It’s one thing to be tired now and then, but if you’re struggling to get out of bed after a full night sleep, you may have Adrenal Fatigue. The culprit to Adrenal Fatigue can be Chronic Stress from your job, family issues, school, and acute or chronic infections such as influenza. You may think you’re handling everything life is throwing your way, but your body may be wearing out. Here are five signs of Adrenal Fatigue:
1. You Wake Up Tired
Upon waking up, you should feel rested and ready to pop out of bed like a slice of bread in a toaster. If you wake up feeling like you hadn’t slept at all this is a major red flag that your adrenal glands are not functioning properly. Your body is programmed to produce more cortisol in the mornings to help you have the energy needed to make it through the day. When the adrenals are struggling, they aren’t producing cortisol at the right times to provide you with the boost you need to hit the ground running.
2. Your Bones Feel Like Lead
Despite your size or shape, this is a whole new feeling of heavy. Your bones feel like you are heaving around a load of led. This is usually combined with muscle aches and widespread body pain. There is a possibility you can be diagnosed with Fibromyalgia due to this type of pain. Talk to your practitioner about a cortisol test before you get on prescriptions or are told to “accept” these issues.
3. Salt & Sugar Cravings
If you’re reaching for the salt shaker at every meal, this could be another symptom. The adrenal glands also produce the steroid hormone Aldosterone. The short explanation is that this can cause low blood pressure, an imbalance of sodium and other minerals. Adding Celtic Salt can help restore sodium & mineral depletion. On the other hand, your sugar cravings are also a sign of hypoglycemia aka low blood sugar. However, don’t reach for more caffeine or sugary foods because they add stress to your adrenal glands and create blood sugar to spike and drop.
4. Weight Gain
According to this article by Dr. James L. Wilson around 80% of people with Adrenal Fatigue suffer from low thyroid function. This can cause you to gain weight easily even without a change in your diet. You will typically gain weight in your belly, hips, and thighs.
5. Irritability & Decreased Tolerance
You’re not quite sure, but everything seems to be more irritating and frustrating than before. People are even more annoying than you remember. You don’t have a fuse anymore; you’re just ready to explode. Whether it’s road rage, snapping at work, or anxiety this is a big sign to seek help.
How to Get Help
Before assuming you have Adrenal Fatigue or self-diagnosing always speak to your Practitioner first. Thanks to Dr. James L. Wilson’s amazing book Adrenal Fatigue: The 21st Century Stress Syndrome you can get tons of medical advice and tips on how to start healing. You can also find a Practitioner through his website. Another informative and helpful source is Dr. Axe and his article Adrenal Fatigue: What Is It? Plus 3 Steps to Overcome Naturally.
Adrenal Fatigue can cause other health issues if not addressed. Your body is trying to tell you it needs help. Don’t push yourself through this. You will have to learn to pace yourself and nourish your body and mind’s needs. By following a healthy and nutritious filled diet, incorporating low impact exercise into your day, and de-stressing techniques you can jump start your way to healing.
Resources:
https://draxe.com/3-steps-to-heal-adrenal-fatigue/