Chronic stress is a universal phenomenon in the modern world. Suffering from long-time stress can lead to adrenal fatigue and ultimately to clinical depression and panic attacks.

The adrenal glands in the body regulate the manner in which the body copes with stress. When these glands are not functioning optimally, it can lead to a diminishing stress coping mechanism. If the body is bombarded with more stress than it can handle, it may lead to adrenal fatigue. Adrenal fatigue often develops after periods of intense or lengthy physical or emotional stress.

Causes

The adrenal glands produce hormones that help to balance our blood sugar, and they also release hormones when we’re under stress in order to increase energy. Being consistently under stress, however, takes a toll on the adrenal glands and, eventually, they run out of steam and stop producing sufficient hormones.

The following factors can cause adrenal fatigue:

    • Chronic stress
    • Chronic fatigue, illness or pain
    • Chronic infection, causing inflammatory reaction
    • Chronic root canal infection
    • An operation
    • Over-exercising
    • Not enough sleep
    • Depression
    • Feelings of anger, fear or guilt
    • Gluten intolerance
    • Low blood sugar levels or too much sugar intake
    • Too much caffeine
    • Indigestion.

Symptoms

The symptoms of adrenal fatigue may include:

    • Weight increase, especially around the middle area
    • Chronic flu-like and other respiratory illnesses
    • Trembling when under pressure
    • Light-headedness when sitting up
    • Memory loss
    • Lack of energy between 15:00 and 17:00
    • Short periods of feeling better after eating
    • Tiredness between 21:00 and 22:00, but not sleepy
    • Needing caffeine to start your day
    • Craving for salty or fatty food
    • Experiencing increased PMS-symptoms
    • Pain in the lower back or neck without an obvious cause
    • Unexplained hair loss
    • Heart palpitations
    • Alternating diarrhoea or constipation problems
    • Feeling better when holidaying
    • Minor depression.

Treatment

The correct diet, good sleep patterns, and regular exercise and recreation activities can help to reduce stress and adrenal fatigue.

Your body needs more vitamin C and B when under stress and magnesium levels are also depleted, which leads to fatigue and lack of sleep. It is therefore important to follow a well-balanced diet with lots of fruit, vegetables, bran, nuts, lean meat and low-fat milk.

Make sure you get enough sleep every night and follow a regular sleep pattern. It will help if your bedroom is dark and well-ventilated.

Regular exercise reduces stress and negative feelings. However, avoid intensive cardio exercises if you suffer from adrenal fatigue and rather concentrate on yoga, pilates, swimming and brisk walking.

Try to incorporate leisure activities in your daily routine. Relax with reading, listening to music and massaging. Spend time with loved-ones to relieve stress.

If you still cannot cope with your stress levels, it is best to find professional help.

Sources
Beeld, 4 May 2011
http://thyroid.about.com/cs/endocrinology/a/adrenalfatigue.htm
http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders