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Relief for Adrenal Fatigue

Adrenal fatigue is a condition in which the adrenal glands are overworked and produce less hormones than the body needs. These glands, which are located atop the kidneys, receive messages from the hypothalamus in the brain and send out signals during an emotional peak or nadir to help the system cope. The adrenal glands produce three particularly important hormones among the 50-plus hormones they secrete: epinephrine (adrenaline), norepinephrine and cortisol.

  1. Causes and Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue

    • According to All About Life Challenges, adrenal fatigue occurs when the adrenal glands don't produce enough hormones to help the body cope with the stress of a given situation. The result is a feeling of exhaustion, a lack of interest, frustration, nervousness, irritability, insomnia, lowered immunity to disease, greatly decreased sex drive, headaches and allergies.

      In most cases, adrenal fatigue is difficult to diagnose, according to Project Aware. When men and women are going through important phases and developments in their personal and professional lives, the chance of adrenal fatigue is higher.

    Treatments

    • Consider treatments such as antidepressants and hormone supplements, which may help to encourage the adrenal glands to produce additional hormones. Hydrocortisone, or synthetic cortisone steroids, can be prescribed to help raise hormone levels in the blood to stave off adrenal fatigue, according to Project Aware. Vitamin C and E supplements may also be recommended to help raise energy levels and avoid fatigue.

    Liesyle Changes

    • Making small lifestyle changes can be the best long-term cure for adrenal fatigue, according to Natural Way. Counseling aimed at coping with stress and developing a positive outlook is the foundation for treating the condition. Project Aware says laughter is also known to neutralize most of the negative effects of adrenal fatigue by raising the parasympathetic supply to your adrenal glands. In addition, a diet consisting of foods that are high on energy-boosting nutritional supplements such vitamins and carbohydrates can help. Consuming specific foods including fish oil, olive, fiber and walnut can also go a long way in helping getting rid of the condition as carbohydrates can counteract the effects of depleted adrenal hormone levels.

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