The adrenal glands are small and sit above the kidneys. The glands help the body burn fat and protein and regulate sugar, blood pressure, and stress response. They create, release, and regulate hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. Conditions like chronic fatigue, brain fog, and burnout cause individuals to be exhausted during the day and unable to fall asleep at night. Symptoms can also include hair loss, weight fluctuation, increased cravings, and difficulty recovering from illness. Nutrition support plays a major role in healing adrenal fatigue.
Nutrition Support
Adrenal fatigue nutrition support is a food-based approach to optimize adrenal gland function. The objective is to increase energy levels naturally, so the body doesn’t burn stored nutrients. Adrenal gland optimization involves learning ways to reduce and manage stress, getting healthy sleep, and making lifestyle adjustments.
Adrenal Fatigue
When stress activates, the adrenal glands release cortisol. Researchers theorize that when the body experiences high levels of chronic stress, the adrenal glands may not be able to produce enough cortisol to maintain healthy function, which can lead to adrenal fatigue.
Adrenal fatigue should not be confused with adrenal insufficiency, a verified medical condition where the adrenal glands cannot produce enough hormones.
Fatigue Symptoms
Symptoms of adrenal fatigue include:
Chronic low energy levels
Difficulty waking up
Difficulty falling asleep
Increased cravings for salt or sugar
Dependence on stimulants like caffeine
Other health conditions could also cause symptoms.
Foods to Avoid
Decreasing foods and drinks high in refined and processed sugar and unhealthy fats are recommended. Some foods to limit include:
It’s also recommended to time meals to help manage blood sugar levels. Skipping meals forces the body to burn stored nutrients that can reduce energy levels. Maintaining breakfast and lunch and regular balanced snacks can help maintain energy levels throughout the day. Maintaining hydration is also important, as dehydration can influence stress levels and cause the adrenal glands to produce cortisol.
Recommended Foods
Doctors and nutritionists recommend balancing nutrient-dense sources of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates. Nutrition support foods include:
Lean meats
Fatty fish – Salmon and sardines are great protein sources as they are loaded with healthy omega-3 fatty acids, which can reduce inflammation and promote improved brain health.
Leafy greens – These vegetables contain magnesium, like spinach, kale, and Swiss chard. The body needs magnesium to carry out various functions, which also helps the body relax and manage stress more effectively. When there is trouble falling asleep, it could be a deficiency in this mineral.
Sea salt – Individuals with adrenal fatigue experience electrolyte imbalances. This is caused by a deficiency in the steroid hormone aldosterone. Adding sea salt will help balance electrolytes and minimize symptoms, specifically those related to blood pressure.
Olive oil
Avocado – The body needs a good amount of healthy fat to help the body heal. A low-fat diet is not ideal for dealing with hormonal issues like adrenal fatigue, as the body needs fat and cholesterol to produce hormones. Avocados contain high monounsaturated fats and fiber that help the body detox and digest food more efficiently.
Healing
A nutrition plan addressing adrenal fatigue can increase energy levels, regulate blood pressure, and promote healthier eating habits. Talking with your doctor and a nutritionist is recommended for optimal results, as they can develop a personalized health plan that addresses the following:
Lifestyle adjustments
Healthy sleep schedule
Managing stress
Physical activity
We are here for you at Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Wellness Clinic to learn more about adrenal fatigue and how to manage it. Contact us for more information on our services or to schedule an appointment for a consultation.
Adrenal Dysfunction Patterns
References
ABDULLA, Jehan, and B. DJ Torpy. “Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.” Endotext, edited by Kenneth R Feingold et al., MDText.com, Inc., 20 April 2017.
Allen, Loyd V Jr. “Adrenal fatigue.” International journal of pharmaceutical compounding vol. 17,1 (2013): 39-44.
Galland, Leo. “The gut microbiome and the brain.” Journal of medicinal food vol. 17,12 (2014): 1261-72. doi:10.1089/jmf.2014.7000
Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., presents how adrenal insufficiencies can affect the hormone levels in the body. Hormones play a vital part in regulating body temperature and help function the vital organs and muscles. This 2-part series will examine how adrenal insufficiencies affect the body and its symptoms. In part 2, we will look at the treatment for adrenal insufficiencies and how many people can incorporate these treatments into their health and wellness. We refer patients to certified providers that include hormone treatments that relieve various issues affecting the body while ensuring optimal health and wellness for the patient. We appreciate each patient by referring them to associated medical providers based on their diagnosis when it’s appropriate to understand better what they are feeling. We understand that education is an excellent and inquisitive way to ask our providers various intricated questions at the patient’s request and knowledge. Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., utilizes this information as an educational service. Disclaimer
What Are Adrenal Insufficiencies?
Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., presents: Many factors can affect the body, whether eating habits, mental health, or lifestyle habits all play a role in maintaining hormone function in the body. Today, we will apply these common dysfunctional cortisol patterns that patients present when they go in for a daily examination. Most patients often come in and explain to their doctors that they are suffering from adrenal dysfunction because different symptoms are associated with various stages of adrenal dysfunction or HPA dysfunction. Now adrenal dysfunction or hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) dysfunction is when the adrenal glands are not producing enough hormone to regulate the body. This causes the body to go through different stages of adrenal dysfunction if it is not treated right this way, causing the body to deal with muscle and joint pain that a person hasn’t dealt with throughout their life.
Many doctors and healthcare providers use a systematic approach that can help many people address whether or not they have adrenal dysfunction in their bodies. Today, we will discuss the relationship between female hormones and mood disorders associated with adrenal dysfunction. When it comes to adrenal dysfunction associated with hormones, many people will often get medicated for mental illnesses like bipolar disease or depression when their hormones are imbalanced. When hormonal imbalances begin to affect women in their early fifties due to premenopause, the mental disorder would often worsens and cause many other overlapping issues that can affect their hormones and their bodies.
Adrenal Dysfunction Affect The Body
Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., presents: Many women would have healthy diets, take yoga, be involved in spiritual practices, and hang out with their friends; however, when their hormone levels are imbalanced, they are dealing with other issues associated with HPA imbalances or adrenal dysfunction. By looking at the 24-hour corticotropic activity and determining how the circadian rhythm controls it, many doctors can look at the data presented to the patient. The way the data is being presented to the patient on how their hormone levels fluctuate in the body in the morning and how they rise or decrease throughout the entire day until they go to sleep.
With this information, many doctors can diagnose why this individual is having trouble going to sleep, constantly waking up early in the night, or not getting enough rest, making them exhausted throughout the day. So how is adrenal dysfunction associated with 24-hour corticotropic activity? Many factors can cause adrenal dysfunction in the body and affect hormone levels. When the body begins to over or underproduces hormones from the adrenal glands or the thyroids, it can cause cortisol and insulin levels to lose control in the body and cause various issues that result in muscle and joint pain. Sometimes hormonal dysfunction can cause somato-visceral or visceral-somatic pain by affecting the vital organs like the gut and the brain and start to cause issues to the surrounding muscles and joints. When the surrounding muscles and joints are causing pain in the body, they could be causing overlapping issues that can affect a person’s mobility and make them miserable.
How To Diagnose Adrenal Insufficiencies?
Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., presents: When doctors diagnose a patient suffering from adrenal dysfunction will begin to look at the patient’s medical history. Many patients will start filling out a long, extensive questionnaire, and doctors will begin to look at the anthropometrics, biomarkers, and clinical indicators found in physical exams. Doctors must obtain the patient’s history to look for the signs and symptoms of HPA dysfunction and adrenal dysfunction to determine the issue affecting the individual. After the examination, doctors would use functional medicine to look at where the dysfunction lies in the body and how the symptoms are connected. The numerous factors causing adrenal dysfunction in the body could be how a person’s eating habits are causing these issues, how much exercise they are incorporating in their daily lives, or how stress impacts them.
Functional medicine provides a holistic approach that considers lifestyle components causing issues in the person’s body. By connecting the dots on what the patient is saying and how these factors are causing adrenal insufficiencies, it is important to get the whole story from the patient to devise a treatment plan catered to the individual. They would appreciate that someone finally understands what they are going through and will begin to restore their health and wellness. By looking for the root causes, triggers, and mediators causing adrenal dysfunction, we can look at the expanded history that the patient is telling us, whether it be their family history, their hobbies, or what they like to do for fun. All these things are important to consider to try and connect the dots of the underlying cause of adrenal insufficiencies in the body affecting a person’s hormone levels.
Adrenal Insufficiencies Affect Cortisol
Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., presents: Now, do adrenal insufficiencies correlate with increased DHEA and cortisol hormone levels? Well, DHEA is a hormone that is produced by the adrenal glands naturally. DHEA’s main function is to make other hormones like estrogen and testosterone to regulate the male and female body. Cortisol is a stress hormone that increases the glucose levels in the bloodstream. Cortisol’s main function is to allow the brain to use glucose in the body while repairing the affected muscle tissues. When the body begins to over or underproduces hormones from the adrenal glands, it can raise the cortisol levels to cause resilience to the body, and the HPA axis begins to decrease. When this happens, the body starts to feel sluggish, which can cause you to feel exhausted throughout the entire day, even though you may have gotten a good night’s sleep.
Adrenal Insufficiency Symptoms
Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., presents: This is known as adrenal fatigue and can be associated with various symptoms that affect the hormone balance in the body. This can include non-specific symptoms like sleep disturbances, digestive issues, fatigue, and body aches can affect the hormone levels inside the body. This causes many individuals to feel miserable due to feeling low energy. Adrenal fatigue can also be associated with the different stages of HPA axis dysfunction. These can include:
Trauma
Food allergies and sensitivities
Dysbiosis
Changes in the gut microbiota
Toxins
Stress
Insulin resistance
Metabolic syndrome
All these issues can affect a person’s hormone levels and cause elevated cortisol to overlap many factors that cause somato-visceral problems. An example would be someone having gut issues associated with chronic stress who can start to feel pain in their joints from the knees, back, and hips which cause their hormone levels can fluctuate.
The adrenal glands are small glands located on top of the kidneys, and they are essential for our everyday wellness because they create a variety of hormones, such as cortisol and sex hormones. In addition, the adrenal glands create hormones that control sugar and blood pressure, react to stress, and burn protein and fat. If these small glands don’t create enough of the essential hormones for our everyday wellness, it can ultimately cause various health issues. Adrenal fatigue is a health issue recognized by many healthcare professionals. However, there is no evidence to prove that the condition exists. Adrenal fatigue is characterized as a collection of non-specific symptoms. James Wilson, Ph.D., naturopath, and alternative healthcare professional, coined the term in 1998 when he first identified the condition as a collection of associated symptoms when the adrenal glands aren’t functioning accordingly. He also described that the condition is typically associated with severe stress and fatigue that doesn’t get better with sleep, followed by other health issues, such as bronchitis, flu, or pneumonia. In the following article, we will discuss how to improve adrenal fatigue with diet ultimately.
What is Adrenal Fatigue?
According to healthcare professionals, adrenal fatigue can commonly develop in people that have experienced mental, physical, or emotional stress for an extended period of time. However, as previously mentioned, there is currently no evidence to prove that the condition exists. Many doctors are also concerned that if a patient is told that they have this condition, it may ultimately cause them to miss another underlying source of their symptoms that probably also won’t be diagnosed and treated accordingly. However, there are a variety of other health issues that may affect the adrenal glands. Adrenal fatigue develops when the adrenal glands are overworked due to chronic stress. Many healthcare professionals believe that excessive, long-term stress causes these small glands to become fatigued and unable to keep up with the demands to produce enough hormones. All of the symptoms below are relatively generic; however, they could signal an underlying health issue. Many of the symptoms could also be due to a busy life and a lack of sleep and caffeine addiction, poor nutrition, or increased amounts of stress. The common symptoms associated with adrenal fatigue can include:
tiredness
craving sugar and salt
abnormal weight loss
trouble getting to sleep and waking up
dependence on stimulants like caffeine
nonspecific digestive problems
What is Adrenal Insufficiency?
Adrenal insufficiency, commonly referred to as Addison’s disease, develops when the adrenal glands aren’t producing enough hormones we need for overall health. Adrenal fatigue is believed to be a mild type of adrenal insufficiency caused by severe stress over a long period of time. Adrenal insufficiency develops when the adrenal glands are damaged, causing them not to produce enough hormones, including cortisol and aldosterone. Cortisol regulates our stress response, while aldosterone regulates sodium and potassium. Symptoms associated with adrenal insufficiency can include:
fatigue
muscle weakness
lightheadedness
headaches or head pain
loss of appetite
unexplained weight loss
salt cravings
excessive sweating
loss of body hair
irregular menstruation in women
irritability and/or depression
hypoglycemia
low blood pressure
abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea
In more severe cases, when the adrenal glands aren’t producing enough of the necessary hormones due to adrenal insufficiency, you may experience:
nausea
vomiting
diarrhea
low blood pressure
hyperpigmentation
depression
Understanding the Adrenal Fatigue Diet
As previously mentioned, adrenal fatigue is a health issue that occurs when the adrenal glands aren’t creating enough of the essential hormones we need for our everyday wellness. Fortunately, many healthcare professionals recommend following the adrenal fatigue diet to help improve symptoms ultimately. The adrenal fatigue diet is a nutritional treatment approach that helps improve adrenal fatigue. The adrenal fatigue diet can increase energy levels and control various bodily functions because it promotes healthier eating habits and lifestyle modifications. Following the adrenal fatigue diet can help promote:
proper adrenal gland function
increased nutrients in the body
balanced blood pressure
reduced stress levels
Moreover, the adrenal fatigue diet is similar to the most balanced diets recommended by healthcare professionals, including eating plenty of vegetables, high-protein foods, and whole grains. This nutritional treatment approach aims to naturally increase your energy levels for the body, not burn too many essential nutrients. The adrenal fatigue diet is still being tested. Healthcare professionals are still performing research studies on adrenal fatigue. However, it has been demonstrated that eating a proper diet, and lifestyle modifications can ultimately make you feel overall wellness.
Foods to Eat with Adrenal Fatigue
Following a balanced diet is the best way to regulate the essential functions of the human body and maintain overall wellness. Healthcare professionals recommend eating complex carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats. Also, eat plenty of vegetables to get the necessary amount of vitamins and minerals and eat foods that are high in vitamin C, B vitamins, and magnesium to support the adrenal glands. It’s also essential to stay hydrated. Dehydration can affect your stress levels and make the adrenal glands produce cortisol. Foods to eat on the adrenal fatigue diet can include:
low-sugar fruits
leafy greens and colorful vegetables
nuts
legumes
whole grains
dairy
fish
lean meats
eggs
healthy fats such as olive oil and coconut oil
sea salt (in moderation)
Foods to Avoid with Adrenal Fatigue
Although the adrenal fatigue diet also doesn’t require any major dietary restrictions that could harm your health, you should still talk with your healthcare professional before changing your eating habits. If you begin to experience any adverse symptoms or if the adrenal fatigue diet makes your condition worse, visit your healthcare professional immediately. Furthermore, if you decide to try following the adrenal fatigue diet, many healthcare professionals recommend limiting foods and drinks high in refined and processed sugars and fats. Several foods to avoid eating with adrenal fatigue can include:
refined white sugar
refined white flour
fried food
processed food
fast food
artificial sweeteners
soda
caffeine
alcohol
The adrenal glands are small glands found on top of each kidney. The outer region of the adrenal gland, known as the adrenal cortex, creates a variety of hormones, including cortisol and aldosterone. The inner region of the adrenal gland, known as the adrenal medulla, creates other hormones, such as adrenaline or epinephrine and norepinephrine. These essential hormones are necessary for a variety of functions in the human body, including: regulating sugar, salt, water, metabolism, and blood pressure, as well as regulating stress and inflammation, among other essential bodily functions. Adrenal fatigue can commonly develop in people that have experienced severe mental, physical, or emotional stress for an extended period of time. However, as previously mentioned above, there is currently not enough evidence to ultimately prove that the condition exists.– Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T. Insight
The adrenal glands are small glands located on top of the kidneys, and they are essential for our everyday wellness because they create a variety of hormones, such as cortisol and sex hormones. In addition, the adrenal glands create hormones that control sugar and blood pressure, react to stress, and burn protein and fat. If these small glands don’t create enough of the essential hormones for our everyday wellness, it can ultimately cause various health issues. Adrenal fatigue is a health issue recognized by many healthcare professionals; however, there is no evidence to prove that the condition exists. Instead, adrenal fatigue is characterized as a collection of non-specific symptoms. James Wilson, Ph.D., naturopath, and alternative healthcare professional, coined the term in 1998 when he first identified the condition as a collection of associated symptoms when the adrenal glands aren’t functioning accordingly. He also described that the condition is typically associated with severe stress and fatigue that doesn’t get better with sleep, followed by other health issues, such as bronchitis, flu, or pneumonia. In the article above, we will discuss how to improve adrenal fatigue with diet ultimately.
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, and nervous health issues or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health protocols to treat injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. To further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.
Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez References:
Newman, Tim. Adrenal Fatigue: Myths, Symptoms, Disorders, and Treatment. Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 27 June 2018, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/245810.php#treatment.
[wp-embedder-pack width=”100%” height=”1050px” download=”all” download-text=”” attachment_id=”52657″ /] The following Neurotransmitter Assessment Form can be filled out and presented to Dr. Alex Jimenez. The following symptoms listed on this form are not intended to be utilized to diagnose any type of disease, condition, or other type of health issue.
Additional Topic Discussion: Chronic Pain
Sudden pain is a natural response of the nervous system which helps to demonstrate possible injury. By way of instance, pain signals travel from an injured region through the nerves and spinal cord to the brain. Pain is generally less severe as the injury heals. However, chronic pain is different than the average type of pain. The human body will continue sending pain signals to the brain with chronic pain, regardless of the injury has healed. Chronic pain can last for several weeks to even several years. Chronic pain can tremendously affect a patient’s mobility, reducing flexibility, strength, and endurance.
Neural Zoomer Plus for Neurological Disease
Dr. Alex Jimenez utilizes a series of tests to help evaluate neurological diseases. The Neural ZoomerTM Plus is an array of neurological autoantibodies which offers specific antibody-to-antigen recognition. The Vibrant Neural ZoomerTM Plus is designed to assess an individual’s reactivity to 48 neurological antigens with connections to various neurologically related diseases. The Vibrant Neural ZoomerTM Plus aims to reduce neurological conditions by empowering patients and physicians with a vital resource for early risk detection and an enhanced focus on personalized primary prevention.
Food Sensitivity for the IgG & IgA Immune Response
Dr. Alex Jimenez utilizes a series of tests to help evaluate health issues associated with various food sensitivities and intolerances. The Food Sensitivity ZoomerTM is an array of 180 commonly consumed food antigens that offers particular antibody-to-antigen recognition. This panel measures an individual’s IgG and IgA sensitivity to food antigens. Being able to test IgA antibodies provides additional information to foods that may be causing mucosal damage. Additionally, this test is ideal for patients who might be suffering from delayed reactions to certain foods. Finally, utilizing an antibody-based food sensitivity test can help prioritize the necessary foods to eliminate and create a customized diet plan around the patient’s specific needs.
Gut Zoomer for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)
Dr. Alex Jimenez utilizes a series of tests to help evaluate gut health associated with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). In addition, the Vibrant Gut ZoomerTM offers a report that includes dietary recommendations and other natural supplementation like prebiotics, probiotics, and polyphenols. The gut microbiome is mainly found in the large intestine. It has more than 1000 species of bacteria that play a fundamental role in the human body, from shaping the immune system and affecting the metabolism of nutrients to strengthening the intestinal mucosal barrier (gut-barrier). Therefore, it is essential to understand how the number of bacteria that symbiotically live in the human gastrointestinal (GI) tract influences gut health because imbalances in the gut microbiome may ultimately lead to gastrointestinal (GI) tract symptoms, skin conditions, autoimmune disorders, immune system imbalances, and multiple inflammatory disorders.
Formulas for Methylation Support
Modern Integrated Medicine
The National University of Health Sciences is an institution that offers a variety of rewarding professions to attendees. Students can practice their passion for helping other people achieve overall health and wellness through the institution’s mission. The National University of Health Sciences prepares students to become leaders at the forefront of modern integrated medicine, including chiropractic care. Students have an opportunity to gain unparalleled experience at the National University of Health Sciences to help restore the natural integrity of the patient and define the future of modern integrated medicine.
The adrenal glands are small glands found on top of each kidney and they are necessary for our everyday health because they produce a variety of hormones, including cortisol and sex hormones. The adrenal glands produce the hormones that regulate sugar and blood pressure, respond to stress, as well as burn protein and fat. If these small glands don’t produce enough of the necessary hormones, it can ultimately cause a variety of health issues. Adrenal fatigue is a health issue recognized by many healthcare professionals, however, there is no evidence to prove that the condition exists.
Adrenal fatigue is characterized as a collection of non-specific symptoms. James Wilson, Ph.D., naturopath and alternative healthcare professional, coined the term in 1998 when he first described the condition as a group of associated symptoms that developed when the adrenal glands aren’t functioning accordingly. He also stated that the condition is generally associated with severe stress and fatigue that doesn’t get better with sleep which follows with other health issues, such as bronchitis, flu, or pneumonia. In the following article, we will discuss adrenal fatigue as well as its diagnosis and treatment.
Understanding Adrenal Fatigue
According to healthcare professionals, adrenal fatigue can commonly develop in people that have experienced mental, physical, or emotional stress for an extended period of time. However, as previously mentioned, there is currently no evidence to prove that the condition exists. Many doctors are also concerned that if a patient is told that they have this condition, it may ultimately cause them to miss another underlying source of their symptoms that probably also won’t be diagnosed and treated accordingly. However, there are a variety of other health issues that may affect the adrenal glands.
Adrenal Fatigue Symptoms
Adrenal fatigue develops when the adrenal glands are overworked due to chronic stress. Many healthcare professionals believe that excessive, long-term stress causes these small glands to become fatigued and unable to keep up with the demands to produce enough hormones. All of the symptoms below are relatively generic, however, they could signal an underlying health issue. Many of the symptoms could also be due to a busy life and a lack of sleep, as well as due to caffeine addiction, poor nutrition, or increased amounts of stress. The common symptoms associated with adrenal fatigue can include:
tiredness
craving sugar and salt
abnormal weight loss
trouble getting to sleep and waking up
dependence on stimulants like caffeine
nonspecific digestive problems
Adrenal Fatigue Diagnosis
Many healthcare professionals may take blood samples or utilize salivary cortisol tests to determine if a patient has adrenal fatigue as well as any other underlying health issue. However, because there is no evidence to prove that adrenal fatigue exists, there are currently no definitive ways to properly diagnose the condition. People who do believe in adrenal fatigue argue that modern diagnosis methods and/or techniques are not sensitive enough to determine the decreased function of the adrenal glands, however, they do describe that their bodies still feel the symptoms of adrenal fatigue.
Adrenal Fatigue Treatment
Many healthcare professionals start adrenal fatigue treatment by recommending patients to quit caffeine, alcohol, drugs, and cigarettes. They will also recommend patients to start eating healthy, exercise more, and sleep better. Following these diet and lifestyle modifications can make anyone feel better. Despite the lack of evidence, there is a wide variety of products, often in the form of vitamins and supplements, available to relieve symptoms associated with adrenal fatigue. Because the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate these treatments, they may have not been tested for safety.
If you are experiencing any symptoms associated with adrenal fatigue, it’s essential to visit a healthcare professional immediately in order to receive a proper diagnosis and follow-up with treatment. Moreover, if you take vitamins or supplements for adrenal fatigue without an underlying health issue, the adrenal glands can start to rely on or be suppressed by the treatment, ultimately causing another health issue known as adrenal insufficiency. A healthcare professional physician will be willing to help a patient determine the source of their symptoms and start the proper treatment for their health issues.
Adrenal Insufficiency or Adrenal Fatigue?
Adrenal insufficiency, commonly referred to as Addison�s disease, is a health issue that develops when the adrenal glands aren�t producing enough of the hormones we need for overall health. Adrenal fatigue is believed to be a mild type of adrenal insufficiency caused by severe stress over a long period of time. Adrenal insufficiency develops when the adrenal glands are damaged, causing them to not produce enough hormones, including cortisol and aldosterone. Cortisol regulates our stress response while aldosterone regulates sodium and potassium. Symptoms associated with adrenal insufficiency can include:
fatigue
muscle weakness
lightheadedness
headaches or head pain
loss of appetite
unexplained weight loss
salt cravings
excessive sweating
loss of body hair
irregular menstruation in women
irritability and/or depression
hypoglycemia
low blood pressure
abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea
There are two adrenal glands, one on top of each kidney in the human body. The outer region of the adrenal gland, known as the adrenal cortex, produces hormones, such as cortisol and aldosterone. The inner region, known as the adrenal medulla, produces adrenaline or epinephrine and norepinephrine. These necessary hormones are important for a variety of functions including: regulating sugar, salt, water, metabolism, and blood pressure, as well as regulating stress and inflammation, among other functions. Adrenal fatigue can commonly develop in people that have experienced severe mental, physical, or emotional stress for an extended period of time. However, as previously mentioned above, there is currently no evidence to prove that the condition exists.Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T. Insight
The adrenal glands are small glands found on top of each kidney and they are necessary for our everyday health because they produce a variety of hormones, including cortisol and sex hormones. The adrenal glands produce the hormones that regulate sugar and blood pressure, respond to stress, as well as burn protein and fat. If these small glands don’t produce enough of the necessary hormones, it can ultimately cause a variety of health issues. Adrenal fatigue is a health issue recognized by many healthcare professions, however, there is no evidence to prove that the condition exists.
Adrenal fatigue is characterized as a collection of non-specific symptoms. James Wilson, Ph.D., naturopath and alternative healthcare professional, coined the term in 1998 when he first described the condition as a group of associated symptoms that developed when the adrenal glands aren’t functioning accordingly. He also stated that the condition is generally associated with severe stress and fatigue that doesn’t get better with sleep which follows with other health issues, such as bronchitis, flu, or pneumonia. In the article above, we discussed adrenal fatigue as well as its diagnosis and treatment.
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, and nervous health issues or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health protocols to treat injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. To further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.�
Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez
References:
Newman, Tim. �Adrenal Fatigue: Myths, Symptoms, Disorders, and Treatment.� Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 27 June 2018, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/245810.php#treatment.
Felson, Sabrina. �Adrenal Fatigue: Is It Real? Symptoms, Causes, Treatments.� WebMD, WebMD, 8 Feb. 2019, www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/adrenal-fatigue-is-it-real#1.
Neurotransmitter Assessment Form
[wp-embedder-pack width=”100%” height=”1050px” download=”all” download-text=”” attachment_id=”52657″ /]
The following Neurotransmitter Assessment Form can be filled out and presented to Dr. Alex Jimenez. The following symptoms listed on this form are not intended to be utilized as a diagnosis of any type of disease, condition, or any other type of health issue.
Additional Topic Discussion: Chronic Pain
Sudden pain is a natural response of the nervous system which helps to demonstrate possible injury. By way of instance, pain signals travel from an injured region through the nerves and spinal cord to the brain. Pain is generally less severe as the injury heals, however, chronic pain is different than the average type of pain. With chronic pain, the human body will continue sending pain signals to the brain, regardless if the injury has healed. Chronic pain can last for several weeks to even several years. Chronic pain can tremendously affect a patient’s mobility and it can reduce flexibility, strength, and endurance.
Neural Zoomer Plus for Neurological Disease
Dr. Alex Jimenez utilizes a series of tests to help evaluate neurological diseases. The Neural ZoomerTM Plus is an array of neurological autoantibodies which offers specific antibody-to-antigen recognition. The Vibrant Neural ZoomerTM Plus is designed to assess an individual�s reactivity to 48 neurological antigens with connections to a variety of neurologically related diseases. The Vibrant Neural ZoomerTM Plus aims to reduce neurological conditions by empowering patients and physicians with a vital resource for early risk detection and an enhanced focus on personalized primary prevention.
Food Sensitivity for the IgG & IgA Immune Response
Dr. Alex Jimenez utilizes a series of tests to help evaluate health issues associated with a variety of food sensitivities and intolerances. The Food Sensitivity ZoomerTM is an array of 180 commonly consumed food antigens that offers very specific antibody-to-antigen recognition. This panel measures an individual�s IgG and IgA sensitivity to food antigens. Being able to test IgA antibodies provides additional information to foods that may be causing mucosal damage. Additionally, this test is ideal for patients who might be suffering from delayed reactions to certain foods. Utilizing an antibody-based food sensitivity test can help prioritize the necessary foods to eliminate and create a customized diet plan around the patient�s specific needs.
Gut Zoomer for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)
Dr. Alex Jimenez utilizes a series of tests to help evaluate gut health associated with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). The Vibrant Gut ZoomerTM offers a report that includes dietary recommendations and other natural supplementation like prebiotics, probiotics, and polyphenols. The gut microbiome is mainly found in the large intestine and it has more than 1000 species of bacteria that play a fundamental role in the human body, from shaping the immune system and affecting the metabolism of nutrients to strengthening the intestinal mucosal barrier (gut-barrier). It is essential to understand how the number of bacteria that symbiotically live in the human gastrointestinal (GI) tract influences gut health because imbalances in the gut microbiome may ultimately lead to gastrointestinal (GI) tract symptoms, skin conditions, autoimmune disorders, immune system imbalances, and multiple inflammatory disorders.
Formulas for Methylation Support
XYMOGEN�s Exclusive Professional Formulas are available through select licensed health care professionals. The internet sale and discounting of XYMOGEN formulas are strictly prohibited.
Proudly,�Dr. Alexander Jimenez makes XYMOGEN formulas available only to patients under our care.
Please call our office in order for us to assign a doctor consultation for immediate access.
If you are a patient of Injury Medical & Chiropractic�Clinic, you may inquire about XYMOGEN by calling 915-850-0900.
For your convenience and review of the XYMOGEN products please review the following link. *XYMOGEN-Catalog-Download* All of the above XYMOGEN policies remain strictly in force.
Modern Integrated Medicine
The National University of Health Sciences is an institution that offers a variety of rewarding professions to attendees. Students can practice their passion for helping other people achieve overall health and wellness through the institution’s mission. The National University of Health Sciences prepares students to become leaders in the forefront of modern integrated medicine, including chiropractic care. Students have an opportunity to gain unparalleled experience at the National University of Health Sciences to help restore the natural integrity of the patient and define the future of modern integrated medicine.
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