Understanding Adrenal Fatigue AKA Burnout

What is adrenal fatigue?

Adrenal Fatigue or burnout is an stress-related condition that occurs when your adrenal glands, hypothalamus and pituitary gland are functioning below their optimal level. It is the result of chronic physical or emotional stress disrupting the body's ability to make stress hormones in the right amounts and at the right time in response to stress.

The adrenal glands are the two small ‘Santa hat’ shaped glands that sit on top of our kidneys and have worked to keep us alive during times of stress and immediate threats and dangers. The adrenal glands respond to acute stress within seconds through the release of hormones which trigger a cascade of responses in the body to respond to stress. A chronic activation of the stress response overtime dysregulates the body's ability to respond to stress and contributes to disease.

Cause of adrenal fatigue:

Emotional stress
Poor diet
Insufficient sleep
Toxic overload
Chronic disease
Trauma

Signs & symptoms of adrenal fatigue:

Fatigue
Low energy
Mood swings
Weakened immune system
Digestive disturbances
Feeling low and flat
Low blood pressure
Allergies and intolerances
Low libido
Weight changes
Salty food cravings

A note on stress

Stress is all around us and it has become a normal part of our everyday lives. When stress interferes with daily life for an extended period of time it takes a greater toll on the mind and body.

A chronic state of stress can cause disease and impact diet and lifestyle choices AND interfere with a healthy stress response. It can disrupt normal cycles of cortisol release leading to anything from weight gain, impaired cardiovascular function, insomnia and more..

How we test for adrenal fatigue at Infinite Health Studio:

Blood pressure
Waist circumference & BMI
Blood glucose
Adrenocortex Stress Profile
Thyroid function
Inflammatory markers
Lipid studies

The Holistic Treatment of Adrenal Fatigue

Dietary considerations include the following:

Consume quality protein in every meal
Consume a wholefoods diet
Include an abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables
Avoid refined carbohydrates and processed foods
Avoid skipping meals
Reduce caffeine and alcohol intake
Keep hydrated

Lifestyle recommendations to support adrenal fatigue include:

Daily exercise and mindful movement
Regular and restful sleep
Mindfulness practices
Support - Friends/Family/Workplace

Nutrients indicated to support adrenal fatigue include:

Vitamin C - Helps to combat stress, support immune function, fight free radicals and assist with cell damage

B Vitamins - Support the nervous and digestive systems, buffer stress, turn carbohydrates into energy and manufacture neurotransmitters

Magnesium - A cofactor in energy production and glucose regulation and helps to calm the nervous system and assist with sleep

Antioxidants - E.g. Vitamins A, C, E and zinc. Support oxidative stress.

Probiotics - Support digestion, immune system, nutrient absorption and brain health.

Essential Fatty Acids - Help manage inflammation, mood, cortisol and nervous system health

Herbs used in clinic indicated to support adrenal fatigue include:

Withania - Supports and tonifies the body to cope with stress and reduce cortisol levels

Panax Ginseng - Supports mental exhaustion, stamina and energy

Skullcap - Supports the nervous system - mental and physical exhaustion

Licorice Root - Supports hormone production, energy levels and a healthy stress response

At Infinite Health Studio, our experienced team of practitioners use a holistic approach paired with evidence-based medicine to help support you on your health journey.