Chronic Fatigue – Adrenal Fatigue

Chronic Fatigue: may develop from Adrenal Fatigue or may be associated with a dysfunction of the mitochondria, which leads to a reduction in energy production.  

Have you noticed that you can't do as much as you used to during the day or that when you think of your day, you feel completely overwhelmed when you realise that you won't be able to cope with everything you have to do? You may have even already had to adjust to the reduced energy and have to choose between tasks that are more priority as you can't do all the daily jobs you planned to do for that day? 

If you are suffering from chronic tiredness, and it has an impact on how you function during the day, this needs investigation. Your adrenal glands may play a role, or your mitochondria isn't working as it should.

What are the Mitochondria? These are the powerhouses of your cells; their role is to produce energy. However, as we get older, our mitochondria reduce in function and number. Listed below are some of the factors that can impact the health of your mitochondria:

• Nutritional deficiencies
• Pathogens such as bacteria/viruses
• Heavy metals
• Toxins
• Poor lifestyle

Adrenal Fatigue develops through exposure to continuous stress. This stress can be mental (i.e. worries, anxiety, depression, trauma and grief) or physical (i.e. a chronic inflammation in your body, chronic pain or infection). 

The adrenal glands release increased levels of the stress hormone cortisol to help you cope however when there is an increased burden on this release then the adrenal glands can't maintain that high level of function and the cortisol levels decline. At this stage, you may reach a point of constant fatigue and overwhelmed feelings. For more information, read my article ‘Understanding the role of Cortisol in the body‘

Signs and symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue may include:-

• Feeling overwhelmed with daily responsibilities;
• Increased stress over some time;
• Anxiety, insomnia, or depression;
• Getting sick more frequently, or slow to recover;
• Food allergies and sensitivities;
• Brain fog or feeling if you can't function properly;
• Insulin resistance, blood sugar imbalance or weight gain; 

Causes can include: 

• Emotional stress
• Pain
• Inflammation
• Hypothyroidism
• Allergies
• Toxins or
• Other immune-related disorders.