The terms "Adrenal fatigue" and "Burn Out" have become more common in recent years as more and more people experience the crippling effects of long term stress. The terms "Adrenal Fatigue and Burn Out" are a little controversial in the mainstream medical industry but is used to indicate long term depletion of the adrenal glands by integrative practitioners.
The small grape sized adrenal glands have the big job of adapting the body to stress states and produce over 50 hormones for the body to function optimally!
It is said that in Women 40 % of estrogen and progesterone is reliant on your adrenals functioning properly and 40% of testosterone production in men.
Among the hormones produced by the adrenals is Cortisol and Adrenalin.
These hormones aid the body in adapting to various stressors. The problem is that all stress accumulates ...
“They’re the glands that first respond to stress, but also the first to suffer as a result of stress.”
- James L. Wilson, PhD
Cortisol is seen as the "wear and tear" hormone.
A little bit of Cortisol is a good thing as it fights inflammation but imbalanced Cortisol levels will impair the bodies ability to fight inflammation, repair tissue and will decrease sexual function too.
Adrenalin is the "Fight or flight" hormone .
Its Adrenalin's job to give you the energy you need to get a job done.
A little bit of Adrenalin is also a good thing it keeps you going . Too much Adrenalin will however increase anxiety and stress.
When the body produces too much adrenalin and cortisol the brain sends signals to the adrenal glands telling them to stop producing hormones. This can be good for a little while to give the body a break but can also become a problem if the brain keeps telling the body to stop producing these for an extended time leading to " Adrenal Fatigue" or "Burn out".
Symptoms of adrenal fatigue are said to include:
fatigue and sluggishness, particularly upon waking, with “crashes” throughout the day
poor stress response and mood regulation
depression and feeling demotivated
brain fog
insomnia
food cravings
weight gain in some
overuse of caffeine and stimulants
decreased libido
compromised immune system
“It’s a syndrome that results from being stressed to a point at which the body can’t respond in an optimal way.”
-James L. Wilson, PhD
All stress states accumulate and your body remembers every stressful state it has ever been in. It is your responsibility to check in with your mind and body, to honour it when it needs rest. To remove unnecessary stressors as much as you possibly can and to consume food that puts as little stress on the rest of your body as possible.
If you have been diagnosed or suspect Adrenal Fatigue / Burn Out, it is suggested that you consume a low sugar and low caffeine diet. Avoid junk food and any stimulants. Managing my blood sugar levels by eating a balanced diet as well as eating at the same times every day was a huge game changer in my personal journey with Adrenal fatigue.
Get a nights good sleep! Even if it means sleeping 10 hours a night till you feel better. In Ayurveda they teach you to sleep and rise with the sun so no more late night TV and snacking for you! I incorporate meditation into my daily routine and it has truly helped me shift into a surrender mindset where small stressors don't affect me as much as they had before. Lastly get into nature and move your body in a gentle and kind way. Hitting the gym for hours day after day is not conducive to healing a stressed out mind and body.
Optional supplements to help your Adrenals along the healing journey:
Vitamin C
Magnesium
B vitamins
Coenzyme Q10
Ashwagandha
Rhodiola
Licorice Root
The symptoms of this syndrome are very real even if your doctor does not recognize Adrenal Fatigue or Burn Out as a formal diagnosis and I have touched on this subject so that you have a bit of background and understanding of what is actually happening in your body.
Your body has infinite wisdom and will always do it's best to look after you. Sometimes it just needs you to give a little back.
If you are wanting to start his journey for yourself but not sure where to begin then book a free call with me and lets see how you can gently start to heal.
werwildish@gmail.com
www.wildishwellness.net