The adrenal glands are two glands on the top of your kidneys that secrete essential hormones for your body. Some of these hormones help control blood sugar which is responsible for your body's changing energy levels.
When you're too stressed for too long, your adrenal glands suffer, and in turn, your body suffers because it is not receiving sufficient amounts of hormones needed to keep you feeling well and energized.
When your glands are performing at a subpar level, you may be diagnosed with fatigue, at other times called chronic fatigue syndrome. Some of the symptoms of this condition may include:
* Body aches
* Extreme exhaustion despite sufficient hours of sleep
* Nervousness
* An inability to think clearly
* Sleep disturbances
* Digestive problems
* Low immune function
* Lack of stamina
* Sensitivity to hot or cold
* Constantly feeling overwhelmed
* Feelings of depression
Adrenal fatigue is generally only diagnosed when these symptoms cannot be medically explained in any other way, thus it is not a medically accepted diagnosis. There is an accepted medical condition known as adrenal insufficiency with similar symptoms, but it can be diagnosed by blood tests and stimulation tests whereas this type of tiredness shows no such results.
There are holistic practitioners that claim that the tests currently available are not sensitive enough to pick up on the milder form of the condition. Although it may not be accepted medically, the symptoms still feel very real to the person suffering.
Fortunately, many alternative medicine practitioners and websites have lists of dietary supplements and tips that are suggested to help with glandular fatigue. This is not a comprehensive list but rather, includes some basic supplements that have shown to boost energy and battle the symptoms of this condition.
A basic multivitamin or vitamin B complex will help ensure that all your bases are covered. This way you can be sure that none of your symptoms stem from a vitamin deficiency. Taking a multivitamin is a healthy lifelong practice that all people can benefit from and many people have reported feeling stronger, more energetic, with improved overall wellness when taking a multivitamin.
Low doses of hydrocortisone have shown positive results in improving immune systems and treating the symptoms of this particular fatigue. Only holistic and alternative medicine practitioners generally are willing to prescribe such treatment, but there are doctors out there who are treating patients with hydrocortisone.
Control your blood sugar by eating a balanced diet. This balanced diet should be low in sugar and include appropriate amounts of protein, fats, and carbohydrates. You should also eat smaller meals more often. Eating this way will balance your blood sugar and put less strain on your glands.
Herbal teas will also help. Look for teas with Chamomile and lemon balm, or try Mate, an herbal tea originating in South America. Avoid coffee, black tea, and green tea. It is best to avoid teas with large amounts of caffeine.
Avoid stimulants when taking any of these treatment measures. Stimulants will put more stress on the glands, making the situation worse rather than better. Stimulants include caffeine, ephedra, guarana, and even prescription stimulants.
This also means you should avoid scary or violent movies, really stimulating activities like extreme sports or anything that gets your adrenaline pumping. Just try to relax and do calming activities. Give your body the rest it needs.