Adrenal fatigue isn’t an officially recognized medical diagnosis. It’s mostly mentioned by alternative healthcare practitioners.
The term adrenal fatigue in alternative medicine is an umbrella term for several non-specific symptoms including tiredness, body aches, sleep problems, and digestive issues.
The adrenal glands are in charge of producing different hormones that are pivotal for our functioning.
They’re located on the top of the kidneys. Adrenal deficiency is used to describe an improper production of one or more of these hormones, either excessive or insufficient production.
Adrenal Fatigue Explained
James Wilson, PhD, a naturopath, chiropractor, and expert in alternative medicine coined the term adrenal fatigue back in 1998. He described it as a collection of related symptoms that happen when the adrenal glands function below the level that’s necessary.
According to Wilson, it’s usually a consequence of intense stress and often accompanies chronic infections such as the flu, bronchitis, or pneumonia.
People with adrenal fatigue may not experience physical symptoms of the disease but may struggle with tiredness, feeling “gray”, as well as tiredness that doesn’t go away even after a good night’s sleep.
They may also crave salty snacks.
Here are the most common 7 signs of adrenal fatigue:
- Tiredness, fatigue
- Body aches
- Weight loss that can’t be explained
- Low blood pressure
- Discolored skin
- Loss of body hair
- Lightheadedness
What’s The Theory Behind Adrenal Fatigue?
The immunity of the body responds when we’re stressed. The adrenal glands, small organs located on top of the kidneys, respond to stress via the release of adrenaline and cortisol.
These hormones are a vital part of the fight-or-flight response and elevate the heart rate and blood pressure.
According to this theory, if you’re dealing with long-term stress due to a severe disease or the loss of a family member, the adrenal glands may burn out due to the continuous production of cortisol. This causes adrenal fatigue to begin.
Currently, there are no approved tests you can undergo to detect adrenal fatigue. And, blood tests are unable to detect small drops in adrenal production.
Some of the proposed treatments for healthy adrenal function are a diet low in caffeine, sugar, and junk food as well as supplementation with specific vitamins and minerals. Some of these vitamins and minerals are vitamins B5, B6, B12, C, and magnesium.
Is Adrenal Fatigue Nothing More than a Myth?
Currently, there’s no available scientific data to back up the claims for adrenal fatigue. According to the Endocrine Society, the largest endocrinologist organization, adrenal fatigue isn’t a real illness.
And, they note that the symptoms are quite general so they may happen with another disease or condition. For example, with fibromyalgia, depression, sleep apnea, hypothyroidism, etc.
The society notes that some of the proposed treatments may be dangerous. A healthier diet is probably a good decision, regardless of the disease you have, but taking supplements that will make the body produce extra cortisol may mess up the functioning of the adrenal glands if not taken in consultation with a doctor.
Adrenal Fatigue vs. Adrenal Insufficiency
Adrenal insufficiency is a recognized illness and it can be diagnosed and treated. There are two forms of it and both are a result of damage or issues with the adrenal glands that cause insufficient production of cortisol.
Some of the major symptoms are tiredness, loss of appetite, weak muscles, weight loss, belly ache, nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure, depression, diarrhea, and skin darkening.
Blood tests help detect adrenal insufficiency and doctors prescribe hormone replacements in case of very low cortisol levels.
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