What makes adrenal fatigue worse

Adrenal fatigue is a term applied to a group of non-specific symptoms. Although the term has found a level of popularity among alternative health practitioners, there is no scientific medical evidence proving that the condition exists. Since its conception in the late s, supporters of adrenal fatigue have claimed that the disorder exists and affects multiple people.

The term first came about after a chiropractor came up with the diagnosis and published the information. According to people who propose adrenal fatigue as a real condition, it strikes people who endure long stretches of mental, physical, or emotional stress. People who are allegedly more likely to contract adrenal fatigue are shift workers, single parents, people with alcohol or drug dependence, and those with stressful jobs. The Endocrine Society, which represents the opinions of 1, of endocrinologists, released an official statement regarding adrenal fatigue:.

Doctors are concerned that if you are told you have this condition, the real cause of your symptoms may not be found and treated correctly. Also, treatment for adrenal fatigue may be expensive, since insurance companies are unlikely to cover the costs.

All of the above symptoms are relatively generic but could indeed signal some type of illness. Many of the symptoms, however, could also be due to nothing more than a busy life and a lack of sleep, or, alternatively, a caffeine addiction , bad nutrition , or heightened stress levels.

The theory behind adrenal fatigue is that the adrenal glands, which are activated during stress, are overworked. According to people who believe that the condition exists, long-term stress causes these glands to become fatigued and unable to keep up with the demands of the body.

Some sources recommend a specific diet for adrenal fatigue. High-protein foods or supplements may be recommended. Given the lack of evidence surrounding this condition, it is unclear what role, if any, the diet should take, or whether the additional protein is a good idea. However, any nutritious, balanced diet is likely to promote your immune system, sense of well-being, and overall health. This includes regular intake of fresh fruit and vegetables, low intake of fatty, sugary, and processed foods, and limited consumption of alcohol and caffeine.

Eating a balanced diet is a major key to overall wellness and may help prevent many of the symptoms assigned to adrenal fatigue. Anyone who is concerned about symptoms should see a doctor for advice. It is also important to ask a doctor about any major dietary changes related to health issues. Certain alternative health practitioners might take blood samples or use salivary cortisol testing to prove whether or not an individual has adrenal fatigue.

However, as the illness does not exist, there are no real ways to diagnose it. People who believe in adrenal fatigue claim in their defense that modern scientific techniques are not sensitive enough to pick up the diminished functioning of the adrenal glands, but that our bodies still feel the effects. To fully understand the real condition, in contrast to which adrenal fatigue is not, adrenal insufficiency, here is a brief introduction to the functions of the adrenal glands:.

However, many doctors, including adrenal gland specialists, do not consider that this test is appropriate to measure the function of the adrenal glands. A hour salivary adrenal test involves taking saliva samples four times during 24 hours.

The samples are usually taken at 8 am, 12 noon, 4 pm and midnight. The early-morning steroid cortisol level should be the highest level of the day but may be reduced if the adrenal gland is not working properly. You may need blood tests to make sure there are no other reasons why you feel very tired, such as anaemia or an underactive thyroid gland.

Further tests will also be needed if there is any concern that your adrenal glands are not working properly. The treatment for adrenal fatigue is essentially lifestyle advice, including sleep, diet and exercise. Talk with your doctor to discuss how you are feeling so that your doctor can arrange tests if needed and also provide you with advice and support.

It is very important to reduce stress and improve relaxation. See also the separate leaflets called Acute Stress Reaction and Stress Management and also the leaflet called Relaxation exercises. Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables. Avoid junk foods and processed foods. Also avoid or reduce coffee and any other stimulant drinks and reduce your intake of sugary drinks and foods. See also the separate leaflet called Healthy Eating. Regular exercise is also important. See the separate leaflet called Exercise and Physical Activity.

It is very important to have enough sleep and to stick to a consistent sleep routine. For more information see the separate leaflet called Insomnia Poor Sleep and the leaflet called Sleep diary.

There is no evidence that supplements such as vitamin supplements are of any value, and some supplements may be harmful. Most people with adrenal fatigue will recover quite quickly but severe symptoms may take some months to recover, or even longer. The time for recovery will vary enormously from person to person and will also depend on the cause of stress and the severity of symptoms. Following a good treatment plan, as described above, will help you to recover more quickly.

BMC Endocr Disord. S Afr Med J. Disclaimer: This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. Egton Medical Information Systems Limited has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but make no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. For details see our conditions. In this article What is adrenal fatigue? What are the adrenal glands and what do they do?

How common is adrenal fatigue? What causes adrenal fatigue? Who develops adrenal fatigue? For best results, you should combine the diet with other lifestyle changes, like establishing a healthy sleep schedule, managing your stress levels, and getting plenty of physical activity.

If you begin to experience any adverse symptoms or if the diet makes your condition worse, visit your doctor immediately. Many say our modern lifestyle wears out our adrenal glands, and swear adrenal extracts are the answer.

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