Adrenal fatigue is a term used to describe a collection of non-specific symptoms such as body aches, fatigue, nervousness, sleep disturbances and digestive issues. It is thought to occur when the adrenal glands become overtaxed and unable to produce adequate levels of hormones like cortisol to meet the body's needs.
The adrenal glands produce over 50 different hormones that regulate various bodily processes and help the body respond to stress. The main hormone associated with adrenal fatigue is cortisol, known as the “stress hormone.” This is because chronic or prolonged stress is theorized to be a key driver of adrenal insufficiency. When stress is ongoing, the adrenals have to keep pumping out high levels of stress hormones over an extended period of time. Eventually, they may get fatigued and worn out, impacting their hormone production and release.
Symptoms of adrenal fatigue may include:
The main driver behind adrenal fatigue is chronic stress. This could stem from a variety of factors like:
If left unmanaged over time, the constant demands and pressures of life may start to take a toll on adrenal function. That’s why taking steps to minimize and cope with stress is key. I highly recommend checking out the stress management programs at Balance Clinic, which take a holistic approach focused on diet, lifestyle, mindset and targeted nutrient support. Their adrenal fatigue recovery protocol has helped many clients regain healthy adrenal and cortisol function.
Overall, supporting your adrenals involves a multi-pronged strategy:
While adrenal fatigue is not an officially recognized medical diagnosis, many people identify with the cluster of symptoms and find that supporting adrenal health leads to improved energy, mood, and well-being. By making diet and lifestyle changes while avoiding chronic stress, your adrenals have the best shot at bouncing back from fatigue!