Adrenal Fatigue, the sub-clinical form of adrenal insufficiency is not at the level of severity that full blown adrenal insufficiency is but the symptoms can still seriously affect those who develop the condition. For more information about characteristics of this syndrome, see the article Adrenal Fatigue or Adrenal Insufficiency? which addresses the types of testing that help identify adrenal disorders. Following below, are therapies that have been found to be effective in treating Adrenal Fatigue, the sub-clinical type of hypoadrenia.
Proper Rest
People suffering Adrenal Fatigue are typically those who push themselves too hard. They maintain schedules that overextend their energy levels. When you combine this type of daily pace with not taking time for getting plenty of rest and proper sleep, Adrenal Fatigue can become a chronic issue. Symptoms of overextended adrenals can be improved and in some cases completely relieved by taking rest periods of a few minutes, at different points during the day. Labor laws in some areas of the world for example, require that employees are given breaks to rest and recharge their energy levels, at a rate of about 15 minutes per four hour shifts. Leisure and vacation time away from work duties is also an important aspect of getting proper rest.
Adequate Sleep
Getting proper sleep is also very important because studies have shown that during sleep the body repairs itself and replenishes hormone reserves that are responsible for all bodily functions and energy levels. The adrenal stress-hormone called “cortisol” is one of those hormones that requires proper sleep to maintain an adequate level of reserves for steady release throughout active daytime hours (circadian rhythm). Studies have also shown that the body requires 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep per 24 hour cycle. Sleep that is fragmented (interrupted) may rob the body of the deep-stages of sleep the body requires.
Reducing Stress
Chronic stress is the strongest contributing factor in the development of Adrenal Fatigue. The adrenal glands moderate stress, by releasing cortisol which helps the body cope with and recover from daily stressors. When stressors are overwhelming, traumatic or chronic, this causes hyperactive use of cortisol which over time causes reserves of the hormone to diminish due to inability of the adrenal glands to keep up with the excessive demand. For this reason, reducing stress levels in every way possible is essential in successfully treating Adrenal Fatigue. Learning relaxation techniques, exercise routines, deep-breathing and stress reduction methods can be greatly beneficial in this area.
Eliminating Stimulants
It is also important to remove stimulants from the diet whenever possible. Both caffeine and chocolate for example, can provide boosts in energy but afterward, an adverse drop in energy can occur. The same is true of other stimulants, including consuming moderate to large amounts of refined sugar and drinking alcohol. If stimulants are not limited or eliminated, Adrenal Fatigue sufferers may find that they experience ongoing dependency on them and a vicious cycle of highs and lows in their energy levels. It may become increasingly difficult for them to start their day without a stimulant, such as a cup of caffeinated coffee.
Adrenal Friendly Diet
A diet rich in healthy foods, including fruits, vegetables, nuts and grains (complex carbohydrates) can contribute to improved adrenal function and overall better health. Eliminating foods containing refined sugars can also be beneficial because these types of “simple carbohydrates” supply quick-energy but afterward cause a crash and a feeling of being stressed-out as addressed earlier. Foods to avoid would be those that are manufactured and that contain refined sugars such as soft drinks, pies, cookies, cakes and candies.
Adrenal Boosting Supplements
Adding helpful over-the-counter supplements that contain adrenal-boosting properties, at the manufacturer’s recommended dose can also help restore proper adrenal function. These would include vitamins B-5, B-5 and B12, with vitamin C also added which helps the B-vitamins absorb and work better in the body. Other natural supplements that have been found to help boost adrenal function and energy levels include herbals such as licorice root extract, ashwagandha, Co-Q10 enzyme, Asian Ginseng and Rhodiola Root. Beef (bovine) “adrenal glandular” which is usually hormone-free, comes from the adrenal glands of cows and processed into pill form and has also been reported to be effective in treating adrenal fatigue.
Talk to your Doctor
It is important to fully inform your doctor about any supplements you may choose to take, so that he can determine whether or not they are safe in adding them to any treatments you are currently undergoing. Monitoring for any unpleasant or concerning side effects is also important when adding a supplement of any kind to your treatment regimen.
The Adrenal Glands - Central to a Woman's Health
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