It's 6:30 am; the alarm went off at 6:00, and you've hit snooze now for the 10th time. You wonder why you just can't get out of bed, even though you went to sleep early the night before, collapsing under the covers at 8:00--even on Survivor night!
You drag yourself throughout the day, feeling dizzy when you get up from your desk. And even after 4 coffees throughout the day, and half a bar of chocolate, you still can't stay energized. By 5:00, while you're sitting in rush-hour traffic getting home, or stuffed into a subway train, your nerves feel totally shot; you sigh wondering how you'll face the noise and hyper-activity of your kids and dog when you get home.
Sound familiar? Does that describe you or someone you know?
You could have what's called Adrenal Exhaustion (or Fatigue): A syndrome in which your nerves are shut down and thus operating below the necessary level. People with Adrenal Exhaustion can't get their energy throughout the day, have a harder time recovering from illnesses, and have an overall feeling of greyness or depression. They are typically addicted to caffeine, sugar, and fatty foods to keep the energized, while maintaining that the caffeine "does nothing for them."
There are innumerable websites to visit on this syndrome by simply Googling 'Adrenal Fatigue' or 'Adrenal Exhaustion'.
If the symptoms above sound like things you've been experiencing, here are some quick tips:
1. See your doctor: Obviously this is the first step. Get some tests done and see if what you're feeling is caused by adrenal fatigue or something else.
2. Cut down on caffeine: Do you need those four espressos during the day? You don't. In fact, the more caffeine you're drinking, the more stress you're putting on your adrenal glands thus worsening your symptoms. Start off by cutting out one coffee per day, and continue until you've reached a level that you find is right for you--might be two coffees or only one. Many people claim their symptoms level out when they cut down the caffeine.
3. Avoid sugar: Sugar is another substance that burns out your nerves, especially when you're in the throes of that unavoidable crash. Avoid those tempting sugary carbohydrates, fruit juices, and fruits in general high in sugar.
4. Eat at the right times: When you skip meals, or eat sporadically, you're causing your blood sugar levels to crash out, which puts stress on your nerves. Eat at the right time, and choose foods with high protein and low carbohydrate content. This will give you the energy you need without the burnout.
5. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water--it's good for you, especially if you have Adrenal Exhaustion. Consider adding lemon or even sea salt to it, for many sufferers have low electrolytes.
6. Eat fat: No this isn't a prescription for Kentucky Fried Chicken--but eating fatty foods from natural sources are important, such as nuts, avocados, butter, nut butters, and cheese.
7. Plenty of protein: Again, not a prescription to hit the nearest Burger King; nevertheless, protein is important if you're suffering from Adrenal Exhaustion. If you can, reach for organic meats and chicken, and wild, not farmed, salmon and other fish.
8. Exercise: This is just generally good for anyone; but if you're suffering from mild depression as a result of Adrenal Exhaustion, then getting your endorphins flowing in your brain will help you feel better. As well, when you're exercising, you tend to eat healthier. It's good all around.
Two websites you should check out for more information:
Adrenalfatigue.org
adrenalfatiguesolution.com
Pass this information along to your friends, family, and co-workers if you feel it might benefit them.
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