5 Symptoms Of Adrenal Fatigue

Being tired sucks. Being tired all the time sucks even more and with our complex lives in the 21st century, it is a well-known fact that an increasing number of people are experiencing stress-related conditions like fatigue. The negative impact of stress can affect many areas of health. One area in particular that may be adversely affected is the adrenal glands.

The adrenal glands are located near the kidneys and produce the hormones that are needed for the body to function properly. Stress adversely affects these glands because, when the body is under severe stress the glands start producing more hormones that can help the body cope (this is the classic ‘fight or flight’ response). The main hormone is cortisol, which regulates metabolism and is a response to stress.

Naturally, in some circumstances a stress response is needed, however,

So, how do you know if you have adrenal fatigue?

5 Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue

1. Excessive, inexplicable fatigue.

Adrenal fatigue makes a person extremely tired … A good amount of the time. This is because under stress the hormone levels rise, thus making it harder to sleep. As time passes, the body’s cortisol levels are affected and this leads to the body to be in an almost permanent state of alertness. All of this can have a bearing on the ability for a person to fall asleep or even get a restful night’s sleep. Sometimes a person thinks he is getting enough sleep (the recommended 8 to 10 hours) but still awakens feeling tired, fatigued and unrested.

2. Cravings for salty or sugary foods.

One manner in which adrenal fatigue affects the body is to lower a person’s blood sugar level. When this happens cravings for ‘energy foods’ increase and therefore a sufferer will eat more sugary foods. Foods high in sugar are also comfort foods so stress can cause a person to increase the intake of these high sugar foods.

Adrenal fatigue can also lead to cravings for salty foods. This happens because the adrenal glands affect how the kidneys regulate mineral fluctuations. When we struggle with fatigue, the body releases more minerals in the urine. This in turn can increase the desire for salty snacks.

3. Heightened energy in the evenings.

An adrenal fatigue sufferer could find that he/she is tired throughout the day but then in the late evening experience a surge of energy. Typically, cortisol reaches a peak in late morning then reduces during the day.

One thing I’ve learned is to take advantage of my evening energy and do my work late at night. If I’m feeling super fatigued during the day I make sure I listen to my body and allow myself to take a nap. When you have fatigue, it’s important to listen to your body and go with the fluctuations because I’ve discovered it’s just more exhausting to fight it.

4. Difficulty in dealing with stress.

The normal body’s reaction to stress is to release specific hormones to ensure stress can be handled effectively. The three specific hormones are cortisol, adrenaline, norepinephrine, and knowing how these affect the body helps us understand the relationship to stress.

a .Cortisol. Gives the body extra energy to manage stress, it increases memory function, and lowers sensitivity to pain. However, the body needs a rest period after cortisol has been released in a stress-related situation. If a person who suffers from adrenal fatigue rarely gets to have the ‘rest period’ that is needed, over time less and less cortisol is produced.

b. Adrenaline. Probably the most well-known stress response hormone. This gives us the initial burst of energy needed to act in response to stress. Once again, adrenal fatigue will affect the amount of this particular hormone and therefore the response to stress is reduced.

c. Norepinephrine. This hormone helps the brain to focus on the stress. Without this active hormone, the response to stress could be described as lethargic.

5. More infections.

Cortisol assists in regulating the immune system in the body and cortisol works as an anti-inflammatory. Excess cortisol over an extended time period hinders the response of the immune system and this results in having more infections. On the other hand, if the adrenal glands are so weakened that they produce too little cortisol then the body’s response is to over react to infections resulting in certain autoimmune disorders.

Again, the best thing I’ve learned is to listen to your body. If you have the ability to take a power nap when you are feeling super tired and fatigued, then do it. Conversely, if you have a burst of energy, try to use that time to do the things that take the most focus and energy. In other words, work with what you have!

Do you deal with adrenal fatigue? If so, how do you combat and work with your swings? Comment below – you never know who you might be able to help with your suggestions!