12/17/2024
Adrenal Fatigue
Is it a medical term? No
Is it worth talking about? Definitely
Keep in mind that when someone says "Adrenal Fatigue", it's not a real medical term. It's more the result of the fact that we are struggling with stress as a society. Dealing with constant stress is basically accepted as a normal part of life. Things have gotten so stressful, that that we are beginning to experience physical and emotional problems that we simply wouldn't feel under less stressful conditions. We all know that life is a lot easier to deal with when stress is somewhat under control. Today, terms like "Adrenal Fatigue” are in vogue because people are interested in finding anything that will help them cope with the only thing that’s constant in their life, Stress! Remember, it’s not our intention to give out medical advice, save that for your primary care, wellness or nature path doctor. In this episode we are having an open discussion about common health topics and herbs that might be of value. We appreciate any questions or insight you have and would like to share pertaining to general wellness or herbal nutrition.
Overview of the Adrenal Glands
Adrenal Gland Essentials
What are the Adrenal Glands?
Anatomy of the Adrenal Glands
The adrenal glands are two, triangular-shaped organs that measure about 1.5 inches in height and 3 inches in length. They are located on top of each kidney, and the name "Adrenal" relates to the location of these glands ("ad" meaning near and "renal" referring to the kidney). Each adrenal gland is comprised of two distinct structures. The outer part of the adrenal glands is called the adrenal cortex. The inner region is known as the adrenal medulla.
The adrenal cortex - the outer part of the gland produces hormones that are vital to life, such as cortisol (which helps regulate metabolism and helps your body respond to stress) and aldosterone (which helps regulate balance minerals and control blood pressure).
The adrenal medulla - the inner part of the gland that produces nonessential hormones, such as adrenaline (which helps your body react to stress).
What is the HPA Axis and how does it relate to Adrenal Fatigue?
The hypothalamic, pituitary, adrenal (HPA) axis is our bodies internal stress response system. The HPA axis integrates the endocrine system with the central nervous system and regulates the flow of hormones through a negative feedback system. The Pituitary, Hypothalamus, and Adrenal Glands are all part of the Endocrine Systems. It's critical to maintain the health of these vital endocrine glands knowing that hormonal balance is crucial to our overall health and can dictate the way we feel. Unfortunately, as we are constantly under stress in the modern world, the negative feedback system becomes less sensitive due to it's constant exposure to stressors. Over time, this can result in decreased levels of key hormones, hormones that impact our energy levels, response to stress, and our emotional wellbeing. This phenomenon is synonymous with what a lot of people are calling "Adrenal Fatigue".
What are the symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue?
Obviously, fatigue is one of the most common Adrenal Fatigue symptoms, but it's not the only thing noted. Adrenal Fatigue may lead to hormone inadequacies, and those hormones impact our health and the way we feel in a number of ways. That's also why there are many common signs of Adrenal Fatigue, although not everyone experiences the same thing. Here's some of the most common problems talked about.
The most common symptoms:
Difficulty getting up each morning, even after 8 hrs. of rest
High levels of fatigue each day
Inability to handle stress
Cravings for salty foods
Higher energy levels in the evenings
Weakened immune system
Weight gain and belly fat
Low libido
Extreme fatigue after exercise
Dark circles under the eyes
Joint pain
Lower back pain
Frequent urination
Loss of muscle tone
Respiratory problems
What can you do to help???
