Adrenal dysfunction and fatigue is as real as the symptoms you are experiencing, but there is hope with proper treatment and diagnosis. Your adrenal gland is responsible for producing a variety of hormones in your body that keep you healthy. When your adrenal gland isn’t working at full capacity, it’s frequently because your body is under extreme amounts of stress that is affecting your hormone production. This is also known as adrenal dysfunction or adrenal fatigue. Patients can experience many symptoms such as chronic fatigue, sleep disorders, headaches, weight problems and more. However, with the right diet help and intervention with key causes, we can help improve your adrenal function!

 

The Stats

Current medical information indicates that approximately 66 percent of the world population suffer from adrenal fatigue in one of its varying forms. With the number of people impacted by the condition, it is a wonder there isn’t more discussion about how to prevent and treat it. Identifying your symptoms as adrenal fatigue or dysfunction is one of the most vital steps towards recovery.

 

Common Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue and Dysfunction

Each patient’s symptoms will vary depending on the stage of his/her adrenal dysfunction. Initially the adrenal glands may respond to stress with increased hormone production and elevated cortisol levels. Depending on how the gland responds, symptoms may come and go as the body returns to normal baseline function after each episode. The gland attempts to adapt to ongoing stress, but if stress is prolonged, it may begin to produce less hormone. If you experience a combination of the symptoms below, contact Balanced Well-Being Healthcare for an evaluation and testing:

• Fatigue, awakening tired and unrefreshed (Fatigue is the most common symptom.)
• Cravings for sugar and salt
• Being easily overwhelmed, slow recovery from a stressful event, exaggerated startle response
• Gastrointestinal symptoms: diarrhea, constipation, heartburn, indigestion
• Hair loss
• Headaches
• Poor memory and concentration
• Recurrent infections
• Weakness
• Dizziness with standing
• Weight gain
• Severe PMS or menopausal symptoms
• Sleep disturbances
• Slow healing
• Restlessness, irritable, absent-minded
• Palpitations

 

How do we Test for Adrenal Dysfunction?

When testing for adrenal imbalance, we examine the levels of the stress hormone cortisol in your body. Cortisol levels fluctuate throughout the day, so to get accurate results, we evaluate levels at different points during a 24-hour time period. Saliva testing is the most convenient and accurate way to establish your current cortisol levels and the current state of your adrenal glands.Sometimes cortisol levels will be evaluated through blood testing and medication given to stimulate the adrenal glands to assess adrenal reserve will be performed. Urine collections may also be used.

Testing includes:

• Cortisol levels thru saliva, blood, or urine
• Other blood tests may include testing for other adrenal hormones including: DHEA, Pregnenolone, sex hormones, estradiol, progesterone and testosterone
• Thyroid hormone testing
• Assessment of food allergies
• GI examinations of stool to assess gut function
• Toxin testing: blood, urine, or hair analysis

 

Diet and Adrenal Dysfunction

How you fuel your body affects your health in a myriad of ways.  The same is true for adrenal fatigue. A diet high in sugar, caffeine and poor quality feeds bodily stress while depriving your adrenals of the nutrients needed for daily function.  Poor diet choices can lead to adrenal fatigue especially when additional stress is added. Conversely, good nutrition protects and sustains adrenal function during stress. When adrenal fatigue exists, a healthy diet,  in conjunction with targeted nutritional supplementation can work to restore and maintain healthy adrenal function. We can help you establish the proper nutritional habits you need for good health.

 

How do we Treat Adrenal Dysfunction?

Again, depending on your stage of adrenal dysfunction, your particular treatment will be customized for your specific needs. A comprehensive treatment plan often includes:

• Relaxation/stress reduction program
• Nutritional supplements to support increased stress in the body
• Herbal therapy to support glandular function
• Removal of potential allergic substances/foods
• Avoidance of further toxins and removal of toxins if indicated
• Exercise programs to promote stress relief, or alterations of exercise programs to gland healing
• Dietary guidelines, avoidance of inflammatory foods, refined sugars, and excess carbohydrates
• Immune support
• Adrenal hormone replacements, DHEA, pregnenolone if indicated
• Gut/gastrointestinal support to promote healthy intestinal function

 

Get Treatment for Your Adrenal Dysfunction Today!

Living with the life-altering effects of adrenal dysfunction doesn’t have to be your life story. Get the testing and treatment you need to restore your vitality and return to happy living! Call 970-631-8286 and to schedule an appointment to achieve total body wellness.