Are you suffering from Adrenal Fatigue?

You may notice from time to time that no matter what you do to stay healthy your body just will not respond correctly. Sometimes, there is more going on then meets the eye. It could be possible that your prolong periods of fatigue is coming from a common illness know as adrenal fatigue.

The adrenal glands are located at the top of each kidney. There are two parts: the medulla, which secretes the neurotransmitters norepinephrine, epinephrine and dopamine, and the cortex, which secrets glucocorticoids (cortisol), mineralcorticoids and androgens (sex hormones). Combined, these are referred to as adrenocorticoids. Exposure to prolonged stress leads to adrenal stress and adrenal insufficiency. The adrenals cannot produce enough adrenocortical hormones, and the entire body is affected. Loss of adrenal function can cause death.

When a real or perceived stress is experienced, a complex whole-body response is initiated in the brain and supported by the adrenal glands. Stressors can be physical, such as illness or trauma, or psychological and emotional.

The neurotransmitter epinephrine is released during a stress response. Epinephrine works on the sympathetic nervous system, which controls heart rate, breathing rate and blood pressure. Epinephrine also causes vasoconstriction, or narrowing of blood vessels, to help increase blood flow to vital organs and muscles. It causes the pupils to dilate to imporve vision. All of these responses help you when you have to fight or flee a danger.

Adrenal stress arises when, after prolonged exposure to stress, the body becomes adapted to the abnormally high levels of stress hormones and can no longer regulate cortisol production. The adrenal glands continue high output of these stress hormones. This causes a multitude of health problems similar to those found in Cushing's syndrome, a rare disease that affects the adrenal glands. High blood pressure, sleep problems, diabetes, depression, fatigue, truncal obesity and osteoporosis are the consequences of continuously elevated cortisol levels.

Natural Treatmen For Adrenal Fatigue

The last thing you may feel like doing when suffering from adrenal fatigue is exercising. However, exercising can give you an energy boost--try activities you'll enjoy, such as yoga, swimming or hiking.

Eat for long-lasting energy. Eat regular meals with lean proteins sources and complex carbonhydrates, as well as plenty of vegetables and fruit; refrain from eating junk food. Your overall nutrition is important for supporting the function of your adrenal glands.

You can supplement your diet with vitamins, especially B complex vitamins and Vitamin C. According to many experts, other supplements that may be useful for treating adrenal fatigue include astragalus, Siberian ginseng, cordyceps (a fungus), golden root and licorice root.