Adrenal Fatigue - An Introduction

80% of American society are overwhelmed by stress and fatigue, Stress is the number one cause of adrenal fatigue and has become a part of modern living.If you are feeling tired, unwanted weight gain,menopause symptoms ,taking medications for allergies,worn out ,etc .You may be experiencing some sort of adrenal gland problem, known as Adrenal fatigue, It is a health disorder that can affect anyone. There are no exceptions.

What is Adrenal Gland?

The adrenal glands has two endocrine glands located above the kidneys. They are responsible for regulating a natural steroid called cortisol,wich is associated with stress.The adrenal gland consist of two distinct regions: the adrenal cortex (wich surrounds) and the adrenal medulla .The two parts differ in embryological origin, structure, and function.

The adrenal cortex produces steroid hormones as well as aldosterone which is involved in regulating the amount of salt and water in your body.

Many studies indicates that These fall into three classes:

-Glucocorticoids(cortisol): The most abundant glucocorticoid is cortisol (also called hydrocortisone). Cortisol and the other glucocorticoids also have a potent anti-inflammatory effect on the body

-Mineralocorticoids(aldosterone): Aldosterone acts on the kidney promoting the reabsorption of sodium ions (Na⁺) into the blood. Water follows the salt and this helps maintain normal blood pressure

-Androgens(testosterone):Men, for example, tend to produce more testosterone than women,However, excessive production of adrenal androgens can cause premature puberty in young boys.

In females, the adrenal cortex is a major source of androgens. Their hypersecretion may produce a masculine pattern of body hair and cessation of menstruation

The adrenal medulla or simply medulla produces hormones known as catecholamines which include adrenaline and noradrenaline. These catecholamines play a role in our response to physical or mental stress.The adrenal medulla consists of irregularly shaped cells grouped around blood vessels.

The adrenal medulla releases:

-adrenaline (also called epinephrine)

-noradrenaline (also called norepinephrine)

What Is Adrenal Fatigue?

Adrenal fatigue is a collection of signs and symptoms, such as body aches, fatigue for no reason, increased allergies,decreased sex drive,nervousness, sleep disturbances and digestive problems, frequently accompanies thyroid problems. it is one of the most under-diagnosed illnesses in the U.S.most of the time patients trying to find out why they feel exhausted and sick and doctors told that nothing wrong with them.

It can be treatable only if you change your lifestyle,like your eating habits, take daily walks and get enough rest and relaxation. If you take your treatment plan seriously, you can expect your adrenal fatigue to heal in 6 to 18 months and you can get your life and your health back on track again.

There are many wonderful alternative treatment options that include acupuncture,martial arts, herbs, nutrition, and exercise,taking breaks in your workplace,learning relaxation techniques such as yoga exercises. stop forcing yourself to keep going and start listening to your body,allow your body to let go of any resentment, blame, guilt, worries or fears that can paralyze the adrenal glands.

Many people have become victims of insomnia.It’s an unwanted condition,probably you feel very exhausted every night,so you can’t sleep well,there are some steps that you can try to deal with insomnia almost effortlessly.

When you are in bed stop watching the clock,you are wasting time lying in bed watching the clock,being preoccupied how long it takes you to fall asleep.It’s has made harder and longer to fall asleep,starting to become worried knowing that you lost the eight hours of rest and probably you can get now only four or five hours.This is not a good method to spend a night, Insomnia keep your mind racing and your clock won’t help you to treat this condition,It’s just a distraction.

The best thing you can do is to try to sleep different,switch the position in the bed with your wife or put your head where normally you place your feet,move the clock out of your direct sight line because it is a temptation for you,Avoid to watch tv until late,specially if you watch scary movies,Take a warm bath is another good option to deal with insomnia because tell your body and mind it is bedtime,read a book may help you to sleep like a baby,if you follow these sleep routines every night you will rest the full night.

One more thing I want to say,the bed was designed to sleep,if you can avoid eat there,watch tv and read in the bed will be awesome to deal with insomnia,once we are in bed is time to sleep.