What Is Adrenal Fatigue? What Causes Adrenal Fatigue?

Date: May-24-2012Adrenal Fatigue, also known as adrenal apathy, is said to affect millions of people around the globe, and yet surprisingly it is still as of today not considered a conventional medical illness. Symptoms of adrenal fatigue cannot precisely be explained by general practitioners, since there is no scientific evidence supporting the concept.

Most people will experience an episode of adrenal fatigue at least once in their lifetime - mainly due to an illness, a personal crisis, or a difficult economical or financial situation.

According to people who say adrenal fatigue does exist, it can affect individuals of any age, culture, gender, or race, and even the healthiest among us with good sleeping patterns and eating habits who exist in a relatively stress-free environment.
What are the adrenal glands?
On top of each kidney there is an adrenal gland, about the size of a large grape. They produce hormones that regulate blood pressure, how our body uses food, blood-levels of minerals, such as potassium and sodium, functions involved in stress reactions, and heart beat.

Adrenal glands are small, triangular-shaped endocrine glands located at the top of each kidney
Definition of adrenal fatigue
Proponents of adrenal fatigue say it occurs when the adrenal glands become tired and do not function properly - inadequate quantities of hormones are produced.

According to AdrenalFatigue.org, adrenal fatigue is a syndrome - a collection of signs and symptoms - which occurs when the adrenal glands do not work properly, they function below the necessary level. In most cases, they say, it is linked to intense or long-term stress. However, it can also occur during or after long-term infections, such as pneumonia, bronchitis or flu.

Many patients with some signs and symptoms of adrenal fatigue may seem apparently healthy, and will cope with everyday activities in relative normality. However, they experience a general sense of exhaustion; a feeling of being worn out during the day.
Does adrenal fatigue exist?
A significant proportion of alternative medicine practitioners are sure adrenal fatigue exists, while the majority of conventional health care professionals (e.g. doctors) believe it does not.

The medical community does not recognize adrenal fatigue as a proper diagnosis. Other forms of adrenal dysfunction, such as Addison's Disease or adrenal insufficiency are recognized.

Although not backed by any scientific evidence regarding their accuracy or relevance, alternative medical practitioners offer blood or saliva tests which they claim can help diagnose adrenal fatigue.

There is a large industry of dietary supplements aimed at people with adrenal fatigue.
What are the signs and symptoms of adrenal fatigue?
A symptom is something the patient feels and describes, such as pain, while a sign is something others can detect, such as a rash. Below are some symptoms related to adrenal fatigue, they are documented in alternative medicine literature and health books:

Tiredness and a sense of sleepiness during the day.
Salty and sweet cravings.
Needing stimulants or high doses of caffeine in coffee or colas.
Low blood pressure.
Loss of body hair.
Having difficulties in recuperating from illnesses.
General body aches.
Feeling with more energy late in the afternoons than early in the day.
Difficulty getting out of bed for more than a few hours per day. Even with a good night´s sleep.
Abrupt weight loss

What are the causes of adrenal fatigue?
According to alternative health practitioners, adrenal fatigue can be caused by any of the following conditions, illnesses or situations that undermine the function of the adrenal glands:

Any recurrent disease, infection or illness, usually related a respiratory problem, such as influenza, bronchitis, pneumonia and some allergies.

Being exposed to toxic chemical and pollutants for a long time.

Events or situations that place enormous burden on the body, such as major surgery, long-term malnutrition, or being addicted to drugs.

Prolonged and Inevitable stressful physiological circumstances that make a person feel helpless in their work environment, negative personal relationships, or financial hardship.

Diagnosis of adrenal fatigue
Diagnosis of Adrenal fatigue commonly offered by alternative medical practitioners, is done either through blood or saliva testing. These tests have not been proven scientifically.

The saliva test is said to measure the level of stressed hormones. Alternative medicine practitioners add that this test may also pick up on some biochemical imbalances associated with obesity, diabetes, depression, and insomnia.
What are the treatment options for adrenal fatigue?
Alternative health practitioners say that in some cases the adrenal gland malfunction may become chronic, mainly because of prolonged stressful events, and poor health. They stress that with proper adrenal support and some lifestyle modifications, patients can be treated effectively.

Lifestyle modifications include eating healthily, acquiring a regular sleep-wake cycle, getting at least 7 to 8 hours proper sleep each night, and avoiding stressful situations as much as possible.

Written by Christian Nordqvist

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