Adrenal Fatigue

One of the many things that yoga has brought into my life is a better awareness of my makeup – both inside and out. Of course this isn’t remotely interesting to anyone other than myself but I’ve found it fascinating! Calmer? Why yes, I am actually, thanks for noticing. Muscles in places where you never knew you could have muscles? Yup, she says modestly, that’s part of an ab.

With so many wonderful changes it’s sometimes easier to overlook all the baggage you bring to the mat. Things you tend not to notice but that keep resurfacing all the same. Perhaps it’s a reminder that there’s no one quick fix solution in life and accepting what’s working for you and what’s not is the first step in culling out all the unwanted stuff.

I was fortunate enough to recently meet Dr James Wilson, a Canadian doctor, scientist and lecturer, who wrote a book called ‘Adrenal Fatigue – The 21st Century Stress Syndrome’. He spoke alongside Dr Kathleen Wills, a Doctor of Integrative Medicine, about the health effects of stress and how to recover and protect yourself from this condition.

The adrenal glands are small glands located on top of each kidney that release essential hormones. Adrenal Fatigue occurs when stress overextends the capacity of your body to compensate and fully recover. It’s often missed in diagnosis, or under-diagnosed, but the one constant is a fatigue that can’t be overcome.

I’d gone along with pad and pen at the ready to take notes for you because I’m a giver but after the first few minutes, I’ll be honest, it was all about me. And I’m sure there are many of you who would relate to the following symptoms Dr James described –

• Tiredness, particularly in the early morning and mid afternoon. Often get a second wind around 11pm to 1am
• Needs caffeine to get going and snacks of salty or sweet food for energy
• Run down and find it harder to bounce back from illnesses, especially respiratory, or other stresses
• Difficulty concentrating and thinking clearly
• Lower libido
• Poor sleep (Yes! A thousand times yes!)
• Increased symptoms with allergies, PMS or menopause
• Signs of Hypoglycaemia (I’ve always referred to this as Hangry, a not terribly medical term for hungry and angry – plus, it’s easier to spell.)
• Decreased ability to handle stresses, often suffering from a nervous stomach or indigestion
• Light headed when rising rapidly from a sitting or lying position
• Headaches that come and go for no apparent reason
• Lack of enjoyment of things that previously brought you pleasure

Feeling exhausted and overwhelmed may well be issues that come and go in your life, and while Adrenal Fatigue can be mild and transient there are many people who struggle with a cycle of diminished adrenal function and inescapable stress.

It affects men and women of all ages, including children, and is most accurately identified by testing the adrenal hormone levels in your saliva. Dr Kathleen also described three simple adrenal fatigue tests you can initially do yourself.

Adrenal Fatigue affects your quality of life and overall health and it’s important to treat the cause. The good news is that recovery can be achieved by making dedicated lifestyle changes. Don’t hesitate to talk to your GP or another health professional and, most importantly, take control over your own treatment. Keep practicing your beautiful yoga to circulate energy rather than continuing to deplete your adrenal glands. Rest when you need it, drink decaf and practice mindfulness. Take your life back!

– Jane

The lovely people at Ecostore hosted this #OnlyGoodStuff event. All Ecostore products are about protecting your health – and what better way to reduce toxic loads on the body than by removing nasty chemicals from your life. I love their philosophy too: that if there’s ever any doubt about the safety of an ingredient they’ll find a safer one.

©The Yoga Connection