Adrenal Fatigue and Chronic Adrenal Insufficiency
The adrenal glands are very small (pea-sized) glands located on top of each kidney. They produce norepinephrine and epinephrine. These hormones are responsible for helping to regulate heart and lung function and blood pressure. The adrenals also produce cortisol, which is a steroid hormone that helps promote well-being and has an important role in regulating the body’s response to outside stressors.
Stress is a major cause of dis-ease and improper body function. We process more information in one day than our parents and grandparents processed in 3 months years ago. Excessive stimuli input such as noise from radios, driving in traffic, the use of cell phones and pagers and the stress of living and competing in a fast-paced society are all contributing factors to adrenal burn-out and fatigue. Persistent, unrelenting stress will eventually lead to adrenal burnout and beyond.
General Adaptation Syndrome
General Adaptation Syndrome is an important group of processes that our bodies use to function in times of stress.
Phase One: The Fight or Flight Response
In times of stress, the body’s first response is to produce the hormones that ready the body to be ready for increased physical and mental activity. The body goes on ‘red alert’.
Phase Two: The Resistance Reaction
If stress continues, the body moves from Fight or Flight into the Resistance phase. Cortisol and DHEA hormones are released. These hormones increase blood pressure and help regulate blood sugar. The body is prepared to sustain ongoing pain, fatigue and injury for a long period of time. The problems occur when the body is constantly subjected to stress and is held continually in the Resistance phase. Long-term health problems arise: hypertension, anxiety, fatigue, headaches, hypoglycemia, decreased immune function, thyroid dysfunction, diabetes and adrenal exhaustion.
Phase Three: Burn-Out and Exhaustion
When the body has been chronically oversecreting cortisol, DHEA and other hormones, adrenal exhaustion sets in. This accelerates the downward spiral to chronic poor health.
Some of the symptoms that you might be experiencing are:
- chronic headaches
- nausea
- allergies
- nagging injuries
- depression
- low sex drive
- chronic infections
- cold hands/feet
Testing Yourself for Adrenal Fatigue
1. Ragland’s Sign
Ragland’s sign is an abnormal drop in the systolic (top number) blood pressure when a person goes from a lying to a standing position. There should be a rise of 8-10 mm in the top number. A drop OR failure to rise indicates adrenal fatigue.
Have someone take your blood pressure while you are lying down on your back. Leave the blood pressure cuff on your arm (uninflated) and stand up. Have someone immediately take your blood pressure again. The top number should go up 10 points. If it didn’t rise or it stayed the same, you may have adrenal fatigue.
- Pupil Dilation Test
Stand in front of a mirror in an averagely lighted room. Shine a flashlight into one eye. If after 30 seconds the pupil (black center) starts to dilate (get larger), you can suspect adrenal deficiency.
Signs and Symptoms of Chronic Adrenal Insufficiency
__ weight loss
__ hyperpigmentation
__ hypotension (low blood pressure)
__ dizzy when standing up
__ low body temperature
__ depression or decreased sense of well-being
__ compromised immune system
__ loss of scalp hair
__ excess facial or body hair
__ vitiligo (white patches on skin)
__ auricular calcification (calcium deposits in the ear lobe)
__ fatigue
__ gastrointestinal problems
__ nausea and vomiting
__ constipation
__ abdominal pain
__ diarrhea
__ anorexia
__ salt craving
__ postural disturbances
__ muscle or joint pain
Adrenal Dysfunction Support
1. Take a good multivitamin/multimineral.
2. Increase salt consumption (Celtic Sea Salt or Himalayan Salts)
3. Drink plenty of water
4. Use adrenal supplements as directed.
5. Always eat breakfast, even if you don’t feel like it. A boiled egg and an apple or a green drink are great!
6. Eliminate or at least limit caffeine, nicotine, sugar and alcohol. This part is hard with adrenal fatigue but with the correct adrenal support, it’s a lot easier!