How to Heal Exhausted Adrenal Glands
No medical term exists for adrenal fatigue, but it's a common phrase. True adrenal insufficiency is Addison's disease. Completely depleted adrenal glands will cause a rapid demise in the body that is often fatal. The adrenal glands are responsible for producing many hormones in the body, and are most recognized for the stress response (fight or flight). When feeling fatigued there are changes you can make on your own. It is always important to seek the help of a medical professional to rule out other serious diseases.
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Things You'll Need
- Various supplements (see examples in the text)
- Health professional
- Light box (optional)
- Exercise sneakers
Instructions
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Diet and stress modifications
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Rule out other diseases by talking to your doctor. Tell her about your symptoms so that correct tests can be ordered. Commonly, blood and stool samples will be needed to run these tests.
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Reduce or eliminate caffeine from your diet. Caffeine works by blocking chemicals that make you sleepy. There is a tolerance to caffeine that can build up, making it lose its usefulness. A study by Arvind Narayanan in 2007 showed no real difference in concentration and focus with caffeine intake, versus without it, over long-term use. With fatigue, you will do better avoiding caffeine and trying other alternatives.
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Obtain and start taking adaptogens. Adaptogens are supplements that allow your body to better handle negative effects of stress. A recent study by A. Panossian et. al., noted adaptogens help "regulate resistance to stress and result in enhanced mental and physical performance." Cordyceps, rhodiola and ginseng are examples of good adaptogens. They will help you feel more focused and awake without the jittery feeling that caffeine often creates.
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Take a time out. Find something relaxing, a soak in the tub, a massage, or reading a book. These things will stimulate the opposite of the fight-or flight-response (rest and digest) and will help with relaxation. Pick one thing daily for 20 to 30 minutes.
Sleep Habits
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Go to a sleep study. Many with feelings of fatigue do not sleep well. It may be caused by sleep apnea (temporarily stopping of breathing). This will cause sleep disturbances and altered deep sleep. Your doctor can order a sleep study.
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Get light therapy. Walk in the morning light. A light to moderate walk of one mile is enough to help decrease circulating levels of melatonin (a sleep hormone). If that is not possible, consider purchasing a light box and directing it toward your face for one to two hours in the morning.
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Take sleep supplements. For some people, simply taking melatonin or 5 HTP will help them feel tired at bed time. A 2009 review for common botanical treatments by Kathleen Head et al., found that valerian, and Passiflora incarnata helped improve sleep quality and prolong sleep time. Review your options with a doctor if you are taking any prescriptions.
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Exercise and eat better to lose weight. Keep exercise at low level (a light sweat) so as not to increase the fight-or-flight response of the body. Exercise will help decrease negative stress effects (levels of cortisol) and help with better sleep. Weight loss can also help with sleep apnea in some.
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Make a follow-up appointment with your doctor if following these tips does not produce feelings of better energy with in 2 to 4 weeks. There may be other causes for your fatigue, such as depression, vitamin deficiency, thyroid problems or even cancer. Trust the advise of a licensed professional.
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Tips & Warnings
R Garden and Pure Encapsulations make a great Cordyceps or Energy X-tra formulas.
Natural sunlight is the best and most cost effective form of light therapy.
A naturopath or chiropractor may be able to order the lab and sleep tests for you.
Take the adaptogens in the morning, if you find you are having trouble sleeping.
Ginseng comes in many varieties, so research them before you buy.
It is imperative to follow up with your doctor if no improvements are felt in your energy level.
Follow prescription guidelines and never take anyone else's medications even if you feel you have the same problem.
Supplements can interact adversely with certain prescribed medications, so talk to your doctor before starting a regimen.
