It should come as no surprise that Americans are more stressed now than ever before. Considering the American lifestyle, it is no wonder that many individuals, specifically adults, suffer from stress, lack of sleep, poor diets and untrimmed waistlines. Many adults live with a constant feeling of being tired, general un-wellness and an overall "gray" feeling about life. However, what many adults don't realize is that they could be suffering from this 21st century epidemic known as Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome.
Now you may be asking yourself why haven't I heard of this? Well, the answer is simple. Unlike many other illnesses and conditions, Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome is not recognized by the mainstream medical community as being a so-called "real" condition. In other words, it gets categorized with other conditions such as depression, Cushing's syndrome or Addison's disease. Misdiagnosis has become a serious concern.
In further detail, Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome can most simply be described as a condition in which the adrenal glands are in a constant state of use caused by habitual stress. In essence, the adrenal glands become run-down and unable to generate enough hormones needed to ward off fatigue, weakness and depression. This unfortunately leaves individuals feeling perpetually exhausted even if they are getting plenty of sleep, exercise and nutrients. As a result, individuals start to rely on other alleviations such as caffeine, prescription medications and sometimes even alcohol which could lead to negative consequences.
So how can you tell if your adrenals are fatigued? First, look for the following basic symptoms and consult with your doctor if:
- You feel tired for no apparent reason.
- You have trouble getting out of bed even when you fall asleep at a reasonable hour.
- You live in a constant state of feeling rundown or overwhelmed.
- You have difficulty bouncing back from stress or illness.
- You crave salty and sweet snacks.
- You feel more alert, energetic and awake after 6pm than you do all day.
Again, many Americans suffer from extreme exhaustion in today's busy world, therefore it is crucial for us all to understand the debate surrounding Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome and to learn ways to help ward off extreme exhaustion. Some home remedies that individuals suffering from Adrenal Fatigue syndrome should look into are meditation classes, deep breathing exercises, increase spirituality and awareness, restorative sleep, daily exercises, and a clean diet. Some supplements that may be beneficial as well are Rx DHEA prescribed by a Doctor, Ginseng (200mg 2x daily), B6 (100mg 2x daily), Vitamin C (500-1000mg 2x daily) Fish Oil, GABA (300-1200mg daily) and Taurine (2000mg daily).