Adrenal Fatigue
Adrenal fatigue is a term used to describe "hypo" functioning adrenal glands. Excess physical, emotional, and psychological stressors can deplete the adrenal glands causing a decrease in output of adrenal hormones, especially cortisol. This can have a profound effect on the body.[1]
Causes | Dietary Factors, Insomnia, Stress |
---|---|
See Also | Endocrine Conditions, Hypothyroidism, Fatigue, PMS, Anemia, hypoglycemia |
Books | Books on Endocrine Diseases |
Articles | Articles on Endocrine Conditions |
Contents
Naturopathic Assessment
Causal Factors
In order to stimulate the innate ability of the body to heal the causes of disease must be identified and addressed. With adrenal fatigue, the causes are variable and include lifestyle and environmental factors. A detailed assessment is required to determine which factors are contributing to adrenal fatigue.
Lifestyle
- Deficiency of nutrients.
- Lack of sleep
Social
- Demanding work, social, home life
Diagnostic Testing
- Physical exam. During a physical exam the following signs may indicate adrenal fatigue:[1] decreased iris contraction, Low blood pressure and postural hypotension, Sergent's white line test
- Blood tests that are indicated include:
- Salivary tests include: Salivary cortisol and DHEA
Related Symptoms and Conditions
Other conditions that are commonly associated with adrenal faigue include:
- Addison's disease (clinical hypoadrenalism)
- Hypothyroidism
- Anemia
- Reactive hypoglycemia
Characteristics
Common Symptoms
The symptoms generally associated with adrenal fatigue include:[1]
- Fatigue not relieved by sleep
- Difficulty getting up in the morning
- Craving for salt or salty foods
- Lethargy
- Increased effort required to complete every day tasks
- Decreased sex drive
- Decreased ability to handle stress
- Increased time required to recover from illness, injury, or trauma
- Light-headedness when standing up quickly
- Mild depression
- Brain fog
- Decreased productivity
- Bloating
Naturopathic Treatment
The goal of naturopathic treatment is to support and work in tandem with the healing power of the body and to address the causal factors of disease with individual treatment strategies.
It is always advisable to work with a naturopathic doctor before engaging in any treatment plan.
Home Care
Home Care strategies include:
- Avoid environmental triggers (ex. viral infections, changes in sleep schedule, mental or physical overexertion etc.) [2]
Lifestyle
Lifestyle recommendations include:
- Dietary recommendations include avoiding refined sugar and carbohydrates, caffeine, and alcohol. Patients may benefit from eating smaller, more frequent meals. Salt is typically not restricted. [3]
- Ensure you drink adequate water.
- Incorporate movement and fitness into your daily routine.
- Deep breathing exercises may be helpful.
- Sleep is critical. Ensure you are sleeping 8-10 hours per night, improve sleep hygeine.
- Take time for yourself, learn how to set personal and emotional boundaries.
Naturopathic Therapies
The prescribing of naturopathic therapies requires the guidance of a naturopathic doctor as it depends on a number of factors including the causal factors, a person's age, prescription medications, other conditions and symptoms and overall health. It is always advisable to work with a naturopathic doctor prior to taking any natural therapies.
Naturopathic Therapies for adrenal fatigue include:
- Clinical Nutritional Supplementation includes
- Vitamins such as Vitamin C and Vitamin B5. [2]
- Minerals such as magnesium
- Amino Acids such as L-theanine
- Herbs such as Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Ginseng (Panax ginseng), Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus), and Withania (Withania somnifera). [4].
- Classical homeopathics: Homeopathic Calcarea carbonica and Homeopathic Nux vomica are indicated for fatigue caused by overwork.[5]
- Complex homeopathics:
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Wilson JL (2001) Adrenal Fatigue: The 21st Century Stress Syndrome Smart Publications
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Prousky, Jonathan. (2008) Principles and Practices of Naturopathic Clinical Nutrition. CCNM Press Inc.
- ↑ Gaby AR (2011) Nutritional Medicine. Fritz Perlberg Publishing.
- ↑ Head KA, Kelly GS (2009) Nutrients and botanicals for treatment of stress: adrenal fatigue, neurotransmitter imbalance, anxiety, and restless sleep. Altern Med Rev;14(2):114-40. PMID:19594222
- ↑ Lockie A, Geddes N (1995) The Complete Guide to Homeopathy: The Principles and Practice of Treatment With a Comprehensive Range of Self-Help Remedies for Common Ailments. RD Press.