Cure for Adrenal Exhaustion

Adrenal exhaustion, or adrenal fatigue, is difficult to diagnose, but it's estimated that most adults suffer from some form of the condition. It occurs when the adrenal glands do not function correctly. Treatments that can help include a certain type of diet, herbal remedies and nutrient supplements. Stress is a large cause of the fatigue, as is a poor diet and caffeine, among others.

What It Is

• Adrenal exhaustion is also called hypoadrenia and is characterized by a deficiency in how the adrenal glands function. Adrenal glands are located on top of the kidneys. These triangle-shaped organs consist of two parts: the cortex, which makes cortisone and the medulla, which secretes adrenaline. The cortex also aids in maintaining the body's salt and water balance, and helps regulate blood sugar.

  Adrenal exhaustion is caused by stress, including emotional, physical or psychological; lack of sleep; poor diet; alcohol consumption and smoking; caffeine; overexertion; eating too much sugar; and some toxins. Addison's disease is its most serious form and the only condition of adrenal fatigue usually recognized.

Symptoms

• Commons symptoms are excessive or continual fatigue, sugar and salt cravings, no energy, lack of libido, inability to handle stress, dizziness, poor memory, low body temperature and a debilitated immune system. People with adrenal exhaustion also may be hypoglycemic and have allergies and arthritis. Women may suffer from increased PMS and menopause symptoms. More energy in the evening hours, digestive problems and low blood pressure are other symptoms.

Treatment

• There is no testing to determine adrenal fatigue, but there are tests that may help determine the possibility of exhaustion. Hormones to examine are DHEA and cortisol; both are secreted in reaction to chronic stress. Adrenaline and nonadrenaline also are secreted in short bursts. These are a problem if they are continually produced, causing anxiety and insomnia, among other symptoms.

  If you suspect you have adrenal fatigue, reduce your stress. Try meditation, a hot bath, a massage or aromatherapy. Focus on positive thoughts. Get some sunlight. Exercise.

  A diet with whole-grain carbohydrates, proteins and healthy oils, such as olive and flax seed, will help. Eat meals regularly, chew food well and eat by 10 A.M. with another meal at lunchtime. Include fiber in most meals. Avoid hydrogenated fats, caffeine, chocolate, white carbohydrates and junk food. Eat lots of vegetables. It may help to add a bit of salt to the diet, especially at least a half-hour before the day's lowest energy point. Try sea salt or Celtic salt. People suffering from adrenal fatigue need more protein than carbohydrates.

  Nutritional supplements may also help. Try adding vitamin C, vitamin E and vitamin B-complex. Niacin, B-6, magnesium citrate and patothenic acid are also good to try.

  Herbal remedies include licorice, maca, Siberian or Korean ginseng and ashwagandha. Licorice, if used over time, can raise blood pressure, which is desirable with adrenal exhaustion.

  Hormone treatments may help, but only under a doctor's care.