Do you need that extra “kick” in the morning from your cup of coffee? Have you tried diet pills for weight loss or energy in the past? Has your coffee lost that “jolt” or has your diet pill lost it’s effectiveness? If you answered “yes”, then please read on, because you could be one of the many Australians that suffer from adrenal fatigue, a very serious condition that can cause long-term health effects if not corrected.
Our adrenal glands are extremely important to how our bodies react to stress. We all know that stress can cause heart disease and obesity, among other things. They need to function properly in order for our bodies to function properly. Stimulants such as diet pills cause our bodies to go into “fight or flight” mode, which is why we get the burst of energy that they bring. This “fight or flight” mode is constantly in action when our bodies are given these stimulants. It can run down or burn out if it is overused. This means we don’t have the tools we need when times of stress actually do arise. We become agitated, stressed, and tired. With each degree of adrenal dysfunction, our internal organs become more and more affected. Our bodies are less able to bounce back from illness, and in more severe cases, some people are unable to get out of bed for more than a few hours at a time. This condition can be very serious.
Something as simple as discontinuing those morning cups of coffee or other stimulants can help restore balance to the body and help it to heal naturally.
Symptoms of adrenal fatigue include:
- Feeling overwhelmed and exhausted
- Weight gain
- Insomnia
- Craving salty or sweet foods
- Trouble waking in the morning
- Slow recovery from illness or injury
If you believe you have this syndrome, try to discontinue all stimulant use for a few days and see if you feel different. Ask your naturopath or physician if they can recommend any supplements to help support your body during periods of stress and manage your adrenal fatigue naturally (short-term stimulant kick!)