Adrenal Fatigue Hypervigilant:

Be aware of Adrenal Fatigue Hypervigilant. The adrenal glands are most commonly known for producing the stress hormones; cortisol and adrenaline. But what many people don’t realize is that the adrenal glands also:

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• Regulate our metabolism

• Mood

• Heart rate

• Blood pressure

• Blood sugar

• Immune

• Reproductive and digestive systems.

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The adrenal glands, like the thyroid and reproductive organs, are part of the autonomic nervous system. They regulate everything without us having to worry about them. But, when your adrenal glands are constantly overworked or under chronic stress, a condition known as adrenal fatigue or adrenal exhaustion sets in, which in turn can set a cascade of disease processes into motion.

Causes of adrenal fatigue and dysfunction

1. Emotional stress: The number one cause of adrenal fatigue dysfunction is stress. This stress can come from any area of your life. Whether it’s a troubled relationship, a tense workplace, major change – such as a move, or the sleepless nights looking after your newborn baby – the end result is the same. These everyday stressors that you think you are managing, are actually having dire long-term effects on your health.

2. High carbohydrate diet: Eating too many carbs can disrupt cortisol and insulin levels that stress the adrenal glands. Cortisol is a part of a certain group of corticosteroids (a blood pressure-stabilizing hormone), the Standard American Diet is a great way to destroy normal adrenal function.

3. Chronic inflammation in your body: Inflammation is the hallmark of virtually every disease you can think of, from diabetes to cancer, and when chronic, it stresses your system, including your adrenals.

Symptoms of adrenal fatigue:

Millions of Americans suffer from adrenal fatigue. If you find yourself relying on coffee, sugar, or other stimulants to get you going in the morning, you may be experiencing adrenal dysfunction. This feeling is often accompanied by one or more of the following:

• Morning fatigue/noticeable fatigue any time of the day

• Craving salty or fatty foods

• Anxiety or nervousness

• Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep

• Muscle aches

• Increased irritability

• Decreased tolerance for stress

• Decreased mental sharpness

• Headaches and migraine

Testing and Treatment for Adrenal Fatigue:

It is difficult to know what your cortisol levels and neurotransmitter levels are based on symptoms alone; therefore, it is important to test to determine an optimal treatment plan. Salivary testing is the only way to accurately measure the pattern of cortisol release throughout the day. Saliva testing also allows measurement if the fraction of the hormone that your body can use, and is convenient and painless. Because the endocrine system is complex, issues that arise rarely stem from just one hormone. If there is a disruption in the balance of hormones produced by one gland, it can cause imbalance, in other hormones as well.

People also need to understand that the adrenal gland fatigue and dysfunction are usually linked to other issues. To get well you have to treat the underlying symptoms causing the adrenal fatigue and dysfunction.

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Lifestyle Recommendations for Adrenal Fatigue Hypervigilant:

•   Prioritize stress management techniques such as massage, deep breathing, meditation, laughter and journaling to better cope with stress

•   Prioritize good sleep habits; avoid TV and computers screens, cell phones  and nightlights 1-2 hours prior to bedtime

•   Avoid strenuous exercise especially in the evening; only light exercise during the day such as walking, restorative or Hatha yoga, or tai chi

•  Practice self-care; avoid taking on extra responsibilities and problems

•  Seek necessary support for psychological stress from family, friends, or counselors

Dietary Tips and Caveats:

•   Taper off and eliminate stimulants such as caffeine in energy drinks, coffee and chocolate

•   Determine food sensitivities such as gluten and dairy, and eliminate these dietary stressors

•   Add sea salts, such as Celtic or Himalayan, to diet

•  Eat high quality protein, good fats and whole foods at each meal, especially organic vegetables, to support the adrenals

•   Reduce or eliminate alcoholic beverages

Supplement Recommendations:

CatecholaCalm™ 3 capsules one to two times per day with lunch and/or dinner
OmegAvail™ Ultra 2 softgels per day with a meal
Magnesium Chelate Powder 1 tsp in 8 ounces water

Optional: NeuroMag™ 1-3 capsules per day

or PharmaGABA™ chewables  1-2 tablets, 1-3 times per day

The above protocol is designed as a general approach for dealing with the most common causes of Hypervigilant Adrenal Fatigue.  If you do not see results after several weeks you should contact us for a personal evaluation.  The above recommended supplements can be acquired by clicking here.