We all have those days where we can’t seem to get motivated, we’re feeling tired, and nothing seems to wake us up – not even that third cup of coffee! But if you’re constant fatigue lasts more than a just a day or so, you may have something called adrenal fatigue. What exactly is adrenal fatigue and how do you know that you’ve got it?
While the only real way to tell whether you have adrenal fatigue is to consult a functional medicine practitioner like Luke Clarke, there are some common symptoms of adrenal fatigue which you may have observed in yourself. In this post, we’ll explain adrenal fatigue and some symptoms associated with it.
What is adrenal fatigue?
To explain what adrenal fatigue is, we have to start by explaining cortisol. Cortisol is a hormone released by the adrenals which regulates your blood pressure. When you’re stressed, the adrenals release greater amounts of cortisol. Adrenal fatigue happens when the adrenals have become exhausted by excess cortisol release and can no longer produce satisfactory levels of cortisol necessary for your body function.
Imagine it like this: your adrenal glands are a sponge that you use for cleaning. When your body is stressed, the sponge is squeezed. While, at first, the sponge will release water, there will come a point when there’s nothing left in the sponge, and it can’t produce anything more.
Symptoms of adrenal fatigue
Common symptoms of adrenal fatigue include:
- Fatigue – if you wake up feeling tired and have intermittent periods of feeling fatigued throughout the day (almost like a ‘crashing’ sensation), it could be a sign of adrenal fatigue.
- Irregular moods and poor stress response – ongoing mood irregularity and poor stress response are another symptom of adrenal fatigue.
- Brain fog and cognitive issues – these include forgetting where you put your keys, having things on the tip of your tongue and forgetting basic facts.
- Increased energy levels at night – being fatigued throughout the day, but more wired during the evening.
- Poor immune system – falling ill with common colds and flus more often than usual.
- Food cravings – particular for salty or sweet foods at any given time of day.
While you may have some of these symptoms, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have adrenal fatigue. To have a proper diagnosis, visit an expert naturopath like Luke Clarke.
Adrenal fatigue is common and there are diets designed to overcome it. Some of the foods you should be eating include bright-coloured vegetables, fruits, whole grains, healthy fats and proteins. If you think you may have adrenal fatigue and want professional medical help, contact Luke Clarke, one of Australia’s leading naturopaths. Luke Clarke uses scientific evidence and naturopathic wisdom to effectively treat your adrenal fatigue. Contact Luke Clarke for a free 10-minute consultation today.