Posted on 23 March 2011 - 06:33pm
The fleshy walnut-sized organs sitting on top of each of our kidneys are the adrenal glands. These key endocrine glands produce over 50 hormones such as DHEA/DHEAS, cortisol, adrenaline, noradrenalin, estrogen, testosterone and progesterone which affect almost every aspect of our adult life.
When adrenals are totally depleted (in the case of Addison’s disease), it’s a medical emergency as it can be fatal.
But most people who have depleted adrenal functions are not emergency cases. They suffer from adrenal fatigue syndrome which is also known as the 21st century chronic health disorder (Wilson, 2003) or hypoadrenia.
It’s the sub-optimum functioning of adrenals either at rest, under stress, or in response to constant demands. The pioneer on the study of stress, Han Selye, said decades ago that "the adrenal glands are the glands of stress, but are the first glands to fail under stressful conditions".
We go through three phases of stress response. Initially, our exposure to stress leads to the alarm phase and then we develop a phase of resistance while going through the stressors. Finally, we face the stage of exhaustion while dealing with these stressors.
The symptoms of adrenal burnout include:
> chronic fatigue;
> insomnia (unable to fall asleep);
> poor meal digestion;
> lack of motivation to achieve;
> hypoglycemia (low blood sugar);
> breakout of various allergies, including hives and itches;
> lowered immunity against infections;
> lack of mental and physical stamina;
> emotional paralysis;
> sensitivity to light;
> decreased sexual interest;
> aches and pain;
> feelings of being overwhelmed by unresolved problems;
> craving salty and fatty foods, caffeinated beverages;
> cannot handle carbohydrates well without fats/protein;
> mild depression;
> hyperventilation; and
> mild constipation or diarrhoea
ALTERED ENERGY PATTERNS
Those suffering from adrenal burnout will also experience different energy patterns in a day. These include morning fatigue such as difficulty getting up from bed; feeling low in the afternoon, especially between 2pm and 4pm; feeling better after working hours; tired again around 9pm but may resist going to bed.
If not in bed, there’s a burst of energy just past midnight and the person may wish to do some work after midnight and retire late, thus making it difficult to rise in the morning.
Whenever morning fatigue is present, adrenal fatigue is suspected.
CAUSING FACTORS
The factors that affect chronic fatigue include constant exposure to stressors, poor dietary habits, unhappy relationships at home or work, lack of exercise, insufficient enjoyable daily activities, lack of control on how time is spent, and poor mental attitudes.
There are ways to relieve stress and chronic fatigue and they include getting adequate rest and relaxation for mental, physical and emotional wellbeing; getting adequate sleep of between seven and eight hours daily; sleeping until 9am; learning to resolve stressful situations; eating nutritious meals regularly; and spending an occasional night out with social contacts or friends.
Complementary medical treatment for adrenal fatigue include adaptogenic herbs (ginseng, Siberian ginseng, maca, licorice, Ashwagandha); vitamins (B and C) and minerals (magnesium, zinc, selenium and manganese); amino acids: phenylalanine and tyrosine, with vitamin B6; phosphatidylserine; and EPA/DHA.
Lifestyle changes that help to reduce stress are encouraged. Laugh more often, take more breaks from work to rest, relax and indulge in enjoyable activities, and also perform breathing exercises.
It also helps to eat healthy meals consisting of whole grains, quality protein, seeds and nuts, and cold-pressed fats from flax, walnut and olive. Have breakfast by 10am and refrain from hydrogenated/trans fats and junk foods.
Also go for hypnotherapy by a licensed therapist, reflexology, soft tissue manipulative therapy and sound and audio therapies.
Seek a qualified therapist to check for the presence of Epstein Barr virus, which is also known to cause chronic fatigue.
http://www.thesundaily.my/news/health/relief-chronic-fatigue
