Adrenal fatigue
Adrenal fatigue is a "term that is applied to a collection of nonspecific symptoms."[1] They can include body aches, fatigue, nervousness, sleep disturbances, and digestive problems. It is not accepted as a medical diagnosis. A naturopathic (holistic) practitioner or complementary (non-mainstream) medicine doctor may say a person has adrenal fatigue.[2]
The term was first used by James Wilson, PhD, a naturopath who practiced alternative medicine. He believed it was "usually associated with intense stress and often follows chronic infections like bronchitis, flu, or pneumonia."
Symptoms[edit | edit source]
- Body aches
- Fatigue
- Nervousness
- Sleep disturbances
- Digestive problems[3]
- while other lists have
- Always feeling tired or worn out even with plenty of sleep.
- Craving salty foods.[4]
Treatment[edit | edit source]
A diet low in sugar, caffeine, and junk food and Supplementation of Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Vitamin C, and Magnesium as well as Probiotics and herbal supplements are all recommendations.
Adrenal fatigue vs ME/CFS[edit | edit source]
Because fatigue is among the symptoms the term adrenal fatigue encompasses, this term could be confused by some as their having Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Additionally, one may be suffering from CFS and not have a diagnosis as it often takes years to receive a diagnosis of ME/CFS. The Endocrine Society "says the symptoms of adrenal fatigue are so general, they can apply to many diseases or conditions (depression, sleep apnea, fibromyalgia) or stem from everyday life."[5]
Learn more[edit | edit source]
See also[edit | edit source]
- Addison's disease (Adrenal insufficiency)
- Overtraining syndrome
