is responsible for the growth and development of the body, as well as the ageing process.

Along with the lifestyle changes that are recommend above here are recommended powerful botanicals that can help you.