Adrenal Fatigue

Dr. James Wilson, naturopath, nutritionist and adrenal specialist, coined the phrase adrenal fatigue. Numerous people with unexplained fatigue, weakness, insomnia or depression could have symptoms related to dysfunction of the adrenal glands. Dr. Gerald E. Poesnecker's book described adrenal syndrome in 1993. Adrenal fatigue, chronic low output of adrenal hormones, is one of the most underdiagnosed syndromes.

Some symptoms include debilitating fatigue, depression, sleep disorders, weight problems, immune system deficiencies, changes in skin color, muscle weakness, low blood pressure and inability to cope with stress. Adrenal problems are often incorrectly identified unless they fall on an extreme end of the continuum of dysfunction. Addison’s Disease, which describes adrenal insufficiency, or Cushing’s, an excess of adrenal hormone production.

Two triangular-shaped adrenal glands sit on top of each kidney. They are divided into two segments, each producing different hormones. The adrenal cortex manufactures and releases corticosteroids. Aldosterone regulates the body’s salt and water balance. Steroids influence metabolism, immunity, sexual development and function and our stress response.

The inner segment is the adrenal medulla. It produces catecholamines, including adrenaline, also known as epinephrine; a hormone critical for the body’s stress response. Epinephrine increases blood pressure and heart rate to mobilize the body when needed in situations requiring immediate response.

The adrenal glands operate in concert with the hypothalamus and pituitary, which regulate metabolism and physical functions. The three work closely together and are known as the HPA axis. Disruptions in one organ throws off the usual operation of other glands.

Over or under production of adrenal hormones can wreak havoc in the body, since the adrenal hormones have a variety of effects. Adrenal insufficiency can be temporary or permanent. Some temporary causes of malfunction of the gland or inability to produce adequate hormones can include: stress, infection, surgery and medication under-use or over-use. Use of steroids is often a contributing factor to adrenal dysfunction.

Disruptions in the hypothalamus or pituitary can also contribute to adrenal insufficiency. Chronic conditions have an important HPA axis and adrenal component, including fibromyalgia. There is also a stated relationship between HPA dysfunction and chronic fatigue syndrome, and the suggestion that reduced adrenal output contributes to the symptoms of chronic fatigue.

Continual stress without adequate coping mechanisms can lead to burnout. Improper regulation of the HPA axis is involved in adrenal fatigue.

People with low adrenal function may use stimulants like caffeine to feel a boost of energy. Artificial energy depletes the adrenals, since caffeine works by stimulating the release of adrenaline. Coffee, caffeine, yerba mate, ephedra and other stimulants should be avoided. Alcohol, because of its concentrated sugar content, is particularly problematic in adrenal fatigue since it disrupts the body’s ability to control blood sugar and should also be avoided to help the adrenals recover.

An Ayurvedic perspective is to strengthen the body and building ojas, innate strength and immunity. That is vial for rebuilding fatigued adrenals. Foods that increase ojas, dates, raisins, coconut, organic dairy products, ghee, fresh fruits and vegetables help replenish an exhausted endocrine system.

Adaptogens are herbs that help to strengthen the nervous, endocrine and immune systems without being overly stimulating. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is one of the most important Ayurvedic adaptogens. Used traditionally for centuries, current research confirms the adaptogenic properties of ashwagandha. Some other adaptogenic herbs helpful for revitalizing the endocrine, nervous and immune systems include: bala (Tinaspora cordifolia), shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), amla or amalaki (Emblica officinalis) and pippali (Piper longum).

Acupuncture and moxibustion treatments help to normalize the function the hypothalamic-pituitary-axis (HPA) and their associated glands. Since acupuncture removes obstacles to the flow of chi (vital energy) through the meridians of the body, it can help reduce fatigue and balance the interrelationships between the endocrine glands.

Since the adrenal glands are subject to influence by blood flow and alignment of the body, chiropractic adjustments can be helpful for balancing these glands. Cell biologist Dr. Bruce Lipton, author of Biology of Belief, emphasizes the importance of the adrenal glands and the HPA axis in maintaining health and creating immediate response to situations. Excessive HPA activation inhibits the immune system. Since the HPA axis is involved in the body’s stress response, Dr. Lipton finds that autosuggestion, or positive suggestion is important for healing along with chiropractic adjustment.

Supplementing the diet with essential fatty acids, the omega-3 oils found in flax, borage, purslane, evening primose and other oils and plants (as well as cold water fish), is helpful for recovering from adrenal fatigue. Essential fatty acids are important for improving immune system function and recovering from the negative effects of stress.

While in the midst of a situation of acute adrenal fatigue, people may crave salt because of the imbalance of the hormone aldosterone. People with adrenal fatigue have difficulty retaining salt.

Yoga practice is helpful both for balancing release of hormones of the endocrine system as well as treating some of the symptoms of adrenal problems. Asanas (yoga postures) effective for creating balance of the endocrine system are shoulderstand (sarvangasasa), plow (halasana) and headstand (sirsansana). Cobra (bhujanasana) and upward facing dog are both beneficial for gently stimulating the adrenal glands by massaging the area where the adrenals sit on top of the kidneys on the back.

A restorative practice is recommended to alleviate fatigue and provide a deep state of rest to the body. Supported restorative poses can also release tension associated with long-term exhaustion. Even though fatigue is a common complaint, there are times when people with adrenal dysfunction may have difficulty falling asleep. In these cases, Dr. Wilson specifically recommends practicing calming forward folds such as paschimottansana (seated forward fold) or both sides of janu sirsasana (one leg seated forward fold, or seated head to knee pose).

Disorders of the adrenal glands have been formally recognized for decades. With our modern lifestyle, the effects of constant chronic stress and the use of stimulants can take a toll on our bodies, particularly our adrenal glands. To recover from an exhausted, burnt-out body, getting rest, improving resistance to stress, a rejuvenative yoga practice, meditation, avoiding stimulants and eating a balanced diet with a variety of fresh, whole foods is important for both recovery and prevention. Although the world around us can encourage fatigue, we have the ability to strengthen our bodies, minds and our very spirits.

For more information on Dr Wilson’s work, visit www.adrenalfatigue.org. For more information on the body’s hormonal system, read Dr. Scott Isaacs, Hormonal Balance, Your Guide to a Healthier Metabolism and Weight. For more information on chronic fatigue, visit www.chronicfatigue.org.

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