Is Adrenal Fatigue Affecting You?

Do you wake up every morning feeling completely inadequate to meet the demands of the day? Do you find that even a little physical or mental stress leaves you feeling drained?

Believe it or not, these types of problems can have an impact on your relationships, your career, and your personal happiness.

Can you guess what the root cause might be? Of course it has to do with your health, particularly impaired adrenal and/or thyroid function. Adrenal burnout and an underactive thyroid can have long-term, serious consequences. In fact, adrenal insufficiency is probably the number one factor underlying many health disorders.

Here are some common symptoms of adrenal fatigue. Do any of them ring true for you?

• Excessive fatigue
• Mental depression
• Inability to concentrate
• Craving for sweets
• Poor memory
• Heart palpitations
• Insomnia
• Allergies

A low carbohydrate (no refined carbohydrates or sugar) and whole unprocessed proteins and high quality fats are the perfect diet for someone who is suffering from adrenal fatigue. Some specific foods include fresh fruits & vegetables - particularly leafy greens. Also include Brewer's yeast, brown rice, legumes, nuts, olive and safflower oils, seeds, wheat germ, and whole grains. Eat deep-water ocean fish, salmon or tuna at least three times a week. Include in the diet garlic, onions, shiitake mushrooms, and pearl barley. These foods contain germanium, a powerful stimulant of the immune system.

Some nutrients that help with good adrenal function include B vitamins (vitamin B complex plus extra pantothenic acid (vitamin B5). All B vitamins are necessary for adrenal function, and the adrenal glands do not function adequately without pantothenic acid. Also include vitamin C with bioflavonoids, which are vital for proper functioning of the adrenals.

One more important note - Distress, that is, unresolved stress - is the most important factor in "adrenal burnout," with all its manifestations, including immune deficiency and degenerative diseases.

The bottom line is that stress plays a major role in your health. By incorporating these foods and nutrients, as well as dealing with any unresolved stress can help improve your adrenal exhaustion and allow you to begin living a vibrant and healthy life.

Too much sugar can also affect your adrenals. Take the Sugar Struggle Quiz to determine if sugar has a hold on you.