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How to Identify and Heal Adrenal Exhaustion Naturally

Fatigue is the main symptom of adrenal fatigue?

How to Identify and Heal Adrenal Exhaustion Naturally

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Do you feel tired, worn out and just plain zapped? It could be that your batteries need recharging. What? You didn't know you had batteries. Yes, you do, they are the two little adrenal glands which sit on top of your kidneys. Your adrenals are made of two parts: the cortex which is responsible for cortisone production, and the medulla, which secrets adrenaline.

The cortex helps to maintain body balance, regulates sugar and carbohydrate metabolism and produces certain sex hormones. The medulla's job is to produce epinephrine also known as adrenaline and norepinephrine to speed up metabolism in order to cope with stress. When you are under stress, the adrenal glands increase your metabolism to ward off the negative effects.

Adrenal gland function is weakened by consuming too much caffeine and sugar, by vitamin deficiencies and long term cortico-steroid use and of course, by too much stress! It is extremely important to keep your batteries charged.

Symptoms of adrenal exhaustion are: great fatigue, weakness, lethargy, low blood pressure, severe reactions to odors or certain foods, recurring yeast infections, heart palpitations or panic attacks, clammy hands and soles of feet, poor memory, chronic low back pain, moodiness, dry skin, poor memory, poor circulation, hypoglycemia or diabetes, poor immune system, cravings for sugar and salt, brittle nails, a feeling of being "driven" and anxiousness.

Adrenal exhaustion is also common in perimenopausal and menopausal stages of life.

The main lifestyle change needed for improving the condition is rest, rest, and more rest!

Difficulty: Easy

Read more: How to Identify and Heal Adrenal Exhaustion Naturally | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_6047669_identify-heal-adrenal-exhaustion-naturally.html#ixzz1ADVhkjln

Signs of a Weak Adrenal System

Adrenal glands are small, about the size of a walnut, but thejob they do in your body is anything but small. Adrenal glands are responsible for producing hormones, including cortisol, estrogen and testosterone, which are required for optimum health. They also release adrenaline in times of immediate stress or danger, such as when running in fear. Adrenal glands work in the metabolism of carbohydrates and the regulation of blood sugar. Hormones secreted by the adrenal glands have a major effect on how your think and feel. A weak adrenal system can cause a number of health issues.

Weakness And Lethargy

1. Stress is a part of our everyday life. Some stressors can be somewhat minor, while others are serious. Our bodies can be put under mental stress from troubled family relationships or relationships at work. Job requirements can put physical stress on us. Injury and disease also stress the body. In a dangerous situation, adrenals enable our bodies to escape. Since the main purpose of the adrenal glands is give the body the ability to deal with any of these stressors, an adrenal system that is reduced in function will seriously affect our health. A weakened adrenal system may be indicated by overall weakness and lethargy. Other symptoms can include blood sugar disorders, headaches, memory problems, dizziness and food cravings.

Addison's Disease

2. Although it's rare, a seriously underactive cortex, which is the outer section of the adrenal gland, can result in a condition known as Addison's disease. Indications of this condition include fatigue, dizziness, fainting, nausea, loss of appetite, moodiness, a reduction in the amount of body hair and the inability to handle stress. Further symptoms include a feeling of being cold and a darkening of the skin around the elbows, scars, knees, skin colds, mouth and palm creases.

Adrrenal Reduction

3. Many people take cortisone for diseases such as asthma and arthritis. Unfortunately, many drugs have side effects, especially when taken over a long period of time. Such is the case for those taking cortisone therapy, as the adrenal glands will shrink in size. Bleeding, infections and tumors can also cause problems with adrenal glands.

Complete Adrenal Failure

4. Poor habits such as smoking, alcohol abuse and drug abuse are known to cause complete adrenal failure. Tuberculosis and pituitary disease can also cause adrenal failure.

Suggestions For Healthy Adrenal Glands

5. For healthy adrenal glands (as well as good overall health in general), eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, particularly green leafy vegetables, deep-ocean fish, garlic and onions. Avoid fats, processed foods, sugar and sugar beverages and fried foods. Alcohol, caffeine and tobacco are toxic to the adrenal glands. Unresolved stress should be dealt with and resolved, as this long-term condition can seriously weaken the adrenal system.