Adrenal Fatigue
The HPA axis or hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis is the system that governs the body’s intermediate and long-term stress response. This system is responsible for the hormonal and metabolic events that increase heart rate, blood pressure, blood sugar, for example, when an immediate threat is perceived. Muscles tense, digestive and reproductive systems shut down and, with the totality of these changes, the body becomes better equipped to survive that threat.
The mechanisms that protect the body in the short term from acute stress, however, can become harmful or damaging over the long term. When this system is continually activated, the stress response system erodes resilience and depletes metabolic reserves. There are several habits and behaviors that trigger the HPA axis to be continually or chronically activated and what results in mood disturbances, hormone problems, and inflammatory conditions.
Common Signs and Symptoms that your Adrenals at Fatigued:
- Depression
- Alcoholism
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- PTSD
- Hyperthyroidism
- Hypothyroidism
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Fibromyalgia
- rheumatoid arthritis
- Asthma
- Eczema
Risk Factors
If the system is constantly in STRESS response, these are possible risk factors:
- Perceived stress
- Inflammation of any kind
- High or low blood sugar
- Circadian disruption
Considerations to take if you have this issue:
- Preventing further depletion of the metabolic reserve and building resilience is most important.
- A nutrient rich diet such as the whole food based eating pattern encouraged in the FASTer Way.
- Committing to gluten- and dairy-free eating can reduce gut-level inflammation.
- Macro tracking and whole food nutrition will limit total carbohydrate consumption and put emphasis on nutrient rich carbohydrates which can lead to better blood sugar balance. Remember, blood sugar dysregulation is a risk factor for HPA axis dysregulation.
- rest and recovery from workouts. You also may need to alter the intensity of the workout.
Need help with where to start? Join my next round found
here.
or
xoxo
Lisa English