Adrenal fatigue and adrenal insufficiency – the differences and what to do about them

The hectic nature of modern life leaves us with little choice but to move quickly and to keep busy all the time. For many of us, this isn’t a problem – many of us prefer to be active and busy than not. But what if it does become a problem; what if because so many of us are so constantly busy that we just seem to be tired and fatigued all the time?

There is a theory that this is, in fact, a medical complaint spurred on by our busy lifestyles; leading to the phrase adrenal fatigue, which was created by the American expert Dr James M. Wilson. The theory goes that, due to lifestyle, energy levels are dramatically reduced thanks to a change in the natural production of hormones in the body, owing to chronic levels of mental, physical or emotional stress (or even a combination of all these three kinds of stress). Symptoms-wise, adrenal fatigue has also been said to cause insomnia (issues with falling asleep and remaining asleep and waking up in the morning), as well as cravings for food, not least salt and sugar.

Where these hormones are produced – the adrenal glands

Adrenal fatigue gains its named from the part of the body where many of these aforementioned hormones are created, the adrenal glands (which are located above the kidneys and form part of the body’s endocrine system, along with the thyroid, the pituitary gland, the pancreas, the parathyroid gland, the female ovaries and the male testes). Producing the likes of adrenaline and the steroids aldosterone and cortisol, these glands’ hormones task themselves with regulating growth, sleep, mood, fertility and metabolism.

Adrenal insufficiency – it’s not adrenal fatigue

Like it or not, it’s easy to confuse adrenal fatigue with another condition. Adrenal fatigue and adrenal insufficiency are not the same thing. The latter is also referred to as Addison’s disease and specifically occurs when something goes wrong with the adrenal glands themselves; when their function is disrupted by nutritional imbalances in the body.

What does it do? Well, it sees them cease creating aldosterone, the hormone (mentioned above) that’s critical for the regulation of both blood pressure and salt level in blood, as well as cortisol, which is generated and secreted directly into the blood flow as a reaction to stress. That said, cortisol’s remit goes further, as it also plays a role in maintaining blood pressure, slowing inflammatory response and contributing to the body’s metabolism. Moreover, the nutritional imbalances that bring on Addison’s disease are often linked to autoimmune disorders; tuberculosis, fungal infections and cancer are believed to be responsible for all further cases of Addison’s disease.

When it comes to symptoms, adrenal insufficiency tends to throw up those at the more dramatic end of the scale to adrenal fatigue. Although, things may kick off with a loss of appetite and dizziness, it’s usual for this to progress to not just weakness, but also nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and weight loss. Low blood pressure and a darkening of skin (usually in skin folds at the knees, elbows, knuckles, toes and lips) are common too. Yet, most importantly – and dangerously – if adrenal insufficiency isn’t identified and correctly addressed by medical professionals, it can be fatal; treatment often involves supplying the body with the hormones it isn’t producing and needs.

How to prevent – and combat – adrenal fatigue

There are several things you can do should you feel you’re exhausted and, frankly, more tired, more often than you ought to be – and, especially, should you think you’re suffering from adrenal fatigue. These tips are designed to keep your endocrine system in balance, so should also help keep adrenal insufficiency at bay:

  • Make sure you get enough rest; even if you’re suffering from insomnia, it’s important to put time aside to relax so your body can at least rest and you’ve a better chance of getting some decent sleep
  • Exercise – it doesn’t prevent you getting rest and it doesn’t increase stress levels; quite the opposite, in fact – it helps decrease both stress and cortisol levels
  • Try not to consume endocrine disrupters; they’re man-made chemicals that can crop up in some foods that can interfere with your adrenal glands and, thus, hormones in your body
  • Adopt an adrenal fatigue diet, which should feature various naturally-occurring, organic foods such as healthy proteins, whole grains and fruits and vegetables to provide your body with the good nutritional value it needs.

However, if you’re unable to institute a satisfying adrenal fatigue diet (perhaps due to intolerances to one or more specific foods) then there are some adrenal fatigue-focused supplements you might want to try through us, at The Finchley Clinic. Naturally, we hold all three of the following in high regard and, should you try one or more of them, advise you to try them out and see how you get on with them – and, should you not feel one of them isn’t for you, try another of them instead…

Adrenal Support – a proprietary blend of the extracts of five adaptogenic plants (schisandra, astragalus, snow rose, ginseng and rhodiola) combined together in one supplement to help maintain healthy adrenal function.

AD Intensive – a powder-based, good-tasting supplement designed to support energy levels, which features a high-potency collection of amino acids, botanicals, nutrients and antioxidants (including chromium, magnesium, Korean ginseng, liquorice root and the Vitamins C, B3 and B5).

Drive! – comprising the amino acid Tyrosine, along with supportive co-nutrients, this supplement provides improved energy, balanced brain chemistry, reduced depression and adrenal and thyroid gland support.

Don’t forget, though; if you believe you’re suffering from adrenal fatigue symptoms and they’re causing serious disruption to your life, then it’s important to seek out a healthcare provider (ideally your GP), especially to prevent the development of adrenal insufficiency.