Fatigue factor

DO YOU HAVE ADRENAL FATIGUE?

If you’re stressed, emotional or just plain exhausted all the time, you may have adrenal burnout. Yet the medical community says it doesn’t exist. We fi nd out the facts

WORDS CHARMAINE YABSLEY

After the stress and strain of 2020, is there any wonder you may be lacking in motivation or feeling more tired than usual? “When your body and mind are under constant stress, overuse or strain, we put our system under strain,” integrative medical practitioner Karen Coates says. “When we do this too often and for too long our adrenals become fatigued, digestion becomes compromised and the ability to absorb nutrients from food diminishes.”

Adrenal burnout: true or false?

But what are adrenals and why doesn’t the medical community agree that they can become depleted and affect our mental and physical health?

Our adrenals sit on top of each kidney and produce hormones, including adrenalin, noradrenalin and the stress hormone, cortisol. “These are used when we’re stressed or in a ‘fight or flight’ situation,” Dr Coates explains. “When these are overworked due to constant stress, then your body will experience exhaustion and other symptoms.”

Burnout symptoms

Non-specific symptoms include brain fog, tiredness, salt and/or sugar cravings, insomnia or difficulty waking up, aches and pains, unexplained weight loss, dependence on caffeine for energy and non-specific digestive problems.

While modern medicine in the main doesn’t believe in adrenal fatigue, these symptoms are very real for sufferers and could be an indicator of an illness. “Being exposed to constant stress and overwork or exhaustion, are real problems. Long term, if left untreated or unexamined, they can lead to more serious illnesses,” Dr Coates says.

Your recovery plan

If you have had blood tests to rule out other illnesses such as anaemia, Addison’s disease (adrenal insufficiency) or a lack of B vitamins, then it’s time to deal with your stress and exhaustion through other means.

“Exercise stimulates the adrenal glands, so it’s best to opt for gentle restorative Yin exercise until you’re back on track,” Dr Coates says. She recommends restorative yoga, stretch classes, qi gong, tai chi or light pilates.

“Eat well and often to keep your blood sugar levels stable,” she advises. “Cut down on alcohol, processed foods, sugar and salt, and instead enjoy fresh, organic food using herbs to add taste. Warm foods, like soups, digest more readily than raw food or salads.”

Dr Coates recommends seeking advice from an integrated GP for further advice and diagnosis.

“Reset your parasympathetic nervous system by taking deep, belly-filling breaths — around 10 at a time.”

DON’T SWEAT IT

If stress is the main reason for your burnout, then look at how to reduce this realistically. “Good, regular sleep is a great healer,” Dr Coates says. She also suggests making small changes to your daily life. “Reset your parasympathetic nervous system by taking deep, belly-filling breaths — around 10 at a time. This is a simple way to calm your body and mind, and can be done anywhere — the office, in the car or at your desk. And avoiding stimulants like caffeine is a must-do.”