Adrenal fatigue occurs when the adrenal glands, small organs that sit on top of the kidneys, can no longer keep pace with the demands placed on them from external stressors. Dr. James Wilson, a physician and author of "Adrenal Fatigue: 21st Century Stress Syndrome," notes how nutritional demands can change in those suffering with the condition.
Definition
One of the defining characteristics of adrenal fatigue involves low output of adrenal hormones, especially cortisol. Dr. Michael Lam, a U.S. practitioner familiar with the issue, explains how cortisol serves a number of roles in the body. The steroid hormone, manufactured in the adrenal cortex, helps maintain steady blood sugar levels, and influences sleep-wake cycles, energy levels and the immune system.
Aldosterone
While most of its primary symptoms revolve around low cortisol output, adrenal fatigue can also affect levels of other hormones. Wilson notes that the adrenal cortex also manufactures aldosterone, a hormone that preserves sodium in the body. This helps maintain adequate hydration and blood pressure. Although this does not always happen in adrenal fatigue, levels of aldosterone may often fall with cortisol.
Lack of Sodium
Wilson points out that the lack of aldosterone made during adrenal fatigue may cause sufferers to crave salt. More importantly, this lack of sodium can reduce the amount of water held in extracellular tissues, which include the bloodstream. Low blood pressure often results from this change, which may cause dizziness upon standing. Others may notice difficulty in holding onto water, regularly waking up during the night to urinate.
Sea Salt
It may go against a wave of public warnings from the government to regulate their salt intake, but sufferers of adrenal fatigue may benefit from indulging salt cravings. Lam recommends adding sea salt to the diet; he prefers this source of sodium because it also provides a number of other important trace minerals.
Mineral Balance
Sufferers of adrenal fatigue should note their symptoms in relation to their food intake, and pay particular attention to how they feel after consuming potassium-rich foods, such as vegetables and fruit. Wilson explains that this remains the case because the sodium-to-potassium ratio is not so well regulated during adrenal fatigue and, while he still recommends that these individuals consume fruit and vegetables, including them as part of a meal that provides some sodium may help maintain a healthier mineral balance.
References
- EI Resource: Treatment for Adrenal Fatigue
- "Adrenal Fatigue: 21st Century Stress Syndrome"; Dr. James Wilson; 2002.
- Dr. Lam: Adrenal Fatigue
