Adrenal fatigue refers to the condition that can occur when the function of the adrenal glands begins to falter. Dr. James Wilson, the author of "Adrenal Fatigue: 21st Century Stress Syndrome," explains that this condition occurs following a period of high stress, intense exercise or chronic infection.
Adrenal Fatigue
Adrenal fatigue represents the name given to a collection of symptoms that occur when tissues within the walnut-sized adrenal gland stop functioning correctly, resulting in low hormonal output. Consistently low energy levels, poor sleeping patterns, sugar cravings and a poor mood stand out as some of the most common symptoms. This results from the reduced output of several hormones such as cortisol, the body's major stress hormone, although levels of other adrenal hormones, such as the sodium-sparing aldosterone, may also fall.
Sodium
Because the body cannot manufacturer it, sodium holds the status of an essential nutrient. Sodium helps maintain hydration and a steady blood pressure. According to Dr. Michael Colgan, deficiency of sodium remains rare because of the widespread use of table salt, the common name for sodium chloride. Although he recommends that most people consume less salt, he notes that active individuals can lose a large amount of sodium when they sweat and thus require more.
Sodium Loss
Dr. Wilson notes how sufferers of adrenal fatigue may require significantly more salt than normal individuals. Production of aldosterone, an adrenal hormone that instructs the kidneys to retain sodium in the bloodstream, often drops in such individuals. If they do not provide an ongoing supply of salt, they may find their blood pressure falling, resulting in dizziness when standing. The low-sodium state that exists in adrenal fatigue does not account for all the symptoms of adrenal fatigue, as fluctuations in cortisol also play a role.
Potassium Balance
Your net intake of sodium represents just one aspect of providing your body with the balance it requires for optimal adrenal function. As Dr. Michael Lam points out, your body requires both sodium to osmotically hold water outside of cells and potassium to hold water inside cells; this means that the sodium-to-potassium ratio must remain within certain ranges. A large intake of potassium can disturb the ratio; just as large amounts of salt can. Dr. Lam, a U.S. practitioner familiar with adrenal fatigue, points out that eating potassium-rich foods such as fruits without any source of salt can sometimes bring about the symptoms of low sodium.
Recovery
While adequate consumption of a good-quality sea salt remains the best option for short-term management of the sodium loss found in adrenal fatigue sufferers, long-term solutions aim to heal the function of the adrenal gland so that aldosterone production can return to normal levels. Dr. Wilson explains that doing so involves removing excessive stress on the gland by reducing psychological worry and improving poor eating habits. He also suggests nourishing it with a carefully-tailored blend of specific nutrients, such as vitamin B5 and vitamin C.
References
- "Adrenal Fatigue: 21st Century Stress Syndrome"; Dr James Wilson; 2002.
- Dr Lam: Adrenal Fatigue
- "Sports Nutrition Guide"; Dr Michael Colgan; 1992.
