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Important Disclaimer

This blog is not a health diagnosis site nor is it designed to treat illnesses. The information posted here is simply for you, the reader to evaluated and learn from. Taking and using any of the information is purely up to the discretion of the reader. If you have serious health concerns, please consult with your primary health care giver

Friday, April 22, 2011

An Adrenal Fatigue Primer

99% of the people on the planet will admit to feel overwhelmed by stress or exhausted for no reason at different times in their lives however, research has shown that 8 out of 10 Americans suffer from some form of adrenal fatigue.

Adrenal Fatigue is a decrease in the ability of the adrenal glands to carry out their normal functions.  These little glands sit like small "elf shaped caps" right above the kidneys and are designed to mobilize the body's "flight or fight" response to physical or emotional stress through the hormones that help regulate energy,  Their primary responsibility is to govern the body's adaptation to stress OF ANY KIND!  If they fail to respond or do not respond adequately, you may be experiencing adrenal gland fatigue.  Adrenal Fatigue can occur in people of either gender and at any age as a stand alone syndrome, or it may accompany another chronic health problem.  It can also develop as a result of taking corticosteroids.

The following are some of the most common symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue, having one or more would suggest that you need to further investigate.  This can be done with simple saliva hormone tests.

    *   Unexplained fatigue, especially during the morning hours
    *   Trouble getting up in the morning, even when you go to sleep at a reasonable hour.
    *   Feeling run down or overwhelmed, most of the time
    *   Experiencing Low Blood Pressure
    *   Decreased Sex Drive
    *   Immune weakness, or an inability to bounce back from stress or illness
    *   Insistent craving for salty snacks
    *   Experiencing reoccurring afternoon lows
    *   Being a "night person" or feeling best after about 6 p.m.
    *   Experiencing reoccurring bouts of mild depression

There are many simple life style changes a person can make to help combat adrenal fatigue such as taking extra antioxidants, including supplements that support liver detoxification to help rid the body of built up environmental toxins.  Avoid exposure to airborne chemicals such as perfumes, colognes and hair sprays.  Avoid the use of products containing fluoride and aluminum laureth sulfate.  There are many great herbs and essential oils that can help with this problem.  Take the time to ask and research!

Be very conscious of the times of day that you eat.  Always eat breakfast before 10 am and lunch between 11 and 11:30 a.m. then observe an early dinner hour between 5 and 6.  Be sure to finish your day off with a high protein, high quality snack shortly before bedtime.

Regular check ups with your dentist are very important.  Unresolved dental problems, even simple tooth decay that goes unchecked and unresolved are a common source of stress.  Remember that the B vitamins nourish and protect the nerves especially when combined with vitamin C, magnesium and zinc. 

Get regular exercise!  When you are tired and stressed, exercise may be the last thing that appeals to you, but exercise is known to decrease depression and help to regulate the body's hormone levels.  It doesn't matter what you do, just do something.  Don't overtax the body in the beginning!  Something as simple as deep breathing in the fresh air while bending and stretching is a great way to get the body started.

Rediscovering your health and vitality can present challenges, but the result are well worth the time and money spent.  For more great ideas and information go to http://www.adrenalfatigue.org/

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