Lacking Energy? It May Be Adrenal Fatigue

Adrenal health is a topic that may be very familiar to many for a few reasons. First of all, it’s front and center when it comes time to talk about stress, and, as we already know, many of us are suffering from chronic anxiety and lead highly stressful lives. Also, those who suffer from a constant lack of energy even after sleeping eight hours may have already heard something about adrenal fatigue. 

All about adrenal glands

The adrenal glands are located above your kidneys and are made up of an outer region called adrenals cortex and inner region called adrenal medulla. These glands are responsible for the production and regulation of important hormones such as cortisol, adrenaline, and norepinephrine. These hormones help control how the body uses fats, proteins, and carbs and also helps control overall body inflammation. But one of the reasons why there is so much focus on the adrenal glands is because of their important role in the body’s response to stress.

All of these hormones are extremely important day-to-day to help us react to stressors that life throws our way. Feeling nervous because of an important presentation? Stress can actually help you perform better. Evolutionary speaking, the increase of these hormones during moments of stress is exactly what’s kept us alive by helping the body make the necessary adaptations to whatever situation we are going through. Lion up ahead? Better make a run for it. The body is able to provide you with an energy boost to get you to safety.

The 411 on adrenal fatigue

Only after our brain starts to experience safety and relaxation will it send signals to the adrenal glands to reduce the production of stress hormones and allow the body to repair from any damages that might have happened during the stress period. The problem arises when our bodies are reacting every day as though we’re being chased by lion, tigers, and bears and never shuts down this survival mechanism. This is when adrenal fatigue comes in. With our hectic lifestyles in which we are exposed to stress all day long, we constantly are sending signals to our adrenals that we are in trouble and we have to move fast. This overstimulation of our glands can be quite problematic and cause exhaustion. Some common symptoms of adrenal fatigue include difficulty getting up each morning, high levels of fatigue, difficulty handling stress, a weakened immune system, constant irritability, lack of proper sleep, and even weight gain.

What one can do to support adrenal glands

There are some ways in which one can support the adrenal glands, such as choosing healthy and balanced food options as opposed to refined and highly processed ones, but it’s also important to remember that lifestyle is key here. Other than making healthy food choices, getting enough sleep, hydrating properly, moving enough throughout the day, and let’s not forget, managing stress, are key for optimal adrenal health. Learn a little more about the importance of managing stress and some great tools to get you started on your stress-free journey in Finding Your Zen.

Also, if you want to know more about nutrients that can support adrenal health, make sure to check out PureFormulas’ Health & Hormones: Stress Management.