Adrenal fatigue: It’s worse than you think
The adrenal glands are paired endocrine glands located behind the peritoneum in the lumbar region and are small, no bigger than a walnut, “caps” over the kidneys. They perform one of the most important functions – they allow the body to cope with stress.
The adrenal glands help a person to restore a psychoemotional state after illnesses, injuries, troubles at work and problems in relationships. Energy, mental health and quality of life depend on their work. Experts believe that more than 80% of adult patients at some point experience adrenal fatigue, which develops due to organ wear, which causes serious problems in the body.
Function of adrenal glands
These organs are part of the endocrine system and help to produce more than 50 types of hormones, among them: glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, adrenaline and others. All these hormones affect important body functions:
- support metabolic processes – regulate glucose levels and inflammatory processes;
- prepare the body to react to stress – to fight or run away;
- affect puberty;
- maintain the ratio of salt and water;
- save pregnancy;
- they are responsible for the production of sex hormones – testosterone and estrogen.
The adrenal glands allow the body to give an adequate response in stressful circumstances, but the modern rhythm of life delivers an excess of stressors: stressful sedentary work, lack of sleep, bad habits, unbalanced nutrition, stormy personal life. All this depletes the adrenal glands and causes their dysfunction.
Symptoms of adrenal fatigue
- fatigue in the morning and afternoon, waking up problems;
- allergic manifestations, autoimmune diseases;
- strong craving for salty, sweet and fatty foods;
- depressive state, increased anxiety;
- dizziness, numb fingertips, lower back pain;
- hormone imbalance, skin problems;
- decreased sex drive and ability to cope with stress;
- memory impairment, increased premenstrual syndrome, chronic fatigue.
Disruption of these organs leads to a decrease in the production of hormones, including cortisol, the stress hormone. In severe forms, hormone deficiency leads to the development of Addison’s disease – serious disorders of body functions and the threat of death. Basically, it is provoked by autoimmune diseases, but in some cases, it can cause severe stress.
To a lesser extent, adrenal fatigue or hypoadrenia does not require urgent medical attention, but it undermines the strength of the body and significantly reduces vitality.
People with adrenal fatigue tend to experience a rise in energy around six o’clock in the evening and a drowsy state around 21-22 hours, if you do not go to bed at this time, then the energy increases, does not allow you to fall asleep and fully relax. Lack of energy makes you consume caffeine in various forms: carbonated drinks, coffee, stimulants, which further wears out the adrenal glands and nervous system.
How to help the adrenal glands?
Natural healing methods will help restore the health of the adrenal glands: Relaxation – gymnastic and breathing exercises will help you relax after a hard day’s work.
Full sleep – cortisol production depends on the duration of a night’s sleep, so you should sleep at least 7-8 hours.
Rejection of stimulants – caffeine and sugar disrupt the hormonal balance in the body.
Cure the sources of inflammation – caries, chronic diseases, intestinal problems provoke increased production of cortisol.
Include probiotics in your diet – kefir, sauerkraut, pickles and other fermented foods improve immunity.
Take natural adaptogens that stimulate the immune system – eleutherococcus and ginseng herbs, licorice root, basil and lemon balm.
Increase motor activity – sports and brisk walking normalize the hormonal background.
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