Q: How can I tell if I have a weak constitution? If I do, does that make me more susceptible to adrenal fatigue issues? What are some examples or signs of fatigue?A: Looking back in your life, if you have a weak constitution, you would be sick often and the body may react negatively to supplements and medicines. There are a lot of other signs of fatigue, including increased bloating, inability to tolerate new environments, inability to tolerate heat, poor sleep patterns, food allergies and frequent sinus infections. The weaker your constitution is, the lower your body’s ability to withstand stress, and the higher the chances of getting Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome.
A: Exercise in moderation helps to reduce stress and tension. Doing the Adrenal Breathing Exercise should help the body relax and wind down after a hard day.
A: When you are recovering from Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome, your female hormonal symptoms may change for better or worse. We need to ask you more questions to get a better understanding of how your body works before we can answer you properly.
Q: What causes me to have so many food sensitivities? I didn’t used to have so many.A: Allergy (food or chemicals or sensitivities) and asthma reactions usually have strong adrenal components. Many allergies involve the release of histamines and other pro-inflammatory substances. The body's response is to produce cortisol, a strong anti-inflammatory hormone. The weaker the adrenals, the higher the frequency of allergies. This is because the more histamine is released, the more cortisol it takes to control the inflammatory response and the harder the adrenals have to work to produce more cortisol. When the adrenals are eventually exhausted, cortisol output is compromised, allowing unopposed histamine to inflame the bodily tissues more. This vicious circle can lead to progressively deepening adrenal exhaustion and produce even more severe allergic reactions.
A: A lot of times the mother’s own life experience or her own constitution while carrying the fetus may affect the child’s predisposition to Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome. We see many stressed out mothers with stressed out kids over time, so there is definitely a hereditary component.
Q: Can unhealthy adrenals affect muscle growth?A: Some people with Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome may lose muscle. A chronically high cortisol output leads to a state of catabolism or the breakdown of proteins. Due to the lack of glucose in the blood from metabolic dysfunction, the body breaks down proteins to generate simple amino acids. The amino acids are then used as an alternative energy source from glucose to power the brain. The cycle of breakdown or catabolism is normally followed by a process of rebuilding, or anabolism. In adrenal fatigue, the rebuilding process, normally carried out by androgens, may be compromised. The rebuilding process is slowed and retarded. Muscles broken down may not be completely replaced with new ones. Collagen is broken down without replenishment. Internally, organ and muscle breakdowns may lead to chronic muscle and joint pains of unknown origin. Weight loss happens but generally at the late stages when the body enters a catabolic state.
Signs of adrenal fatigue (AF) can include lack of energy, inability to sleep – regardless of tiredness, allergies, hypoglycemia, and more. While these isolated symptoms don’t always pinpoint AF as the culprit, they can collectively help determine diagnosis. Signs of fatigue can be seen in different stages of NeuroEndoMetabolic (NEM) dysregulation – where chronic stress blocks the body’s natural defense ability. Removal of stressors is the most important step in AFS recovery and fatigue prevention. Since symptoms can vary and create paradoxical reactions, it is important to seek proper medical care if you believe you may suffer from AFS.
