Working your way up from adrenal fatigue

Wednesday, October 09, 2013 by: Luella May
Tags: adrenal fatigue, natural relief, lifestyle choices

(NaturalNews) Adrenal fatigue occurs when the adrenal glands can't keep up with the demands placed on them by the body. It most commonly presents itself when an individual is under intense or prolonged stress. However, it can also be the result of acute or chronic infection or disease.

There are no tests that diagnose adrenal fatigue. Diagnosis is made by observing symptoms. The most prominent symptom is fatigue that is not relieved by rest or sleep.

People suffering from adrenal fatigue often resort to drinking coffee, caffeinated drinks or other stimulants for that much needed energy boost, not realizing that these methods do more harm than good. These types of beverages serve to further strain the adrenals.

In severe cases, adrenal fatigue can interfere with everyday life. The adrenal glands may be exhausted to the point that a person simply cannot get out of bed for more than a few hours a day. Additionally, weak adrenal glands affect every organ in the body. The body does its best to compensate for the weakened adrenals, but it does so at a price. If the adrenal glands cannot meet the demands of the body, something is going to give, and the first thing to "give" is energy, resulting in fatigue.

Adrenal fatigue has become more prominent in the last few decades. For example, it is estimated that only 16% of the population suffered from adrenal fatigue in 1966, while today that number has jumped up to 66%. Events after 9/11 account for this sharp increase, together with the stress that society lives with today. These include global instability and economic uncertainty.

Symptoms of adrenal fatigue

• Feeling tired for no reason, even after a good night's sleep
• Feeling overwhelmed
• Difficulty in regaining energy after stress or illness
• Craving salty and sweet snacks

Other signs of adrenal fatigue include:

• Vertical ridges on the fingernails
• A red tipped tongue
• Losing hair
• Nervousness, anxiety or panic attacks
• Rapid heartbeat
• Weight gain or weight loss
• Frequent urination
• Weakened immune system causing frequent illnesses
• Acid reflux and/or indigestion
• Stomach cramping
• Muscular cramping
• Headaches
• Hypoglycemia
• Diabetes

Rebuilding your adrenals

You can feel well again. It is entirely possible to heal from adrenal fatigue, although it does take time. The following are suggestions to help rebuild those tired adrenals:

Start with a healthy diet. Eat organic, healthy natural foods. A wide variety of healthy vegetables will help alkalize the body. Juicing vegetables will help your body absorb valuable nutrients.

Take time out to eat in a relaxed atmosphere and chew your food well.

Herbs that help strengthen the adrenals include chamomile, ashwagandha and Chinese cordyceps. Siberian ginseng also strengthens the adrenal glands and energizes the body. All of the trace minerals are needed to restore strength. B vitamins, especially pantothenic acid, calm the adrenal glands while helping to nourish the nervous.

Exercise is important. Yoga and Qi Gong help to relax and strengthen adrenal glands and the body.
Rest and sleep are crucial to healing fatigued adrenals.

Emotional healing

Too much stress creates toxicity in the body. Therefore, it is very important to learn how to manage stress. Let go of the past, resolve issues where you can and find what makes you happy and nurtures your soul. Let go of fear and worry. Remember, thoughts are things. Trust, love and peace create miracles, while fear, anger, resentment and all negative emotions only serve to block positive energies and attract negative situations into your life. Practice relaxation techniques. Practice living in harmony with nature.

Sources:

http://altmedicine.about.com

http://www.motherearthnews.com

http://www.womentowomen.com

About the author:
Luella May is a natural health advocate helping people to heal naturally. She partners with Tony Isaacs, who authors books and articles about natural health including "Cancer's Natural Enemy" and "Collected Remedies" Luella contributes to The Best Years in Life website for baby boomers and others wishing to avoid prescription drugs and mainstream managed illness and live longer, healthier and happier lives naturally. Luella co-moderates the CureZone "Ask Tony Isaacs featuring Luella May" forum as well as the Yahoo Health Group "Oleander Soup" and hosts her own yahoo group focusing on the natural wellbeing of pets "The Best Years in Life Natural Health for Pets"