Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome

If you have a hard time getting up in the morning and spend your days feeling tired, run-down, stressed out or overwhelmed – you’ll want to hear about this.

If you frequently have trouble concentrating, feel drained of energy throughout the day and need coffee, soft drinks or sugary snacks to keep you going – that’s even more reason to keep reading.

You see, you may be the victim of a fatigue syndrome that many physicians here in the U.S. don’t understand and have no idea how to diagnose. Worse yet, there are many experts who say this syndrome doesn’t exist at all.

It’s called Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome (AFS.) And if you’re one of the 80 percent of people who has experienced this condition in your lifetime, you know all too well how real it is.

Symptoms of AFS include...

• Difficulty getting out of bed in the morning
• Ongoing fatigue not relieved by sleep, especially in the morning and afternoon
• Trouble recovering from stress and illness
• Mild depression
• Memory problems, forgetfulness
• Difficulty having fun and enjoying life
• Cravings for sugar, caffeine and other stimulants
• Decrease in sex drive
• Mood swings
• Cravings for foods high in salt and fats
• Difficulty concentrating
• Aggravated PMS or menopause symptoms
• Muscular weakness
• Sleep disturbances
• Dizziness upon standing
• Low blood sugar
• An increase in food allergies

While most physicians recognize complete adrenal failure (Addison’s Disease) as a true medical condition, Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome is widely ignored by most conventional medical doctors.

That’s a shame, because Addison’s Disease affects only one in 100,000 people. In the meantime, AFS will affect four out of five people at some point in their lives. As a result, millions of individuals suffering from AFS are never diagnosed.

What Causes Adrenal Fatigue?

The adrenal glands, which sit on top of your kidneys, produce hormones that are critical to your health. They also control your body’s “fight or flight” response by releasing adrenaline and cortisol when you’re faced with a threatening situation. These hormones increase your mental alertness and give you the physical energy to respond quickly.

It doesn’t matter whether the threat is real or not. Your body will react the same by releasing large amounts of adrenaline and cortisol. So whether you’re jumping out of the way of an oncoming car or having an argument with a co-worker, the same response is triggered.

Here’s the problem... When you’re constantly bombarded by stress, the production of these hormones never has the chance to return to normal. Illness, inflammation, poor diet and other factors add to the stress and adrenal response. Altogether, this can lead to two problems:

1. Overproduction of cortisol: Chronic stress causes the adrenals to work overtime to produce enough cortisol to keep up with demand. When your body is constantly generating excess cortisol it can affect mental acuity, sleep patterns, immune function and blood pressure. It can also lead to abdominal fat, which is a precursor to diabetes and heart disease.

2. Adrenal fatigue: Over time, your adrenal glands may not be able to keep up with demand. When this happens, the adrenal glands become chronically fatigued and cortisol production diminishes. In addition to some of the symptoms above, this can cause brain fog, depression, low thyroid function and inflammation.

How to Diagnose and Treat Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome

To find out if you may be experiencing adrenal fatigue symptoms, take the Adrenal Fatigue Self-Test at the end of this report. If you discover you’re exhibiting symptoms of adrenal fatigue, it’s important to work with a physician who understands the condition.

The tests for AFS are simple. A doctor will measure cortisol levels through a blood or saliva test. Low cortisol levels are a very good indication of adrenal function. In fact, a study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism shows that abnormally low morning concentrations of the hormone cortisol may even play a role in severe fatigue experienced by patients who have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.1

Your physician may also test for levels of DHEA-sulfate (DHEAS) since low levels of DHEAS are associated with reduced adrenal function.

If you are diagnosed with AFS, your doctor will map out a plan for your recovery. And it may include many of the recommendations I use with my own patients here at the Heart, Diabetes and Weight Loss Centers of New York.

Step 1 – Boost Cortisol Levels with Cortef

One of the first things I do for severe AFS patients is prescribe a natural hydrocortisone called Cortef. Cortef is a bio-identical cortisol that produces dramatic results by boosting your natural cortisol levels. This helps take the extra strain off of your adrenals so they can begin healing more quickly. Once cortisol levels begin to normalize you will start seeing differences in the way you feel, both physically and mentally.

Step 2 – Rapidly Improve Nutritional Deficiencies

Many AFS patients have difficulty absorbing nutrients properly. But there is something called a Myers Cocktail that makes it very easy to quickly increase nutritional levels. A Myers Cocktail is an intravenous (IV) vitamin and mineral formula containing vitamin C, B-complex vitamins magnesium and other natural ingredients. It only takes a few minutes to administer, and it’s been very successful at promoting recovery from many fatigue syndromes, including adrenal fatigue.

Step 3 – Support Your Adrenals for Long-Term Improvement

I recommend taking an adrenal support formula like the one I produce. It’s aptly named Adrenal Support and contains many compounds to provide long-term support for your adrenal health. Some of the ingredients in Adrenal Support include...

• Adrenal concentrate to give your adrenals the raw material they need to heal.
• Vitamin C, which is essential for adrenal metabolism and function.
• Licorice, to help maintain higher levels of adrenal hormones in your body.
• Adaptogenic herbs, such as schizandra and rhodiola, to balance adrenal function and help reduce stress and fatigue.
• B vitamins, including pantothenic acid, which is critical for adrenal support.

In addition to taking Adrenal Support, I suggest adding the following nutrients...

• DHEA, which can help decrease overproduction of cortisol, improve mood and reduce fatigue. 50 mg daily.
• Vitamin B Complex to further reduce your stress levels and provide additional adrenal support. 100 mg twice a day.
• Alpha Lipoic Acid, which helps neutralize free radicals and maintain healthy blood sugar levels. 60 mg daily.
• CoQ10 to supply oxygen and energy to the adrenal glands. 50 mg. daily.

Step 4 – Begin an Anti Candida Program

A common symptom of AFS is recurring Candida infections, or yeast overgrowth. This is a double whammy when it comes to feeling rundown, listless, fatigued and depressed, because both AFS and Candida present these symptoms. The first thing you can do to help prevent Candida is cut out yeast-containing foods.

• Breads, rolls, coffee cake and other baked goods
• Beer, wine and all alcoholic beverages
• Commercial soups and cereals
• Vinegar and vinegary products such as sauerkraut, relish, green olives and commercial salad dressings
• Condiments and tomato sauces

Other foods that may aggravate Candida symptoms include...

• Pickled, smoked and cured meats, fish and poultry such as sausage, ham, bacon, salami, hot dogs and smoked sardines
• Dried fruits like prunes, dates and figs
• Dairy products
• Sugar, chocolate and sweets
• Tea, coffee and dried spices (fresh spices can be used)
• Starchy foods including wheat, rye, barley, corn, rice, potatoes, buckwheat and millet
• Mushrooms

I also recommend a high potency probiotic (V-Dophilus High Potency Probiotic,) plenty of good fiber (Dr. V’s Fiber,) omega-3 fish oils (Super Nutri Oil) and plant nutrients that support gastrointestinal function and immune response (Candida Relief Ultra.)

9 More Tips for Reducing Adrenal Fatigue

Adding critical nutrients to reduce stress and support adrenal function is very important to your recovery. However, there also many other changes you can make to help improve adrenal health, especially when it comes to the foods you eat and the way you handle stress.

1. Don’t skip meals – Low adrenal function often results in low blood sugar. So it’s important to maintain sugar levels throughout the day. Eat breakfast shortly after waking. Then, eat regular meals and nutritious snacks throughout the day. Lunch should be eaten by noon followed up with a snack around 2 or 3 PM. Have dinner before 7 PM and a small, healthy snack before bedtime.

2. Avoid processed carbohydrates – Low sugar levels caused by adrenal fatigue can cause you to crave carbohydrates. However, it’s a mistake to reach for processed carbs, because they cause a dramatic increase in your blood sugar. Among other health complications, this can result in further adrenal fatigue.

3. Enjoy protein at every meal – Fresh fish, poultry, lean meats, nuts and beans are all great sources of protein. Look for smaller fish like anchovies, sardines, salmon, trout and flounder, as the larger deep-water fish can contain a lot of mercury. I also suggest buying “free-farm” chicken and grass-fed beef whenever possible.

4. Don’t forget your veggies – Vegetables are full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that improve immune function, fight oxidative stress and help heal your body from the inside out.
Preferred Fruits Fruits to Avoid
papaya bananas
mango raisins
plums dates
pears figs
kiwi oranges
apples grapefruit
grapes (only a few)
cherries

5. Go easy on the fruits – Since adrenal fatigue and blood sugar abnormalities go hand-in-hand, it’s recommended you go easy on the fruits. I agree with Dr. James Wilson, author of Adrenal Fatigue: The 21st Century Stress Syndrome when it comes to fruit selection. To make it simple for you, I’ve included the chart he uses on the right.

6. Get plenty of healthy fats – Fats found in olive oil, nuts, fish and plant oils work with protein and carbohydrates to provide you with energy throughout the day.

7. Stay away from caffeine, alcohol, and sugar – When you experience adrenal fatigue, these substances can help give you a boost by forcing your cells to produce energy. But it’s an unhealthy boost that can further fatigue the adrenal glands.

8. Reduce your stress levels – No matter how busy or tired you are, carve out some time for yourself. Get a massage, plan a weekend get-away, enjoy a bubble bath. Even simple things like working in the garden, taking a walk or playing with your pet can be great stress relievers. Many of my patients also find activities like yoga, meditation and acupuncture can work wonders when it comes to relaxation.

9. Get plenty of sleep – Go to bed on time and aim for a solid 8 hours of sleep each night. It helps to turn off the television, computer and other distracting gadgets about an hour beforehand. Then, spend the last hour reading or listening to soothing music. Over time, your body will begin connecting these activities with sleep. If you still have difficulty falling asleep, try a low-dose of melatonin. Research shows that just a 2 mg. tablet of time-released melatonin can help you get to sleep faster and works as well as a sleeping pill, without the side effects.2

Once you implement these strategies in your life, your adrenal glands will have the support they need to recover. But it won’t happen overnight. It takes time to heal, so stick with it. Over time you’ll find yourself regaining the energy, stamina and well-being you’ve been looking for.

1 Nater UM, Maloney E, Boneva RS, Gurbaxani BM, Lin JM, Jones JF, Reeves WC, Heim C. Attenuated Morning Salivary Cortisol Concentrations in a Population-Based Study of Persons with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Well Controls. J Clin Endocrinol Metab., March 2008, 93(3):703–709

2 Wade AG, Ford I, Crawford G, McConnachie A, Nir T, Laudon M, Zisapel N. “Nightly treatment of primary insomnia with prolonged release melatonin for 6 months: a randomized placebo controlled trial on age and endogenous melatonin as predictors of efficacy and safety.” BMC Med. 2010 Aug 16;8:51.

Adrenal Fatigue Self-Test

 

If you have any of the following problems, indicate “yes” with a check mark.

Yes No Yes No
1. Continuing fatigue not relieved by sleep.

17. Blotchy brown spots on the skin or face.

 

2. Craving for salt, salty or fatty foods.

18. Feeling better after evening meal.

 

3. Lack of energy.

19. Decreased productivity.

 

4. Easily fatigued.

20. Increased effort to do everyday tasks.

 

5. Decreased sex drive

21. Experienced long periods of physical or emotional stress.

 

6. Decreased ability to handle stress.

22. Frequent nervous stomach and indigestion.

 

7. Increased time to recover from illness, injury or trauma.

23. Chronic tiredness not relieved by sleep.

 

8. Mild depression.

24. Restless legs and hands.

 

9. Less enjoyment or happiness in life.

25. Have little time for relaxation or recreation.

 

10. Increased PMS.

26. Confused thinking, especially when under pressure.

 

11. Symptoms increase if meals are skipped or inadequate.

27. Anxious for no apparent reason.

 

12. Thoughts less focused, more fuzzy.

28. Frequent illnesses, unexplained rashes and skin eruptions.

 

13. Light headed when standing up quickly, blood pressure drop upon rising from sitting or laying positions.

29. Afternoon low with a feeling of being drugged between 3:00 and 4:00 PM.

 

14. Memory less accurate.

30. Weight gain around the middle.

 

15. Poor personal or home relationships.

31. Frequent coffee, caffeine intake.

 

16. Difficulty getting up in morning.

32. Best sleep occurs in early morning.

 

 

 

SCORE (Total number of “yes” answers):________

 

If you answered “yes” to five or more questions, you may be at risk for adrenal deficiencies.