Because doctors still haven’t recognized it as a health disorder adrenal fatigue is not something your doctor will say you have, but it’s what happens when your adrenal glands struggle to cope with the excess stress of our busy, modern lives.
It makes you feel burnt out, dull and overworked, but doctors only recognize it as a condition when it reaches the fourth stage called adrenal insufficiency. In case you suffer from adrenal fatigue you shouldn’t wait for it to reach the fourth stage and do something to prevent it from escalating.
Adrenal fatigue is result of excess, constant stress we all suffer from on a daily basis. If you not dealt with stress appropriately, wears out our adrenal glands and there’s nothing they can do to fight it off.
These are the 8 most common signs of adrenal fatigue and the best ways to combat them:
Sleeping problems
In order to finish off some obligations, work-related or personal, how many times have we sacrificed a good night sleep. Insufficient sleep disrupt your brain function and the function of a number of bodily organs, which leads to sleeping problems and insomnia.
If you don’t get enough sleep your body gets stressed and this leads to other health problems, throwing your body off balance. For that reason it’s of utmost importance that you introduce a healthy sleeping pattern and follow it blindly in order to prevent adrenal fatigue and promote optimal health. You should go to bed and get up in the morning at set times and respect those routines regularly. You should go in bed by midnight, sleep in complete darkness and turn off any devices that emit blue light.
In case you still can’t fall asleep try some relaxation methods, such as meditation, deep breathing and a warm bath with calming oils before you go to bed.
Feeling utterly tired post-workout
Everyone think that feeling tired after a workout session is normal but it’s completely the opposite, it should energize you and make you feel hyped. This can occur because your body is under physical stress and this will inevitably lead to adrenal gland straining and get you the opposite results.*
In case this is an issue for you, consider switching to less demanding exercise, like yoga, stretching or walking. Achieve results without feeling exhausted at the end of the day.
Hormonal imbalances
Your thyroid gland at stage 2 of adrenal fatigue may start exhibiting the signs of hormonal imbalance leading you to develop hypothyroid symptoms like poor circulation, weight gain, dry skin and hair and fatigue.
Hormonal imbalance occurs in case of excessive stress which strains your adrenal gland and the hormones precursor material gets redirected to cortisol production. When this excess stress gets long-term you might suffer menstrual cycle delays and more severe PMS symptoms. This stage is an uncomfortable condition that requires you to start following a more nutritious diet, drinking more water, cut back on caffeine, consume more adaptogenic herbs and sleep more.
Anxiety and depression
You must pay attention that adrenal fatigue may manifest through symptoms of depression and anxiety, as the stress overload affects the mind as well, not just the body. These hormones are involved in mood functions, mental states and cognitive abilities so their lack will lead to mental imbalances not just hormonal ones.
In case you exhibit these symptoms learn to lean back a bit and devote more time to yourself.
Increased salt cravings
Adrenal fatigue can affect the aldosterone production and lowers it which leads to mineral deficiencies in your body which consequently lead to slat cravings in an effort for your body to compensate.
Characteristics of mineral deficiency are low blood pressure, salt cravings, dizziness and heart palpitations. When you experience this symptom you need to increase your mineral intake by adding mineral-rich foods to your diet.
Stiffness and soreness
Other symptom of adrenal fatigue is feeling soreness and stiffness all over, most commonly in the neck, back and jaw. You should do some stretching exercises or yoga and improve your sleeping habits to improve this condition. Also you can benefit from warm baths with anti-inflammatory ingredients like magnesium, they’ll detox your body and soothe your stiff and sore body parts.
Excessively relying on caffeine excessively
You must know that coffee isn’t a source of energy, you’re borrowing that energy for a short period of time which will only make you feel worse later. In case you suffer from adrenal fatigue you probably know that the mornings can be especially difficult. Relying on coffee to get you through the day will only make matters worse, as this ingredient keeps your body stressed all the time by boosting the production of cortisol and epinephrine, the two stress hormones.
You should try to drink more herbal teas instead, like mint, holy basil or dandelion root tea.
Digestion issues
In case you’re exposed to excess stress your body can’t focus on digestion and nutrient absorption, even though you’re eating healthy. When you have adrenal fatigue, your metabolism and digestion won’t function at optimal level and you may commonly suffer from bloating after eating.
This lead to weight gain, indigestion, and diarrhea or constipation. Improve your digestion by increasing your water intake, start taking probiotics and mineral supplements and chew slowly.
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