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The adrenal glands help the body respond to stress but if they become depleted, the system can no longer handle stress. The main symptom of adrenal burnout is a feeling of constant fatigue, which doesn’t seem to lift even when one has adequate sleep. Low blood pressure, depression, irritability and a craving for sweet foods are other symptoms. An accumulation of toxic emotions, feelings of hopelessness, anxiety, infections and poor digestion can follow when a body is impaired by low energy levels.

Stress hormones

The hormones released by the adrenal glands raise the body’s blood sugar levels and blood pressure. Adrenaline is released in emergency ‘fight or flight’ situations. Cortisone and cortisol are longer acting anti-stress hormones. Aldosterone is an adrenal hormone that increases the blood pressure.

Causes of adrenal burnout

Adrenal burnout may come from a single trauma or it may develop slowly over time. There may be many causes: mental, emotional, physical or spiritual stress, for example. Poor nutrition, water, electromagnetic pollution and chemical toxins can also lead to an over-taxed system, as can a highly stressful and fear-based life.

Stimulants like drugs, caffeine, sugar, alcohol, overly vigorous exercise and thrill-seeking activities can damage the adrenal glands. Emotions such as anger, hatred and rage can also act as negative stimulants. Sometimes the use of stimulants may be due to adrenal burnout, whereby the stimulants provide a temporary source of energy.

Unhealthy responses to stress like fear, worry and anger don’t help. Those prone to adrenal burnout include overly nervous or highly strung people.

Symptoms

Low levels of cortisol can lead to low blood sugar and allergies. Low zinc levels, low body temperature and low blood pressure may signify adrenal burnout. The blood pressure may rise later with the build up of toxins in the kidneys and arteries.

Excessive stress can lead to the depletion of the adrenals. Depression, apathy, heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease may be the end result of the depletion of energy and accumulation of toxins.

If you think you may have adrenal fatigue, see your medical practitioner so that your full medical history and a physical can be undertaken. Other possible conditions may also be explored.

Tags: stress, stress relief