Causes
of Adrenal Fatigue
The adrenal glands are incredibly important. However, if we constantly require them to produce their hormones, while not providing them the ideal nutritional and lifestyle environment to rest and recover, they will get exhausted and stop working optimally.
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Stress and Inflammation are the two main ways in which we exhaust our adrenals.
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What causes
Adrenal Fatigue?
1. Stress
Stress triggers the release of adrenal hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. Stress can be mental or physical.
Mental sources of stress include hectic lifestyles, financial pressures, work dynamics, toxic relationships, unwanted unemployment, fears, and negative mental narratives.
Physical sources of stress include caffeine in all its forms, too little or too much exercise, and not enough quality sleep.
As the mind does not distinguish between real and perceived threats, the body reacts the same way to stress regardless of where it comes from.
The result is a constant stream of adrenaline and cortisol triggers.
2. Inflammation
Inflammation is a necessary defense mechanism by the body. Cortisol is also a powerful anti-inflammatory which is released by the adrenals to regulate inflammation.
However, many environmental and lifestyle conditions of modern living mean that the body is in a constant state of minor inflammation, which in turn triggers consistent cortisol release and tire the adrenals over time.
The main sources of body inflammation are:
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Sources of Inflammation
1. Dysbiosis
You live in a symbiotic relationship (mutual benefit) with your gut flora, a large number of microorganisms which include numerous strains of bacteria and yeasts. Gut flora help you with nutrient breakdown and absorption, maintain the integrity of your digestive tract, and protect you against harmful pathogens. There is increasing awareness of the importance of gut flora to a number of metabolic processes and overall health.
Dysbiosis means not having a diverse enough set of gut flora or too many of the bad types, such as an overgrowth of harmful yeasts like Candida.
Causes
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Antibiotics: Prior use of antibiotics which kill both good and bad bacteria, but after which the bad ones can gain the upper hand and grow back more quickly and strongly.
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Travel: New places expose you to new microorganisms which your gut is not used to, which is why you can get digestive issues when travelling abroad.
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Food: Refined carbohydrates and sugars, including alcohol, are the favorite food of bad bacteria and yeasts and fuel their growth.
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Food poisoning: Residual bacteria from past food poisoning which introduce unwanted guests to your gut flora ecosystem and where they can stay for a long time.
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Effects
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Digestive tract inflammation: The metabolic output (excretions) of bad bacteria and yeasts are toxins for your body and create brain fog, make you bloated, and inflame your digestive tract.
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Nutrient malabsorption: An inflamed digestive tract cannot absorb nutrients properly even if you are having supplements and consuming the right foods in the right amounts. In turn, this can exacerbate your Adrenal Fatigue as it weakens your body and deprives the adrenals of the required building blocks to produce the relevant hormones.
2. Acidosis
Your body fluids, such as your blood, have a pH value, which determines whether it is acidic or alkaline. The scale of pH values goes from 0 (very acidic) to 14 (very alkaline), with 7 representing the neutral state, such as in pure water. Blood should typically have a pH value of just over 7, or slightly alkaline.
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Acidosis occurs when your blood pH drops into acidic territory. Acidosis triggers overall body inflammation and is associated with several Adrenal Fatigue symptoms such as fatigue and a higher heart rate.
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There are two main types of acidosis. Respiratory acidosis occurs when CO2 builds up in the blood, usually when the lungs are unable to eliminate enough CO2 due to chronic breathing difficulties, such as from asthma. Metabolic acidosis occurs when there is more acid circulating in the body than the kidneys are able to eliminate. The main sources of metabolic acid are acidic foods and drinks, as well as a build up of lactic acid from alcohol consumption and excessive exercise.
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Food would need to have pH below 4.5 to be considered excessively acidic in this context. Acidic foods include sugar, some grains, processed foods, beer, coffee, certain high-protein foods, deep-fried food and sodas and other sweetened beverages. Certain fruits and vegetables such as citrus fruits and tomatoes are very acidic, but become alkalizing when metabolized.
3. Toxins
We are often exposed to environmental pollutants and toxins which our bodies defend against by triggering an inflammatory response. There are four main types to look out for:
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Water: Many people drink water from the tap. Even if water in your city is safe at source, think about what else joins the water along the way, for example from the pipes. Often tap water can have high levels of metals and other impurities and over time these can build up in your body and cause inflammation and other symptoms.
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Air: You cannot change the air quality in your city. However, if there is smoking in the household, it would be better if it can be done outside. Equally, think whether you are exposed to chemicals, even if only fumes, at your place of work.
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Mold: Mold toxicity is relatively common. You might have mold in your home even if it is not readily visible, especially if you live in a city where buildings have been around for a long time. Mold produces spores and toxins which you breathe in and cause a generalized allergic reaction, inflammation and potentially a number of other neurological effects.
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Allergies: Allergies are the result of the body overreacting to foreign substances that are not typically harmful to the body, such as pollen, certain foods or pet hair. Allergic reactions cause the most visible type of inflammation in the form of a blocked nose, itchy skin and swollen and obstructed airways. Like with any inflammation, the body responds to allergic reactions by also producing cortisol which is yet another requirement on the adrenals. As Adrenal Fatigue affects the appropriate production of cortisol, it might also worsen your allergic reactions such as with hay fever. For avoidance of doubt, always take you allergy medicine as advised by your doctor, this information is meant to illustrate how different body processes interact with and affect each other.
4. Food
Food sensitivities and sugar are the two main dietary causes of inflammation and adrenal triggers.
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Many people experience food sensitivities or intolerances. Food allergies, which involve the immune system, are different from food sensitivities, which relate to the digestive system.
Typical symptoms of food sensitivities include gas, bloating, and cramps. In effect, food sensitivities cause an inflammation of your digestive system. As discussed above, an inflamed digestive system negatively affects nutrient absorption. Note that some food intolerances are the result of dysbiosis and will get better as your gut flora improves. However, some sensitivities are congenital, such as some cases of gluten and dairy intolerance, so notice which foods make you feel unwell and try to avoid them.
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Sugar affects your adrenals in two major ways. Firstly, consuming sugar or refined carbohydrates will create spikes of glucose in your blood. Your body will respond by increasing the level of insulin production which in turn triggers cortisol production as a counterbalance. Sugar is also generally acidic which increases your blood acidosis and contributes to generalized inflammation.
