Adrenal Fatigue Archives - Amazing Health Advances

Combat Fatigue, Reduce Stress & Improve Mood with THIS Arctic Herb

The AHA! Team — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 05:21:24 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – It’s official: “Burnout” – the feeling of being exhausted, frustrated, and overwhelmed in your life – is a real health problem that should not be ignored. So, today, we’ll show you how rhodiola can help – fast! For the first time, the World Health Organization has added “burnout syndrome” to its International Classification of Diseases – and some experts estimate that the condition may affect up to 70 percent of all working people. World Health Organization has added “burnout syndrome” to its International Classification of Diseases But when addressing burnout, Western medicine falls short (to say the least) – offering only limited treatment options and no acknowledged cure. Fortunately, recent studies showcase the potential of the ancient Arctic herb rhodiola to act against stress and burnout. Reduced professional function, feelings of exhaustion, and a negative or cynical attitude toward the job are all indicators of burnout. Chronic workplace stress that hasn’t been properly managed is at the root of burnout – making stress reduction the first order of business in treating the condition. Research has shown that Rhodiola rosea preparations can effectively alleviate various aspects of stress-induced symptoms, offering promising clinical evidence for its benefits in managing burnout and related conditions. Rhodiola rapidly improves symptoms of burnout – including depression and anxiety, study says Rhodiola rosea, also known as golden root, has long been valued in traditional Asian and Ayurvedic healing systems for its effects against fatigue, lethargy, anxiety, and depression. But can rhodiola’s therapeutic effects be confirmed by scientific research? It turns out the answer is yes. In an exploratory clinical trial published in Neuropsychiatric Diseases and Treatment, 68 participants were given 400 mg of rhodiola daily in divided amounts for three months. At the beginning of the study, the researchers evaluated the subjects using language and sleep quality tests and the Burnout Screening Scale, which measures levels of sadness, tension, loss of interest, and guilt. The effects of rhodiola were swift and profound. Simply put, people felt better. The team noted that rhodiola boosted psychological well-being, promoted more restful sleep, and caused rapid, significant improvement in all measures of fatigue and burnout – including overall stress levels, fatigue, irritability, anxiety, and depression. Rhodiola also brought about a distinct improvement in high-level cognition and decision-making, promoting a calm, alert state of mind. The researchers reported that improvements occurred during the first week and continued to increase throughout the study. Calling the results “encouraging,” the team urged further clinical trials of rhodiola. Additional studies confirm that you can naturally reduce your stress symptoms with the help of herbal medicine Human and animal studies alike have shown that rhodiola can improve symptoms of fatigue, enhance physical performance, reduce anxiety, sharpen cognition, and boost mood. In a study published in Phytotherapy Research, 100 participants were given 200 mg of rhodiola extract twice daily for four weeks. The scientists noted that all tests showed “clinically relevant improvements” regarding stress symptoms, disability, functional impairment, and overall therapeutic effect. The participants all reported some measure of relief from their symptoms of burnout and fatigue, and an astonishing 83 percent reported they were either “much improved” or “very much improved.” Fatigue is generally defined as a feeling of tiredness Note: Fatigue is generally defined as a feeling of tiredness – accompanied by lowered energy and motivation – that is not caused by lack of sleep and is not relieved by rest. Remarkably, rhodiola acted quickly – with notable improvement of burnout symptoms occurring within three days. No adverse effects were reported, leading the team to conclude that rhodiola was both safe and effective in improving life-stress symptoms. Herbal medicine proves to have a positive effect on free radicals and inflammation Natural healers have long recognized rhodiola as an adaptogen that helps the body cope with and adapt to physical, psychological, and oxidative stress. Of course, ashwaganda and Siberian ginseng are two other examples of adaptogens. Rhodiola helps to regulate and balance amounts of cortisol (the “stress” hormone) while increasing levels of a stress-resisting protein called Hsp70. In addition, rhodiola extracts contain rosavin and rosarin – a pair of polyphenols unique to rhodiola with powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities. Finally, rhodiola increases the synthesis of ATP – vital to cellular energy – while promoting the activity of mood-stabilizing neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine. How and why should I take Rhodiola? Forward-thinking holistic doctors are increasingly advising rhodiola for adrenal fatigue, chronic fatigue syndrome, ADD, ADHD, and depression. Rhodiola, which has fat-burning effects, is also sometimes advised to support weight loss and reduce unhealthy abdominal fat. As a supplement, it’s available in tablets and capsule form. Holistic healthcare providers may advise taking 400 mg daily in divided amounts, with 200 mg 15 minutes before breakfast and another 200 mg 15 minutes before lunch. Look for a formulation standardized to at least 3 percent rosavin. For maximum benefit, rhodiola should be taken with black pepper to promote absorption. All of this is generally recognized as safe, but you should first discuss any change to your supplement routine with your doctor to ensure you’re heading in the right direction. Simply put, rhodiola is a remarkable herb that can not only help banish symptoms of burnout but do so without the dangerous side effects and addiction risks that can accompany pharmaceutical anti-anxiety drugs. If you suffer from burnout syndrome, consider enlisting Rhodiola for some much-needed help. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov NIH.gov LifeExtension.com WHO.int NIH.gov To read the original article click here.

The post Combat Fatigue, Reduce Stress & Improve Mood with THIS Arctic Herb appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Vitamin B: Effective Cure for Many Intestinal Patients with Chronic Fatigue

The AHA! Team — Fri, 13 Dec 2024 06:35:56 +0000

Aarhus University via EurekAlert! – A new study reveals the link between gut bacteria and the effectiveness of vitamin B1 treatment for chronic disease in patients with intestinal inflammation. Fatigue is a common and often debilitating companion for people with inflammatory bowel conditions. Now, a new Danish study provides insight into why vitamin B1 – also known as thiamine – helps some patients regain their energy, while others do not experience the same effect. The study shows, among other things, that patients’ response to vitamin B1 depends on gut bacteria, with researchers focusing particularly on a specific “good bug” that seems to play a crucial role. “We know that about half of the fatigued patients benefit from treatment with vitamin B1, but we haven’t been able to find anything that distinguishes those who had an effect from those who did not. Now we know that it’s especially the bacterium Faecalibacterium prausnitzii (FP) that is the key,” says Professor and Consultant Christian Lodberg Hvas, who is the lead author of the study. Surprising findings FP is a bacterium that many studies have identified as having beneficial properties or at least being frequently found in people with a healthy gut. The researchers were surprised to find that the presence of a single key bacterium determines whether patients with chronic fatigue experience a good effect from thiamine treatment. “We thought we were looking for a ‘fatigue microbiome,’ a composition of gut bacteria that is particularly seen in patients with chronic fatigue. But we didn’t find that. Instead, we found that the microbiome of the fatigued largely resembles the microbiome of those who are not fatigued,” explains Christian Lodberg Hvas. Still a mystery The study involved 40 patients with inflammatory bowel disease and chronic fatigue. Each patient received both vitamin B1 and a placebo in two periods of four weeks with a break in between. This allowed the researchers to see if the vitamin treatment had an effect on fatigue. At the same time, the researchers examined the patients’ gut bacteria to see if there was a correlation between specific bacteria and the effect of the treatment. Although the researchers found a clear connection between FP and the patients’ response to the treatment, it remains a mystery why this is the case. “The bacterium is largely present in people with good health and only present in low numbers in people with chronic diseases. We don’t know if it’s just a marker for health or if it’s part of the reason why healthy people are indeed healthy,” explains Christian Lodberg Hvas. “But the more studies that point to a beneficial effect of FP, the more it suggests that the bacterium is involved as a cause of health and not just as a bystander,” he adds. A cure for many with unexplained fatigue For some patients, fatigue can be explained by a lack of iron, vitamin D, or low thyroid function. These are all conditions that are easy to treat. But a large group of patients with inflammatory bowel disease remains with unexplained fatigue. “We really want to help them, and although we don’t have an explanation, we now have a cure – for those who have many FP in their gut,” says Christian Lodberg Hvas. “Therefore, we now recommend high-dose vitamin B1 treatment to all our patients where we don’t find any obvious explanation for chronic fatigue. We know that it only works for half, but it’s still a good chance, and a month’s treatment is cheap,” he adds. The clear recommendation also comes because the treatment has proven to be completely free of side effects. “However, one must accept that thiamine smells and tastes peculiar – so your hands, urine, and sweat will smell like vitamin pills with the very high dose you’re taking,” says Christian Lodberg Hvas. About the research: Study type: Exploratory analyses of biological material from a randomized clinical trial Collaborators: DTU National Food Institute External funding: Novo Nordisk Foundation Link to scientific article: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gastha.2024.08.012 DOI 10.1016/j.gastha.2024.08.012 To read the original article click here.

The post Vitamin B: Effective Cure for Many Intestinal Patients with Chronic Fatigue appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

What Is Adrenal Fatigue? Steps to Overcome It

AHA Publisher — Wed, 21 Apr 2021 07:00:11 +0000

Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DMN, CNS – Did you know that chronic stress can affect your body’s ability to recuperate from physical, mental or emotional stress? This is likely why most people have dealt with adrenal fatigue at some point in their lives. Many proponents of this condition estimate that almost every person can experience adrenal fatigue, also known as hypoadrenia, to some degree at a particularly stressful point in his or her life. Because the adrenals influence many parts of the body, symptoms of adrenal fatigue can mimic a number of disorders and isn’t always easily recognizable. Adrenal fatigue symptoms, like brain fog, moodiness and trouble sleeping, can be indicative of many disorders and are often overlooked by doctors. But more and more people are starting to realize that a combination of these health issues often indicate the onset of adrenal fatigue. If you have adrenal fatigue, it can have significant effects on your overall health. Luckily, you can improve this common issue naturally by focusing on your nutrient intake and lifestyle choices. What Is Adrenal Fatigue? A relatively new term, “adrenal fatigue” was proposed as a new condition in 1998 by Dr. James L. Wilson, a naturopath and chiropractor. His assumption was that an overstimulation of the adrenal glands (or “adrenals”) by long-term stress could lead to an inconsistent level of cortisol (the stress hormone) in the bloodstream. In addition to this overload or improper stress hormone levels, people with adrenal fatigue often don’t have enough DHEA, the “parent hormone” responsible for the creation of many necessary hormones in the body. Dr. Wilson describes the unique progression of adrenal fatigue throughout the day as follows: You wake up and are unable to function without a significant amount of caffeine. You finally feel a boost of energy during the early part of the day. Then your energy levels crash around 2 p.m., rise around 6 p.m. and fall again around 9 p.m. Your energy finally peaks again at 11 p.m. Is Adrenal Fatigue Real? The major issue with recognizing or diagnosing adrenal fatigue is the inability to distinguish its symptoms and patterns from other disorders. The parameters for this condition are nonspecific, which, unfortunately, has led to a great controversy around this topic, even though the very nature of cortisol and bodily hormones is that the effects are far-reaching. A diagnosis for this condition is difficult because stress hormone levels typically fall in what conventional medicine would call “inside the normal range,” although the symptoms are clear to those suffering from the condition. People who believe that adrenal fatigue isn’t a real health concern often state that consistent levels of chronic stress have no effect on the adrenals and the only true endocrine disorders are those caused by other diseases and direct damage to the adrenal glands. However, many practitioners of natural medicine know, from experience in a health care practice and supporting scientific evidence, that hypoadrenia is very real and associated with a number of complications. In addition, adrenal fatigue treatment is relatively non-invasive and is beneficial to your health, no matter the diagnosis. Of course, you should be under the care of a qualified medical professional, such as a functional medicine doctor, you trust, and see her or him about any symptoms you experience (of any disease) so the doctor can determine appropriate treatment. What Are Your Adrenal Glands? Your adrenal glands (adrenals) are two thumb-sized organs that sit above your kidneys and are part of the endocrine system. Also known as the suprarenal glands, they’re involved in producing over 50 hormones that drive almost every bodily function, many of which are essential for life. The adrenal glands work closely with the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland in a system known as the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis). Adrenal glands play a huge role in stress response. Here’s how it works: Your brain registers a threat, whether emotional, mental or physical. The adrenal medulla releases cortisol and adrenaline hormones to help you react to the threat (the fight-or-flight response), rushing blood to your brain, heart and muscles. The adrenal cortex then releases corticosteroids to dampen processes like digestion, immune system response and other functions not necessary for immediate survival. Your adrenal glands are also responsible for balancing hormones. Problems with Adrenal Function When discussing problems with adrenal function, it’s important to understand that adrenal fatigue is not the same thing as adrenal insufficiency, Addison’s disease or Cushing’s syndrome/Cushing’s disease. Here’s a quick breakdown of these conditions and how they are different than adrenal fatigue: Adrenal Insufficiency and Addison’s Disease: Symptoms found in adrenal insufficiency that are not found in adrenal fatigue include major digestive issues, weight loss, low blood sugar, headache and sweating. Primary adrenal insufficiency is what is known as Addison’s disease and occurs when the adrenal glands are damaged by some type of trauma and can’t produce enough cortisol or aldosterone. Secondary adrenal insufficiency (which is more common) occurs when the pituitary gland stops producing adrenocorticotropin (ACTH). ACTH is what stimulates the adrenal glands to produce cortisol. What differentiates this condition from adrenal fatigue? More often than not, adrenal fatigue is modeled by an overabundance of stress hormone levels, often at the “wrong” times, while adrenal insufficiency is a consistent inability to produce cortisol. The largest difference between them is that people with adrenal fatigue usually have cortisol levels that fall in “normal” levels but not “optimal,” while adrenal insufficiency patients have cortisol levels consistently outside the normal range. Cushing’s Syndrome/Disease: Cushing’s disease is an extremely rare disease that involves the overproduction of cortisol, outside the normal levels, that most often affects women between 25–40. This condition is sometimes the result of tumors, and in other cases, there is no known cause. Cushing’s can be reversed and is defined as a “curable” condition by the National Institute of Health. Unique symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome (called Cushing’s disease when caused by a pituitary tumor) include abdominal/facial weight gain, male impotence, failure to menstruate, increased risk of miscarriage, high blood sugar and high blood pressure. Symptoms What happens when the adrenal glands stop producing hormones efficiently? Every bodily function is affected, and as adrenal hormone levels ebb and flow abnormally, even the normal “get-up-and-go” you get from them disappears. Studies indicate that adrenal fatigue symptoms include: Autoimmune conditions Chronic fatigue (always feeling tired) Brain fog Hair loss Hormone imbalance Weakened stress response Insulin resistance Lightheadedness Decreased sex drive/libido Moodiness and irritability Depression Muscle or bone loss Skin ailments Sleep disturbances/sleep apnea Weight gain Sweet and salty food cravings Loss of appetite As you can see, there are a number of symptoms that might be related to other underlying disorders, including some very common women’s health issues. Fortunately, the ways to combat these issues are very similar and benefit your overall health. If you’ve experienced any of these adrenal fatigue side effects, take heart, for there are now many natural ways to treat and support your adrenal system. Causes Adrenal fatigue is a condition in which the body and adrenal glands can’t keep up with the tremendous amount of daily stress many people experience. Sometimes misunderstood as an autoimmune disorder, adrenal fatigue can mimic some precursors to other common illnesses and diseases. Wellness doctors and practitioners believe that an episode of acute stress or prolonged (especially for over a year), ongoing stress can cause adrenal glands to become overloaded and ineffective, then improperly release cortisol. They believe that hypoadrenia can be caused by: Stressful experiences like death of loved one, divorce or surgery Exposure to environmental toxins and pollution Prolonged stress due to financial hardship, bad relationships or work environment, and other conditions that entail feelings of helplessness Negative thinking and emotional trauma Lack of sleep Poor diet (including crash diets and inconsistent nutrition) and lack of exercise Pain Food sensitivities Adverse events in childhood Surgery Reliance on stimulants like caffeine or energy drinks Rheumatoid arthritis Diabetes/impaired glucose levels Can stress cause extreme fatigue? Yes, it absolutely can. One study found that students undergoing chronic, long-term stress when prepping for medical exams at the end of their educational careers impaired the students’ cortisol awakening response. By limiting this surge in cortisol that naturally occurs every morning when you wake up to help you feel alert, stress inhibits your ability to wake up fully, no matter how much sleep you get. Another study, released in 2005, found that students diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome had “alterations in adrenal function,” particularly in females, suggesting that their adrenal glands were no longer receiving a normal amount of stimulation. Depression may also play a role in the development or effects of adrenal fatigue. Research shows that after a major depressive episode, cortisol responses do not easily readjust to normal levels and might be somewhat responsible for a recurrence of depression. And there’s research suggesting that hypothalamic dysfunction is common in multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune disease. Researchers are evaluatingwhy dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis is common in multiple sclerosis, but it’s believed to be linked to abnormal cortisol secretion. Treatments There are both conventional and natural treatments for adrenal fatigue. The first step is to diagnose the problem, which can be difficult because most people go too long simply dealing with their symptoms. Diagnosis and Adrenal Fatigue Tests Many people go for some time without consulting their general physicians or endocrinologists about some of the symptoms of adrenal fatigue. This is one major reason why diagnosis of this condition is uncommon. However, experiencing high cortisol symptoms over a long period of time can really take a toll. In addition, some symptoms can be indicative of more serious conditions. If you experience one or a combination of adrenal fatigue symptoms for an extended period of time and your symptoms have begun interfering with normal life, relationships and/or activities — such as work, family time or school — it’s time to visit your doctor and ask about adrenal fatigue. Adrenal Fatigue Tests Tests for adrenal fatigue are, unfortunately, another source of confusion for many. You should know ahead of time that these tests must be done by someone who understands the nature of adrenal fatigue and that tests for adrenal fatigue are rarely definitive. The most common of these tests includes testing bodily fluid for cortisol. Blood tests are almost never helpful in this regard, but a 24-hour salivary panel may help your doctor recognize abnormal cortisol patterns, including a lack or overload of stress response. Many doctors also test thyroid function in conjunction with cortisol levels because of the way these hormonal systems are interconnected. Other tests that may be used to help diagnose or confirm adrenal fatigue include: ACTH Challenge TSH test (thyroid stimulating hormone) Free T3 (FT3) Total Thyroxine (TT4) Cortisol/DHEA ratio 17-HP/Cortisol ratio Neurotransmitter testing There are also two safe home tests you can try, which include: The Iris Contraction Test: The theory behind this test is that the iris will not be able to properly contract when exposed to light in people with weakened adrenal function. The test involves sitting in a dark room and shining a flashlight briefly across the eyes repeatedly. If you have adrenal fatigue, it’s possible that the eye contraction will last no more than two minutes and the eyes will dilate even when still exposed to direct light. Postural Low Blood Pressure Test: In healthy individuals, blood pressure rises when rising from a laying position. Using a blood pressure monitor, you can test your pressure when laying down and then after standing. If you see no rise or a drop in your levels, it’s possible your adrenals have been weakened. Conventional Treatment Because of the controversial nature of this condition, you may need to seek out a naturopath who will help you treat adrenal fatigue with a combination of dietary advice and supplement recommendations, as well as any hormonal or other medications necessary. Studies indicate that an oral dose of 20 milligrams of hydrocortisone is recommended by some for routine cortisol management, while an occasional dose of 50 milligrams may...

The post What Is Adrenal Fatigue? Steps to Overcome It appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

How Trauma Causes Inflammation & How to Begin Healing

AHA Publisher — Mon, 16 Nov 2020 08:00:00 +0000

Dr. Caroline Leaf – In Western thought, we see mental and physical health as two separate things, but this is not the case. Our thoughts and emotions, choice, life events, trauma and so on affect both our mental AND physical wellbeing. In this podcast (episode #225) and blog, I speak with leading functional medicine practitioner Dr. Will Cole about this mind-body connection, ways to reduce stress-induced inflammation, what adaptogens we should be taking to strengthen the mind and body, the best supplements for brain health, how to recognize and heal orthorexia, and more! When it comes to the mind-body connection, how we handle stress is incredibly important. Stressful life events and situations amplify our fight or flight state, which impacts the body’s adaptation to stress (through the HPA axis) and can negatively affect our health if not dealt with. In fact, although the stress hormone cortisol is designed to help regulate inflammation, if we are constantly stressed out, the flight or fight state upsets our natural cortisol cycles. This, in turn, can have many health repercussions because it throws the body into a state of disordered inflammation. Our body essentially starts working against us instead of for us! One example of this is adrenal fatigue. Adrenal fatigue does not just have to do with our adrenal glands; it is a brain-based issue, and it is related to our stress response and the HPA axis. It is related to how stressed we are, and for how long. If we want to start combating the negative effects of toxic stress on the body, we need to look at our lifestyle choices, including what we eat. As Dr. Cole notes in his book, The Inflammation Spectrum, every food we eat either fuels inflammation or fights it. This means that our ability to handle stress and deal with trauma will be affected by our diet. Food is medicine, yes, but this also means you should find out what your body loves—what is medicine for you? There is no cookie-cutter approach for everyone. Processed and refined sugar, for example, is an inflammatory food for everyone, but we will react to sugar in different ways and at different levels. There is an inflammation spectrum—everyone’s body is different. Just because it is your experience, doesn’t mean it is someone else’s experience. One thing that everyone can benefit from is adding adaptogens to their diet. As Dr. Cole describes in both Ketotarian and The Inflammation Spectrum, adaptogens are plant and earth medicines that are found all over the world. They have been used in traditional medicine to help bring balance to the body and promote healing and longevity. Science is only now starting to study adaptogens and showing how many of these plants (like holy basil and rhodiola) can bring back homeostasis in the brain and body by balancing the HPA axis and reducing toxic stress-induced inflammation. They are accessible, easy to use and are a great complement to any wellbeing regimen, as Dr. Cole noted in a recent guest blog on our site. They also help with memory formation and can improve our ability to handle anxiety. Adaptogens like chaga and lion’s mane mushrooms, for example, can boost brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which helps grow new neurons and improve neuroplasticity (the ability of the brain to change, adapt and grow). They essentially make us more resilient physically, which helps us deal with our issues mentally! Certain supplements can also help boost our diet and ability to handle stress: 1. Methylated B vitamins, which are needed for a healthy brain, hormone levels, immune system and so on. How much you need will depend on your unique health needs and biology, so see your health professional before taking any B vitamin supplements. In fact, methylation helps support good genetic function in the brain and body. How? As we now know, our genetics are not our destiny. They are light switches that are being constantly regulated by the choices we make every day and the environment we live in. Methylation is one way to make sure these light switches function as they should by switching on more good genes and switching off more bad genes. 2. Vitamin D3 and K2 is very important for the brain and immune system. D3 acts like a hormone and helps regulate many biological functions. K2 is also important and helps regulate inflammation and keep the body running well. Many people can’t get K1 from the plant foods they eat because their gut microbiome is comprised, so adding K2 to the diet through foods like organ meats, ghee, certain fermented foods and supplements can be helpful. 3. Curcumin, which helps balance inflammation levels. This gives turmeric its rich, yellow color. 4. Omega fish oil. You can get shorter train omegas from nuts and seeds, but the conversion is not always great. Fish or Krill oil supplements and wild-caught fish contain longer chain omegas, which are more bioavailable. 5. Probiotics, which help balance the microbiome and make sure the gut-brain connection functions as it should. Prebiotics, which are fibers in plant food that help feed the healthy bacteria in your gut, are also important. All these supplements are available on Dr. Cole’s website. Remember, when it comes to supplements and health products, you often get what you pay for. Mass-produced, cheaper health products generally do not always work or give you all the health benefits you expect. Some may even cause more harm than good, so always try find reputable companies that sell tested and good-quality products. And make sure to consult your health professional before taking any supplements, as everyone’s physical needs are different. We also need to remember that we cannot supplement our way out of a poor diet or toxic mindset. What we eat affects how we think, and what we think affects how we eat and our overall health, as I discuss in my book Think and Eat Yourself Smart. Mind management and self-regulating our thinking is essential when it comes to our health! We can go several weeks without eating, but we cannot go a few seconds without thinking. How we think about food is also important when dealing with disordered eating patterns like orthorexia. As Dr. Cole describes in his guest blog for our site, orthorexia is related to healthy eating—someone with orthorexia is hyper-focused and obsessed with healthy eating. Some of the warning signs (in context) are: A fear of food and how the body reacts to food Constantly judging others for eating a certain way Feeling isolated and avoiding going out to eat with friends If you or someone you know is battling with orthorexia, remember that you cannot stress and obsess your way into wellness. Just start where you are and at your specific capacity. Start low and slow, and don’t feel like you must solve all your problems over night. Try make incremental changes over time. The more you feel healthy, the more you will be healthy and make good lifestyle changes to sustain your sense of wellbeing. It is also important to remover that any wellness practice can be abused if your mind is not in a good place. So, always examine your intentions. Why are you doing this? What is your goal? How is it affecting you? Is this practice benefiting, or harming, your mental health?

The post How Trauma Causes Inflammation & How to Begin Healing appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

What Is Adrenal Fatigue? 3 Steps to Overcome Naturally

AHA Publisher — Thu, 31 Oct 2019 07:00:05 +0000

Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DMN, CNS – Did you know that chronic stress can affect your body’s ability to recuperate from physical, mental or emotional stress? This is likely why most people have dealt with adrenal fatigue at some point in their lives. Many proponents of this condition estimate that almost every person can experience adrenal fatigue, also known as hypoadrenia, to some degree at a particularly stressful point in his or her life. Because the adrenals influence many parts of the body, symptoms of adrenal fatigue can mimic a number of disorders and isn’t always easily recognizable. Adrenal fatigue symptoms, like brain fog, moodiness and trouble sleeping, can be indicative of many disorders and are often overlooked by doctors. But more and more people are starting to realize that a combination of these health issues often indicate the onset of adrenal fatigue. If you have adrenal fatigue, it can have significant effects on your overall health. Luckily, you can improve this common issue naturally by focusing on your nutrient-intake and lifestyle choices. What Is Adrenal Fatigue? A relatively new term, “adrenal fatigue” was proposed as a new condition in 1998 by Dr. James L. Wilson, a naturopath and chiropractor. His assumption was that an overstimulation of the adrenal glands (or “adrenals”) by long-term stress could lead to an inconsistent level of cortisol (the stress hormone) in the bloodstream. In addition to this overload or improper stress hormone levels, people with adrenal fatigue often don’t have enough DHEA, the “parent hormone” responsible for the creation of many necessary hormones in the body. Dr. Wilson describes the unique progression of adrenal fatigue throughout the day as follows: • you wake up and are unable to function without a significant amount of caffeine • you finally feel a boost of energy during the early part of the day • then your energy levels crash around 2 p.m., rise around 6 p.m., fall again around 9 p.m. • your energy finally peaks again at 11 p.m. Is adrenal fatigue real? The major issue with recognizing or diagnosing adrenal fatigue is the inability to distinguish its symptoms and patterns from other disorders. The parameters for this condition are nonspecific which, unfortunately, has led to a great controversy around this topic, even though the very nature of cortisol and bodily hormones is that their effects are far-reaching. A diagnosis for this condition is difficult because stress hormone levels typically fall in what conventional medicine would call “inside the normal range,” although the symptoms are clear to those suffering from the condition. People who believe that adrenal fatigue isn’t a real health concern often state that consistent levels of chronic stress have no effect on the adrenals and the only true endocrine disorders are those caused by other diseases and direct damage to the adrenal glands. However, many practitioners of natural medicine know, from experience in a healthcare practice and supporting scientific evidence, that hypoadrenia is very real and associated with a number of complications. In addition, adrenal fatigue treatment is relatively non-invasive and is beneficial to your health, no matter the diagnosis. Of course, you should be under the care of a qualified medical professional, such as a functional medicine doctor, you trust and see them about any symptoms you experience (of any disease) so that they can determine appropriate treatment. What Are Your Adrenal Glands? Your adrenal glands (adrenals) are two thumb-sized organs that sit above your kidneys and are part of the endocrine system. Also known as the suprarenal glands, they’re involved in producing over 50 hormones that drive almost every bodily function, many of which are essential for life. The adrenal glands work closely with the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland in a system known as the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis). Adrenal glands play a huge role in stress response. Here’s how it works: • Your brain registers a threat, whether emotional, mental or physical. • The adrenal medulla releases cortisol and adrenaline hormones to help you react to the threat (the fight-or-flight response), rushing blood to your brain, heart and muscles. • The adrenal cortex then releases corticosteroids to dampen processes like digestion, immune system response and other functions not necessary for immediate survival. Your adrenal glands are also responsible for balancing hormones. Comparisons When discussing problems with adrenal function, it’s important to understand that adrenal fatigue is not the same thing as adrenal insufficiency, Addison’s disease or Cushing’s syndrome/Cushing’s disease. Here’s a quick breakdown of these conditions and how they are different than adrenal fatigue: Adrenal Insufficiency and Addison’s Disease • Symptoms found in adrenal insufficiency that are not found in adrenal fatigue include major digestive issues, weight loss, low blood sugar, headache and sweating. • Primary adrenal insufficiency is what is known as Addison’s disease and occurs when the adrenal glands are damaged by some type of trauma and can’t produce enough cortisol or aldosterone. • Secondary adrenal insufficiency (which is more common) occurs when the pituitary gland stops producing adenocorticotropin (ACTH). ACTH is what stimulates the adrenal glands to produce cortisol. • What differentiates this condition from adrenal fatigue? More often than not, adrenal fatigue is modeled by an overabundance of stress hormone levels, often at the “wrong” times, while adrenal insufficiency is a consistent inability to produce cortisol. • The largest difference between them is that people with adrenal fatigue usually have cortisol levels that fall in “normal” levels but not “optimal,” while adrenal insufficiency patients have cortisol levels consistently outside the normal range. Cushing’s Syndrome/Disease • Cushing’s disease is an extremely rare disease that involves the overproduction of cortisol, outside the normal levels, that most often affects women between 25–40. • This condition is sometimes the result of tumors and in other cases, there is no known cause. Cushing’s can be reversed and is defined as a “curable” condition by the National Institute of Health. • Unique symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome (called Cushing’s disease when caused by a pituitary tumor) include abdominal/facial weight gain, male impotence, failure to menstruate, increased risk of miscarriage, high blood sugar and high blood pressure. Causes Adrenal fatigue is a condition where your body and adrenal glands can’t keep up with the tremendous amount of daily stress many people experience. Sometimes misunderstood as an autoimmune disorder, adrenal fatigue can mimic some precursors to other common illnesses and disease. Wellness doctors and practitioners believe that an episode of acute stress or prolonged (especially for over a year), ongoing stress can cause adrenal glands to become overloaded and ineffective, then improperly release cortisol. They believe that hypoadrenia can be caused by: • Stressful experiences like death of loved one, divorce or surgery • Exposure to environmental toxins and pollution • Prolonged stress due to financial hardship, bad relationships or work environment, and other conditions that entail feelings of helplessness • Negative thinking and emotional trauma • Lack of sleep • Poor diet (including crash diets and inconsistent nutrition) and lack of exercise • Pain • Food sensitivities • Adverse events in childhood • Surgery • Reliance on stimulants like caffeine or energy drinks • Rheumatoid arthritis • Diabetes/impaired glucose levels Can stress cause extreme fatigue? Yes, it absolutely can. One study found that students undergoing chronic, long-term stress when prepping for medical exams at the end of their educational careers impaired the students’ cortisol awakening response. By limiting this surge in cortisol that naturally occurs every morning when you wake up to help you feel alert, stress inhibits your ability to wake up fully, no matter how much sleep you get. Another study, released in 2005, found that students diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome had “alterations in adrenal function,” particularly in females, suggesting that their adrenal glands were no longer receiving a normal amount of stimulation. Depression may also play a role in the development or effects of adrenal fatigue. Research shows that after a major depressive episode, cortisol responses do not easily readjust to normal levels and might be somewhat responsible for a recurrence of depression. And there’s research suggesting that hypothalamic dysfunction is common in multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune disease. Researchers are evaluating why dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis is common in multiple sclerosis, but it’s believed to be linked to abnormal cortisol secretion. Symptoms What happens when the adrenal glands stop producing hormones efficiently? Every bodily function is affected, and as adrenal hormone levels ebb and flow abnormally, even the normal “get-up-and-go” you get from them disappears. Studies indicate that adrenal fatigue symptoms include: • Autoimmune conditions • Chronic fatigue (always feeling tired) • Brain fog • Hair loss • Hormone imbalance • Weakened stress response • Insulin resistance • Lightheadedness • Decreased sex drive/libido • Moodiness and irritability • Depression • Muscle or bone loss • Skin ailments • Sleep disturbances/sleep apnea • Weight gain • Sweet and salty food cravings • Loss of appetite As you can see, there are a number of symptoms that might be related to other underlying disorders, including some very common women’s health issues. Fortunately, the ways to combat these issues are very similar and will benefit your overall health. If you’ve experienced any of these adrenal fatigue side effects, take heart, for there are now many natural ways to treat and support your adrenal system. Diagnosis Many people go for some time without consulting their general physician or endocrinologist about some of the symptoms of adrenal fatigue. This is one major reason why diagnosis of this condition is uncommon. However, experiencing high cortisol symptoms over a long period of time can really take a toll. In addition, some symptoms can be indicative of more serious conditions. It’s probably time to visit the endocrinologist if: • You experience one or a combination of adrenal fatigue symptoms for an extended period of time • Your symptoms have begun interfering with normal life relationships and/or activities, such as work, family time or school • Dietary and lifestyle judgments have not significantly improved your symptoms • Your sleeping patterns have shifted into insomnia and/or you are no longer able to get restful sleep, no matter how long you’re in bed • You experience hyperpigmentation, or patches of darker skin on your body • You are a woman who has ceased menstruating • You experience dizziness and/or overall weakness for multiple consecutive days with no explainable cause (such as flu, concussion or excessive exercise) • You are unsure of how or unable to study adrenal fatigue supplements to safely take them, or unsure of how to structure an adrenal fatigue diet Adrenal Fatigue Tests Tests for adrenal fatigue are, unfortunately, another source of confusion for many. You should know ahead of time that these tests must be done by someone who understands the nature of adrenal fatigue and that tests for adrenal fatigue are rarely definitive. The most common of these tests include testing bodily fluid for cortisol. Blood tests are almost never helpful in this regard, but a 24-hour salivary panel may help your doctor recognize abnormal cortisol patterns, including a lack or overload of stress response. Many doctors also test thyroid function in conjunction with cortisol levels because of the way these hormonal systems are interconnected. Other tests that may be used to help diagnose or confirm adrenal fatigue include: • ACTH Challenge • TSH test (thyroid stimulating hormone) • Free T3 (FT3) • Total Thyroxine (TT4) • Cortisol/DHEA ratio • 17-HP/Cortisol ratio • Neurotransmitter testing There are also two safe home tests you can try, which include: • The Iris Contraction Test: The theory behind this test is that the iris will not be able to properly contract when exposed to light in people with weakened adrenal function. The test involves sitting in a dark room and shining a flashlight briefly across the eyes repeatedly. If you have adrenal fatigue, it’s possible that the eye contraction will last no more than two minutes and the eyes will dilate even when still exposed to direct light. • Postural Low Blood Pressure Test: In healthy individuals,...

The post What Is Adrenal Fatigue? 3 Steps to Overcome Naturally appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.