What You Need to Know About Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome

Adrenal fatigue syndrome is quite common now among men and women who are suffering from daily stress. This is a medical condition when the adrenal glands do not function properly. These glands are located above the kidneys and secrete the hormone, cortisol, which is the main hormone which helps us handle stressful situations. The adrenal glands can be overworked, when a person experiences stress and cortisol may become depleted once the adrenals can no longer handle the demands on it.

Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome Symptoms

A noticeable decrease in energy, digestion problems, irritable bowel syndrome and an overall inability to handle stress are just some of the initial symptoms of adrenal fatigue syndrome. If left untreated, the condition may lead to more serious issues like heart disease, intestinal and kidney disorders, hypertension and even stroke.

Handling Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome

Because this condition is stress related, it is important for a person suffering from it to know how to relax and calm the mind during stressful times. In fact, the best treatment would be to avoid anything or any situation that can cause stress. Deep breathing exercises will also help to relax the mind and relieve stress.

A good way to handle stress is to get a good night sleep. It may be difficult for some people to achieve the number of hours required to get a good night sleep because of negative thoughts that usually fill the mind during a stressful time. Taking short naps during the day will help one replenish lost sleep. Taking a few minutes walk before bedtime can also help.

Avoiding refined carbohydrates like bread, pasta and cakes can also help. Eating too much sweets and simple carbohydrates found in most processed foods can increase your blood sugar, which can make your adrenals work harder. Substitute sweets with fruits and honey coated cereals. Eating at the right time is also important, in order to keep the cortisol levels maintained, without really straining the adrenals.

Making sure that you get enough vitamins and minerals from the food you eat may not be that easy. This is why supplementing your diet with vitamin pills is a good way to keep your energy level at its prime. In some serious cases, a hydrocortisone injection is prescribed to normalize the functioning of the adrenals. Too much of this treatment, however, can permanently damage the adrenals in the long run.

Adrenal fatigue is a serious matter, and one that should not be taken lightly. Addison disease, which leads to sudden decreases in the glucose level can be fatal, and is often a result of frequent adrenal fatigue.

If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, consult your doctor and avoid self-medication, as you may do your body more harm than you intend.

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