Do you constantly feel tired and worn out? Blood pressure problems? Emotions out of whack? Can’t get refreshing sleep? Slow to recover from exercise or illness? While there are potentially several reasons for such symptoms and you should discuss these with your doctor, you may have fallen victim to a syndrome that is getting increasing attention in our fast-paced, stressful world.
While stress in life is inevitable, brevity is best. Add a dash of an unhealthy diet and a handful of poor lifestyle habits to a serving of chronic stress in your life, and the combination can spell out a recipe for disaster. Adrenal fatigue, also called adrenal insufficiency, results when a chronic physical or emotional stressor in your life overwhelms the adrenal glands and cause those organs to stop functioning optimally. This can lead to abnormal levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) and norepinephrine (the “fight-or-flight” hormone). Such disruptions in the body’s ability to maintain homeostasis give rise to undesirable symptoms such as:
-constant fatigue
-brain fog
-feeling most energetic in the evenings
-diminished immune response
-slow recovery from exercise, injury, or illness
-cravings for sweet or salty foods
-extreme sensitivity to cold
-problems with low blood pressure
-anxiety
-depression
-problems getting to sleep, feeling unrefreshed after sleep, or insomnia
-inability to cope with stressors
Fortunately, there is hope. A variety of techniques may help you along the road to recovery. Even simple lifestyle changes can have significant benefits on your overall health. An appropriate physical activity routine, engaging in activities that boost your mood, and finding ways to reduce stress in your life are all components of overall well-being. The advanced technology and training techniques used in our clinic are designed to help you train your body to restore autonomic balance. The health psychologist at the POTS and Dysautonomia Treatment Center is also ready to assist you as you work toward these goals.
Nutrition also plays a critical role in optimum health. Just as gas powers a car, proper nutrition is necessary to power your body and give you the energy to live life to the fullest. The Registered Dietitian Nutritionist in our clinic is trained to customize a nutritional plan and recommend supplements that will best address your unique symptoms, sensitivities, intolerances, allergies, and needs.
As with any condition, it is important to rely on qualified health professionals to guide you toward the treatment strategies that will be best for you.
Courtney Nordhus, MS
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
Licensed Dietitian