The Impact of Chronic Stress: Exploring the Connection to Adrenal Fatigue

The adrenal glands present in our body release certain types of hormones. These hormones help the body to function properly. This can help in managing stress, provide fat and protein to the body and reduce the risk of sugar and heart disease. At the same time, when the adrenal gland is not able to produce hormones adequately, many types of symptoms can be seen in the body. Although there is no medical term called adrenal fatigue, there is definitely adrenal insufficiency. Adrenal fatigue is a symptom-based syndrome associated with chronic stress. The cortisol hormone is important for survival, but it can only be produced as needed for short periods of time. This becomes a problem when cortisol levels remain high due to chronic stress. High levels of cortisol in the body increase negative symptoms. Then, over time, the adrenal glands' production of cortisol cannot meet its demand, and levels fall, along with other hormones that depend to some extent on the adrenals, such as thyroid, estrogen, Progesterone and testosterone. Other health concerns, such as depression, fibromyalgia, and hypothyroidism, can cause symptoms similar to adrenal stress.

(Read more - High Cortisol levels)

These symptoms may be normal. In fact, if someone has been suffering from anxiety or stress for a long time, his adrenal glands are unable to continue producing hormones like cortisol and due to this, symptoms may develop, which are as follows -

• Tiredness
• Trouble Sleeping
• Problem In Waking Up
• Cravings To Eat Sugary Foods
• Cravings For Salty Foods
• Lack Of Motivation
• Digestive Problems
• Weight Loss
• Body Pain
• Low Blood Pressure
• Feeling Light Headed
• Body Hair Loss
• Change In Skin Tone

(Read more - Home Remedies for Anxiety)

Symptoms of adrenal fatigue are often vague, so if you feel adrenal fatigue and your doctor diagnoses it, you may actually be dealing with another health problem. Doctors can test this and find problems such as:

• Anemia
• Sleep Apnea
• Heart Problems
• Lung Problem
• Diabetes
• Kidney Disease
• Liver Disease
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

If underlying medical conditions have been ruled out, it's possible that adrenal fatigue symptoms are actually the result of the following: a diet that lacks adequate nutrients, a more sedentary lifestyle, and less-than-ideal sleep habits.

(Read more - Home Remedies for Anxiety)

Although there is still no scientific evidence as to how adrenal fatigue exists in the body, the first steps to treat it include quitting smoking, alcohol and drugs. Starting a healthy lifestyle regimen may also help, including:

• Exercising regularly
• Diet rich in nutrient rich foods
• Establishing a regular sleep and wake routine

These lifestyle changes are helpful for people who are struggling with problems like fatigue, sugar cravings and bad mood. If you are thinking of taking medicines from outside to avoid this, then it is best to check with your doctor first. Not all vitamins, supplements, and herbs are dangerous (especially when taken in the right doses), but everyone's individual health issues are different. If you are experiencing any health problems, talk to your doctor.

(Read more - Home Remedies for Anxiety)

If adrenal fatigue is caused by a health problem, your doctor can treat that specific health problem. Apart from this, doctors can also treat adrenal fatigue in the following ways –

The term adrenal fatigue has not yet received any medical acceptance, but there is definitely a term called adrenal insufficiency. Therefore, if anyone is experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned here for a long time, then pay attention to it. Consult a doctor at the right time and change your lifestyle accordingly. It is normal to feel tired after doing any work for a long time, but if fatigue or lethargy persists without any reason, then advice from a doctor or expert is necessary in this regard.