9 Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue and 9 Natural Remedies

By Bill Kalman, RPh., Essential Wellness Pharmacy, Peoria

Adrenal fatigue” is a common term used within functional or integrated medicine. It is not a condition defined by traditional medicine.

Traditional medicine recognizes and treats the under production of other organs such as hypothyroidism but not low adrenal function unless there is almost no adrenal function at all. Adrenal fatigue can happen to anyone. If someone has a high-stress life and prolonged tiredness that lasts from morning until night, could be suffering from adrenal fatigue. The “stresses” of life may be common, every day activities that stress the body. Stressors don’t have to feel “stressful” to cause a stress response. Common stressors are allergies, surgery, illness, poor dietary habits, toxins, poor sleep, lack of relaxation, job stress, marital stress, and more.

Nine common symptoms
There are many symptoms associated with adrenal fatigue. Here is a list of the nine most common symptoms. There are three stages of fatigue. In the first stage, sufferers often feel energetic but in a very edgy sort of way. In the second stage, people may be unable to fall asleep and wake up early. They may also feel wired upon waking but have high fatigue late morning and mid-afternoon. In stage three, people feel exhausted all day and the risk for illness and autoimmune disease increases.

1. Fatigue — Feeling tired or “wired but tired” is a common symptom associated with the disorder. The fatigue remains even when you get enough sleep, eat right, and ingest foods and drinks that would normally make you more alert.
2. Fogginess — Many suffers often remark how they continue to feel foggy and unable to concentrate.
3. Stress —  A large amount of stress is common with people who suffer from fatigue. Sufferers have a more difficult time dealing with stress as the body cannot respond appropriately to it.
4. Salt cravings — With adrenal fatigue, people often exhibit a craving for salty foods. The adrenal gland is responsible for producing aldosterone, which regulates kidney function and blood pressure. This results in an inability to regulate levels of sodium, potassium, and magnesium, which can lead to cravings for salty foods.
5. Allergies — Sufferers may notice an increase in allergies as low levels of cortisol can lead to a suppression of your immune system.
6. Infections — Advanced cases may get an increase in infections as it lowers the immune response. Restoring cortisol to optimal levels is a core aspect of treatment.
7. Low libido — People may experience a lower than usual sex drive. With proper treatment, libido often comes back.
8. Circulation issues — Many sufferers note circulation issues. This may manifest as numbness in the fingers or general symptoms of poor circulation.
9. Weight gain — Gaining weight without other lifestyle changes is a common symptom. Sufferers may report weight gain even with a significant calorie reduction or exercise regimen.

Nine remedies to improve symptoms
Correcting the disorder may not require a doctor. Some mild cases of the disorder can be treated with some simple lifestyle changes and supplements.

1. Hydrate — Our bodies require water for everything we do. Drink plenty of water to ensure your body has the energy to function.
2. Vitamins — Most vitamins should be obtained from the diet, but B vitamins, vitamin C, and Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce fatigue.
3. Sleep —  A surge of cortisol can come after 11pm. You should get to sleep no later than 16 hours after you wake up. Eight hours of sleep is still the target amount.
4. Caffeine and sugar — Reduce or eliminate both caffeine and sugar from your diet. Both have been shown to increase cortisol levels, which can increase your levels of fatigue.
5. Regular meals — Don’t skip any meals. Eat smaller portions about every three hours. Skipping meals decreases metabolism and energy. Regular eating helps maintain stable blood sugar levels throughout the day.
6. Improve nutrient absorption — Incorporate bone broth, low-fat yogurt, seaweed, and fermented foods and drinks into your diet. Improve digestion with digestive enzymes, betaine HCl, or probiotics.
7. Salt — Consume natural forms of salts to ensure that your body is able to regulate the levels of the hormone aldosterone.
8. Don’t overtrain — High intensity or lengthy running, cross training and exercise is likely overstressing the adrenals raising cortisol levels.
9. DHEA — Adrenal glands that are “fatigued” can often benefit from the inclusion of DHEA. This helps you reduce the levels of cortisol in your body and can increase energy.
   Adrenal remedies are available to treat your adrenal symptoms, but the most important thing is to treat yourself well, eat well, and get plenty of rest.
   
   Reduce stressors and allergens in your life, and incorporate relaxation techniques. You’ll enjoy a greater overall level of health and experience greater enjoyment in your life as well.
   Essential Wellness Pharmacy is located at 4625 N. University Street, Peoria. Phone: 309-681-8850. You can call for a consultation to discuss this or any health or wellness questions.