Understanding adrenal fatigue and the stress response on the body

The concept of adrenal fatigue was developed by James Wilson, Ph.D., a naturopathic doctor and expert in alternative medicine in the late 90s. Adrenal fatigue occurs when our adrenal glands, located on top of our kidneys have overworked themselves, and hormonally have lost their stamina due to chronic stress. This can cause a variety of symptoms in an individual’s body, with chronic physical and mental fatigue being a primary symptom.

When stress is signaled in the body, a specific chain of events occurs. The Hypothalamus, Pituitary, and Adrenal Axis (HPA Axis) is signaled (Cabral, 2017). The hypothalamus and pituitary, both deep glands in the middle of the brain begin the process. The first pathway, an individual’s perceived stress, signals the hypothalamus, which then signals the pituitary, and lastly the adrenal glands to release norepinephrine and epinephrine (aka… adrenaline). These hormones cause increase in heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing speed. The second pathway also signals through the HPA axis, except this time, the adrenal cortex, the outer layers of the adrenal gland are stimulated. Stimulation of the cortex causes the release of glucocorticoids, which consist mostly of cortisol used to help the body get primed to tolerate stress. Cortisol further increases blood pressure and blood volume, fully putting the body into the fight or flight pattern of the Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS)

This second pathway is where it gets tricky. In the short-term, cortisol helps decrease inflammation in the body; however, in the long-term, excess cortisol increases inflammation, decreases immune function, and can cause chronic high blood pressure. All factors that promote an unhealthy body. So, what can be done to help restore adrenal function, and recover from chronic stress. Below are some tips to consider (Cabral, 2017).

1.     Parasympathetic retraining- Since adrenal fatigue is caused by being in our SNS (fight or flight state), we have to retrain ourselves how to be in our parasympathetic nervous system (PNS-rest and digest state). We can increase our ability to be in our PNS in environments and activities that help bring about a sense of safety and comfort. These activities could be a sacred space in our home, yoga, meditation, walking in nature, and connecting with a supportive friend or therapist.

2.     Supplementing with an Activated B Vitamin-Complex, Vitamin-D3, and Magnesium

B vitamins are important for energy and buffering the effects of stress in the body. Vitamin D3 is also important for energy, strengthens immunity and helps regulate cortisol levels. Magnesium also helps regulate stress hormone levels and helps the body with relaxation.

3.     Decrease to-do’s in your schedule-Recovering from adrenal fatigue takes a balance of finding ways to support your body manage stress better, and to also look at areas in your life where you can simplify or cut back on obligations to have more time to take care of yourself.

Source: Cabral, S (2017). The Rain Barrel Effect. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.