Adrenal fatigue is a term that many of us have heard of, but what actually is it? Adrenal fatigue happens when the adrenals glands are exhausted and may not be able to keep up with the normal hormone production the adrenal glands are responsible for. Cortisol, for example, is the stress hormone that is commonly affected by adrenal fatigue.
The term adrenal fatigue is used to describe many different non-specific symptoms that are the result of the depleted adrenal glands, and unfortunately, more and more people are being diagnosed with this condition. Why? A lot of it has to do with the stress of day-to-day life, and the inability to practice regular self care, by simply slowing down and de-stressing. This is a huge cause of adrenal fatigue. However, it is important to understand that emotional stress is just one form of stress we expose our bodies to on a daily basis. Environmental and physical stressors play a role. Things like poor diet, lifestyle habits, or regular toxin and chemical exposure can also play a role in adrenal fatigue.
With that being said, let’s take a look at the top five symptoms of adrenal fatigue and some things that you can do to support adrenal health.
The Top 5 Symptoms of Adrenal FatigueÂ
#1 Fatigue: It’s no wonder that fatigue is at the top of the symptom list. People with adrenal fatigue find themselves feeling exhausted even after they get a solid night's sleep. You may also feel the need for regular naps throughout the day.
#2 Body Aches: Those with adrenal fatigue also regularly experience unexplained body aches that they just can’t figure out where they are coming from.
#3 Weight Changes & Loss of Appetite: If you have unexplained weight loss or weight gain, and just don’t have an appetite, it may be linked to the health of your adrenal glands.
#4 Brain Fog: If you feel “fuzzy,” and unable to think straight, addressing the health of your adrenals is super important as brain fog is a common symptom of adrenal fatigue.
#5 Mood Changes: Those who have adrenal fatigue often find themselves feeling anxious and on edge.
What Can You Do to Support Adrenal Health?
To help you feel better and to support your adrenal glands, here are three tips to get you started.
Destress: With stress being the primary cause of adrenal fatigue, reducing stress is crucial!
Eat a Balanced Diet: Supporting your adrenal glands through a balanced diet can help improve energy levels. Strive to remove processed and artificial foods from your diet and eat a diet rich in healthy fats, clean protein, and complex carbohydrates.
Supplement with Yingery or Vigor: Yinergy and Vigor are adaptogenic herb blends that can help support the adrenal glands, reduce feelings of stress, improve energy, and just help you feel your best. If you feel like your adrenals are taxed, adaptogens can play a huge role in helping you feel better.