Do You Wonder Why You Are Just So Exhausted ?

kimNo CommentsConsultations, proper nutrition

Are you tired, sick, worn-out, just can’t regain your normal energy no matter what you do or how many doctors you visit?

Have you every considered Adrenal Fatigue?  Many doctors don’t understand it and will not agree with me.  Have you been the one who has made the rounds to multiple physicians to just be told to see a psychiatrist or that “there is nothing wrong”.  Or have you been wrongly diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, allergies or low blood pressure? For many the answer is found in a misunderstood organ, the adrenal glands.

Being a “type A” personality, very driven and excited about what I do (as a wife, home school mom and Nutritional Counselor), I have been the ideal candidate for Adrenal Fatigue. I was told years ago that I had wiped out my adrenals but was not given an answer except a recommendation to change my life and over time, my adrenals could recover.  I was exhausted even after sleeping, my sugar levels would drop dangerously low, my legs ached, I couldn’t focus, and was often fatigued and irritated along with dealing with multiple health issues.

Now, I am pleased to say that Adrenal Fatigue can be overcome; your energy and life can be restored and there are products and lifestyle changes to help you be in control of your recovery!  Let’s go over some basics ~ the purpose of your adrenal glands is to help your body deal with stress.  Stress can be (but not limited) lifestyle, toxins, actual danger, injury, disease and relationship problems.  This tiny gland is located on top of your kidney and affects the functioning of every tissue, organ and gland of your body and affecting how you think and feel.

Hormones secreted from your Adrenal Glands include estrogen, progesterone, steroids, cortisol, cortisone, and chemicals such as adrenalin (epinephrine), nor epinephrine, and dopamine.  These can affect the utilization of carbohydrates and fats, conversion of fats and proteins into energy, the distribution of stored fats (especially around your waist and at the sides of your face), normal blood sugar regulations, proper cardiovascular and gastrointestinal function.  They also affect allergic reactions, sex hormones, weight gain, muscular strength and stamina.

It is estimated that up to 80% of adult Americans suffer some sort of adrenal fatigue at some point in their life, yet it is one of the most under-diagnosed illnesses in the US!

Hypoadrenia is a term for a lower adrenal gland function.  After too many responses to stress in your life (in that constant “fight or flight” mode), physical, emotional environmental and/or psychological stress can deplete your adrenals.   The extreme end of Hypoadrenia is Addison’s disease.  People suffering from Addison’s usually have to take corticosteroids for the remainder of their lives in order to function.  This is rare – only about 4 in 100,000 people.   The more common non-Addison’s Hypoadrenia or Adrenal Fatigue affects millions of people in the US and around the world.

Dr. James L Wilson has written an amazing book which greatly explains this syndrome.  In his book, “Adrenal Fatigue, The 21st Century Stress Syndrome” we can gain more insight and learn how to recover..

Lifestyle Leading to Adrenal Fatigue

  • Lack of Sleep
  • Poor Food Choices
  • Using Food and Drink as stimulants when tired
  • Staying up late even though fatigued
  • Being constantly in a position of powerlessness
  • Constantly driving yourself
  • Trying to be perfect
  • Staying in double binds (no-win situations) over time
  • Lack of enjoyable and rejuvenating activities

Life Events which lead to Adrenal Fatigue

  • Unrelieved pressure or frequent crises at work and/or home
  • Any severe emotional trauma
  • Death of a close friend or family member
  • Major Surgery – with incomplete recovery or subsequent persistent fatigue
  • Prolonged or repeated respiratory infections
  • Serious burns – including severe sunburn
  • Head Trauma
  • Loss of stable job
  • Sudden change in financial status
  • Relocation without support of friends or family
  • Repeated or overwhelming chemical exposure

Key signs and symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue

  • Difficulty getting up in the morning
  • Continuing fatigue not relieved by sleep
  • Craving for salt or salty foods
  • Lethargy or lack of energy
  • Increased effort needed to do every day tasks
  • Decreased Sex Drive
  • Decreased ability to handle stress
  • Increased time to recover from illness, injury or trauma
  • Light-headed when standing up quickly
  • Mild Depression
  • Less enjoyment or happiness with life
  • Increased PMS
  • Symptoms increase if meals are skipped or inadequate
  • Thoughts less focused, more fuzzy
  • Memory less accurate
  • Decreased Tolerance
  • Don’t really “wake up” until 10am, afternoon low between 3-4pm and feel better after evening meal.
  • Decreased productivity

Now, not to cause frustration, I know I am just getting started, but due to the length of this blog, we will revisit this topic another day and share some ways to help us recover and heal from Adrenal Fatigue.

Kim Butler can help you recover from Adrenal Fatigue with her consultations
Certified Nutritional Counselor & Health Coach
Owner, Palm Beach Nutrition & Wellness
contact her at support1@palmbeachnutrition.com