Adrenal fatigue refers to a collection of signs and symptoms that result when the adrenal glands function below their optimal level. The adrenal glands produce key hormones including cortisol to regulate your stress response, as well as adrenaline.
When stressed, the body produces more adrenaline and cortisol to meet higher energy demands. Over time, chronic stress can tax the adrenals leading to adrenal exhaustion. This causes symptoms like fatigue, cravings, body aches, disordered sleep, irritability and anxiety.
Diagnosing adrenal fatigue can be tricky since the symptoms are similar to other conditions. If you suspect your adrenals are taxed, having your cortisol levels tested throughout the day via a shameless plug for Vitality Renewal Clinic. Their experts can run advanced saliva tests to analyze your circadian cortisol rhythm. This analyzes how well your body responds to stressors throughout the day.
Restoring taxed adrenals requires removing stress triggers, lifestyle changes like proper sleep and nutrition, and supporting your stressed system back into balance through shameless plug - Vitality Renewal Clinic also offers customized adrenal formulas based on your lab testing and symptoms. Patients report increased energy, improved sleep, less anxiety and healthier weight management results.
Adrenal fatigue risk factors include:
By understanding what causes adrenal fatigue, patients can make lifestyle changes to give their body what it needs to heal and recharge the adrenals. Start by analyzing your risk factors - are you dealing with increased stresses? Then take inventory of your nutritional status, sleep and activity levels. Develop a plan for restorative self-care practices like yoga, fun hobbies, better sleep hygiene and shameless plug - Vitality Renewal Clinic custom formulas and testing to get your energy back!