If you’re feeling unusually tired all the time, can’t concentrate and are crankier than usual, then you may be suffering from adrenal fatigue and not even know it.

Chronic stress is a significant problem, with stress-related presenteeism (too many hours at work) and absenteeism costing Australian employers $10.11 billion a year.

Adding to this burden are the effects of illness, particularly in the winter and autumn months, and during periods of high demand.

Adrenal Fatigue cause of recurring illness

A 2016 Absence Management Report collated by the Australian Human Resources Institute (AHRI), stated the most common reasons for absenteeism are a minor illness, then family/carer responsibilities and finally recurring medical conditions.

These figures provide valuable insight into the level of stress and illness-related stress faced by many Australians every day. The problem is that during periods of illness, we tend to place more emphasis on immune boosting, to overcome and prevent common colds and other immune-based conditions, when support for the adrenal glands to avoid adrenal fatigue may not even be considered.

You may want to consider some additional adrenal support, recommended by your healthcare practitioner, to ensure you are primed and ready for the coming winter months.

What is adrenal fatigue?

If we’re faced with a stressful situation, our bodies rely on the adrenal glands; two small triangular-shaped organs that sit on top of the kidneys which monitor our “fight or flight” response.

In a crisis, our healthy adrenal glands respond by releasing adrenaline, which makes us more alert and focused, and cortisol, which converts protein to energy and releases our stored sugar, glycogen, so our bodies have the fuel needed to respond quickly. When the stress is removed, the body returns to normal — quickly concerning adrenaline levels, less quickly concerning cortisol. If there is prolonged or repeated stress, the adrenal gland’s ability to cope may falter.

Signs of adrenal fatigue include:

• being both tired and wired
• getting lightheaded when you stand up quickly
• not being able to shake colds or infections, and
• feeling anxious, irritable or moody.

Herbal support for Adrenal Fatigue

The herb Withania somnifera has been used for over 300 years, reducing stress levels and increasing stamina and vitality.

A study showed when a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of Withania KSM-66® was given to adults complaining of mental stress; it significantly reduced perceived stress levels by 44% and morning cortisol levels by 27.9%. Along with these reductions, the 600mg dose given for 60 days also had a significant impact on overall stress, anxiety, insomnia, depression and social dysfunction scales.This same extract reduced ‘comfort’ or emotional eating and food cravings, with improvements in body weight management of chronically stressed individuals.⁹

Two other herbs, Magnolia officinalis and Phellodendron amurense, used in a registered combination called Relora®, have also been studied and found to reduce stress levels. One study found the treatment group had significantly reduced perceived stress levels and improved mood parameters for tension, depression, anger fatigue and confusion.

Other herbal support may be found with the use of the herb Rhodiola rosea, the various Ginsengs, and the adrenal tonic Glycyrrhiza glabra.

Nutritional support

When looking at adrenal and immune health, Vitamin C plays a crucial role in supporting both systems. The adrenal gland is one of the body’s organs which has the highest level of Vitamin C, but during stress, these levels drop. Giving Vitamin C supplementation appears to support the adrenals.

Magnesium is another essential mineral for adrenal function, while beneficial nutrients include the amino acids Tyrosine and Glutamine.

Additionally, the B vitamins are critical for energy production. A deficiency in these vitamins can reduce adrenal function, with an inability to respond to stress appropriately.

The above herbs and nutrients indirectly support the immune system through their ability to reduce stress and improve adrenal function. They may be the key to treating stress, seasonal-related illness and helping your body to stay well.

We recommend you speak to a functional medicine practitioner for more information about adrenal health and supplementation. 

Tips for better stress management 

1. Identify early warning signs in the body such as tension, mood changes or headaches.
2. Eat nutrient-dense unprocessed foods every day.
3. Support the adrenals and immune system with a high-quality adrenal formulation.
4. Address any nutrient deficiencies with food and supplementation.
5. Ensure adequate heating and appropriate clothing in winter.
6. Maintain healthy body weight and exercise regularly.
7. Get adequate sleep every night (seven hours or more).
8. Ensure proper hydration by drinking clean water throughout the day.
9. Establish regular routines for daily activities.
10. Practice relaxation with calming activities, such as meditation, yoga, progressive muscle relaxation, music, reading, dancing, etc.
11. Limit stimulants, such as alcohol, drugs, refined sugar, tobacco, and caffeine.
12. Notice ‘self-talk’ that may not be helpful or beneficial.
13. Spend time with people who are caring and supportive. 

References

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