| In 1998, the term "adrenal fatigue" was coined by | | | | pumping out greater amounts of hormones and |
| Dr. James L. Wilson to indicate the symptoms of | | | | too much consumption of them may even be a |
| low adrenal function associated with chronic stress | | | | cause of this syndrome. |
| and other causes. The purpose of the adrenal | | | | 2. Supplement your diet |
| glands is to regulate the body's response to | | | | It's also a well-known fact that industrial farming |
| stress by producing hormones like adrenaline, | | | | and animal husbandry have caused a significant |
| cortisol, estrogen and testosterone that are | | | | amount of deterioration in the quality of produce |
| required for a number of vital functions. | | | | that reaches our tables. Even if it is fresh |
| However, when we experience chronic stress, | | | | produce, it may not provide you with the amount |
| such as that brought on by modern lifestyles and | | | | of nutrients you need to fight the effects of |
| poor nutrition, it causes the adrenals to | | | | pollution and a modern lifestyle. |
| overproduce hormones in response, and ultimately | | | | Supplementing your diet with vitamins like |
| wear out from exhaustion. | | | | B-complex, Vitamin E and C, and with healthy fats |
| If you often experience fatigue for no reason, | | | | rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids can |
| feel tired in the morning, crave sugary snacks or | | | | boost immunity, fight allergies and help your body |
| caffeine to keep your energy levels up or feel | | | | cope better with the effects of stress. |
| stressed and generally run down, you may be | | | | 3. Use herbal remedies |
| experiencing adrenal fatigue. It can also result in | | | | A number of herbs such as Skullcap, Rhodiola, |
| secondary disorders, such as obesity and allergies. | | | | Ashwagandha, Maca and Ginseng can act as |
| It may not be practical to completely change | | | | calming agents and adaptogens, helping the body |
| your lifestyle overnight, but there are a number | | | | adapt better to the effects of stress. Most have |
| of stems that can be implemented quickly to | | | | to be used regularly, over a period of time to |
| effectively treat this syndrome and prevent it | | | | show beneficial effects, but they should always |
| from worsening. Here are some things that help: | | | | be used under the supervision of a herbal or |
| 1. Eat a healthy diet | | | | medical practitioner. |
| This is hardly a mystery. It's a well-known fact | | | | 4. Get regular exercise |
| that modern lifestyles and eating habits cannot | | | | Any form of exercise can help reduce stress |
| support our body's requirements and are largely | | | | levels by producing endorphins and chemicals that |
| responsible for causing syndromes such as this. | | | | boost immunity. Some especially beneficial types |
| However, making better choices can be as easy | | | | to treat chronic stress are yoga, qigong and |
| as switching to high-fiber or multi-grain bread, | | | | martial arts like tai chi, that regulate and balance |
| instead of white breads and eating more | | | | energy flow throughout the body. |
| vegetables and raw foods instead of processed | | | | While the best way to deal with adrenal fatigue is |
| ones. And no, ketchup doesn't count as a | | | | to prevent it, making changes in your lifestyle |
| vegetable. | | | | using the steps above can reduce and alleviate |
| Laying off the colas, caffeine and energy drinks | | | | the damage caused by stress so that you can |
| can help as these can stress the adrenals into | | | | get your life and your health back on track again. |