adrenal INSUFFICIENCY (BURNOUT)

DEFINITION

A state of deficiency and poor physical and mental functioning, caused by low cortisol levels, often following a stressful period of very high cortisol.

Cortisol and DHEA tests over 24 hours will measure their levels.

some of the possible CAUSES

  • Long-term or extreme stress.

  • Vitamin and mineral deficiencies.

  • Poor sleep.

  • High demands on the body, child birth.

  • Prolonged exhaustion.

  • Caffeine dependence.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

  • Ongoing fatigue, particularly in the morning, with trouble waking up and then having too much energy at night, making it hard to relax.

  • Fluctuating cortisol levels.

  • Blood sugar fluctuations.

  • Cravings for stimulants.

  • Cravings for salty foods.

  • Low blood pressure.

Naturopathic care

  • Eliminate alcohol, coffee and other stimulants. Avoid refined sugar and artificial sweeteners particularly aspartame found in diet drinks, chewing gum etc.

  • Do not skip meals, eat whole foods and small portions regularly. Avoid all processed foods.

  • Avoid excess potassium - bananas, figs , dates etc. Especially if you are craving salt - this can be a sign that more sodium is excreted. Increase sea vegetables, kale, spinach,

  • Supplement with Celtic Sea salt or Himalayan Crystal salt dissolved in water.

  • Drink more pure filtered water.

  • Consider Vitamin B Complex with extra B5, Magnesium citrate, Vitamin C . Talk to a healthcare provider about the correct dosage for you.

  • Earthing is a practice that helps regulate cortisol. Walk bare foot on a grass daily for at least 20 min.

HERBAL MEDICINE

Panax ginseng, Siberian ginseng, Ashwagandha, Gotu kola, Rhodiola, Liquorice, and Shatavari are just a few adaptogens that help the body manage stress effectively.

BEGIN YOUR WELLNESS JOURNEY