Adrenal insufficiency written on book with tablets. Medicine concept.

This is becoming more and more prevalent as life and society in general becomes increasingly stressful and fast paced. Many of us work so much and have so many obligations there is very little time left over just for us. This takes a toll on our bodies.

What do our adrenal glands do?

Your adrenal glands are little triangle shaped caps that rest on the tops of your kidneys. The adrenal glands secrete corticosteroids. These hormones are responsible for responding to stress; using carbohydrates, fats and proteins; and regulating the salt and water balance in the body. They secrete both adrenalin and noradrenalin, also known as epinephrine and norepinephrine. These hormones are involved in the body’s “fight or flight” response.

When we feel nervous, worried, wired and anxious more than just in “fight or flight” situations your adrenal glands have to work over time. When this state is prolonged over an extended period of time, just like us, they get worn out.

How do you know if this is your issue?
Here are some questions to ask:

1. Do you feel tired for no reason?
2. Do you have trouble getting up in the morning, even when you go to bed at a reasonable hour?
3. Are you are feeling rundown or overwhelmed?
4. Do you have difficulty bouncing back from stress or illness?
5. Do you crave salty and sweet snacks?
6. Do you feel more awake, alert and energetic after 6PM than you do all day?

If you find yourself answering “yes” – you may be experiencing some level of adrenal fatigue. You can test for adrenal fatigue by way of saliva testing in a lab or through applied kinesiology testing.

To take the full quiz please click here: http://www.adrenalfatigue.org/take-the-adrenal-fatigue-quiz

Could the recent surge in popularity of energy drinks and designer coffees be caused by a mass population with worn out adrenal glands?

Incredibly likely, yes. What’s worse is that by artificially stimulating them with these beverages it only expounds the actual problem.

If propping yourself up artificially isn’t going to work, what are you supposed to do?

1. Get more rest/sleep
2. Do your best to work on eliminating stress from your life – this includes, situations, jobs and even people.
3. Work on eliminating processed foods from your diet so your body doesn’t have to work so hard
4. Find a good Endocrinologist as well as a practitioner who does Nutritional Response Testing – this will identify for sure if you have AFS and also test recommendations on supplementation to correct it.

Please visit www.ipalc.org to search for the most qualified Endocrinologists and General Practice physicians in your area.