9 Signs That Adrenal Fatigue Is Behind Your Anxiety, Sleep Problems and Joint Pain
You’ve perhaps heard of adrenal fatigue, but may not know much about it. Fortunately, we’re here to show you some common signs you may be suffering adrenal fatigue – and to tell you what you can do about it!
Adrenal fatigue is a term that is used to describe your adrenal glands when they are struggling to cope with both stress and an overly busy schedule. In this state of adrenal fatigue, you’ll likely be feeling pretty burned out, overworked, and just generally sort of run over.
Many of us have taxed our adrenal glands; when that stress doesn’t go away, however, we are left with elevated cortisol levels, and other systems in the body become weakened – because your adrenals can only handle so much, just like you!
Check out these 9 signs of adrenal fatigue:
1. You’re Feeling Overwhelmed By Life
So many of us put self-care at the bottom of our to-do list – until it is too late! I agree that it can be so much easier to say ‘yes,’ than ‘no’ in many situations – but the key to your success also resides in self-care practices.
Take a step back from some commitments that do not serve you, and add some self-care into your daily routine & remember that you need time for YOU.
Give yourself permission to take a step back, your body and adrenals will thank you. Bear in mind that if you’re feeling more of the signals listed below – what you are currently doing is NOT working for your body.
2. You Can’t Sleep
Ideally, we should all be getting 8-10 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night. Your body needs this time to recover, reset and recharge for a new day. You should wake up every morning feeling refreshed and energized.
However, many of us are instead giving up sleep to continue with more work. We rush from one thing to the next, and this throws off your balance and makes it harder for you to fall/stay asleep. It’s time to introduce a healthy new habit to improve your rhythm.
Try and be in bed by 10:30 pm, even if you can’t fall asleep quite yet, as being in the dark helps your body to produce melatonin. If your mind is racing before bed – practice some guided meditation, such as the HeadSpace App or take a warm bath with added AlkaBath to help you relax [1].
3. You Feel Exhausted After Working Out
Exercise should make you feel more energized, and it shouldn’t make you exhausted and fatigued afterward. Physical stress is a known stressor for the adrenal glands – and too much exercise can do the opposite of what you want, as it stresses your body.
If you’re working out constantly, but are not reaching your goals, are struggling with belly fat and feel fatigued after working out, it would be best for you to take part in a more gentle form of exercise; like stretching, walking and yoga – which will make you feel better – not worse.
If weight loss is your goal and your reason for working out, you should know that 80% of your results will come from proper nutrition, not from a gym membership [2].
4. Your Hormones Are Feeling Wacky
In stage 2 of adrenal fatigue, the thyroid may be affected, which may create unfavorable symptoms of a hypothyroid (fatigue, weight gain, dry hair & skin, poor circulation). When your adrenals cannot keep up with stress levels, hormone precursor material will be redirected for use in cortisol production, which can lead to a hormone imbalance.
While under long-term periods of stress, your cycle may be off and PMS symptoms may increase. Experiencing symptoms associated with a hormone imbalance are not pleasant ones to experience. At this time – a nourishing diet, adequate sleep, adaptogenic herbs, increased water intake and the elimination of caffeine is of great importance and value [3].
5. You’re Feeling Overly Anxious or Depressed
When you’ve got too much going on, anxiety kicks in. The pressure of deadlines and a busy schedule can have you running on an adrenaline rush. Adrenal hormones are involved in cognitive function, mood, and mental states – in very complex ways.
Anxiety and depression can be directly related to stress, as when we are less ‘tolerant’ than we normally are, we are more easily frustrated! Again, this goes back to #1 – take more time for YOU. You do enough, you give ENOUGH, you are ENOUGH! Your health and well-being are more important than a clean kitchen and a work function that you don’t want to go to [4].
6. You’ve Got Cravings for Salt
You’re not you when you’re stressed. When adrenal fatigue begins to affect hormone balance, it is common to crave salty snacks. The reason: your body is looking for sodium and other minerals. When production of aldosterone (the salt-retaining hormone) is decreased, this can lead to low blood pressure, heart palpitations, cravings for salt and dizziness/lightheadedness upon standing. [5]
7. You Feel Stiff & Sore
Your body reacts to stressful events, and feeling stiff and sore can be a sign that your body isn’t getting a full recharge. You may feel the stress in your neck, back, or jaw – a simple way to reduce feeling like this is to optimize your sleep habits and spend more time working on your stretching or yoga routine.
Warm baths with a blend such as AlkaBath is phenomenal for its anti-inflammatory effects – the natural magnesium soothes your muscles and the added crystal blend gently detoxes and balances your body.
8. You’re Relying on Caffeine to Get You Through the Afternoon
Caffeine may benefit your brain by helping you get through the day with added stimulation – but it also further weakens your adrenal glands – as caffeine keeps your body in stress mode, and signals the production of stress hormones like cortisol and epinephrine.
During your Recharge, it is best to reach for herbal teas and coffee substitutes such as holy basil, dandelion root or mint to name a few [6].
9. Your Digestion is Off
When you’re under stress, your body is not focusing on optimally digesting and absorbing the nutrition in your big healthy salad. Your body is responding to STRESS. Functions like digestion and your metabolism are downregulated in adrenal fatigue mode, which increases the likelihood of you being bloated after eating – you may also experience weight gain, indigestion or constipation/diarrhea!
You may be eating super healthy, but if your body is under stress, you may not even be absorbing the full nutrition from meals. Some tips for improving digestion which should be practiced alongside a nourishing diet and Recharge supplementation are: drinking lemon water, taking the time to savor your meals, drinking enough water, getting enough minerals and taking a probiotic daily.
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Photo credit: H o l l y. via Visualhunt / CC BY
