Burnout is a state of mental, emotional and physical exhaustion. You can lack the motivation to engage in activities you once enjoyed. In natural medicine, we call this condition adrenal fatigue. Adrenal fatigue is a state of chronic exhaustion after prolonged stress. Unfortunately, modern medicine does not currently recognise adrenal fatigue as a formal diagnosis. However, other fatigue syndromes like chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia, which are also challenging to diagnose, were also previously not recognised by the medical profession, but now are.
Adrenal fatigue comes from a dysregulated stress response through increased production of cortisol, the stress hormone. In someone with a normal stress response, cortisol rises and decreases when the stressor resolves. When there is stress for a longer period, cortisol increases, and when the stressor finally resolves, cortisol remains high and is a dysregulated response. Eventually, the body decreases the production of cortisol, which can cause exhaustion.
The symptoms of adrenal fatigue can present as follows:
· A worn-out feeling and difficulty completing everyday tasks
· Difficulty getting up in the morning, unrefreshing sleep and/or insomnia
· Poor mood, anxiety or depression
· Craving salt, sugar or caffeine
· Weight gain
· Brain fog, poor concentration and or reduced memory
· Low blood pressure
· Poor immunity
· Hair loss
· Dark circles under the eyes
Symptoms of adrenal fatigue can present as many other conditions like depression, chronic fatigue or insomnia, so it is best to seek the help of a natural therapist if you suspect that you may have adrenal fatigue. Naturopaths can use testing like salivary cortisol tests to see where your cortisol tracks on waking and throughout the day.
The first step to recovery is to remove the ongoing stress where possible. Stress removal may include changing jobs, routines or your lifestyle, which can be difficult. Learning to relax and have time out is essential. Gentle, regular exercise is also beneficial and can aid sleep and mood.
Many herbs and supplements may help recovery, including:
· B vitamins
· Vitamin C
· Magnesium
· Withania
· Siberian Ginseng
· Rhodiola
· Licorice
· Rehmannia
Dietary changes like removing simple sugars and increasing whole grains and vegetables can also aid recovery. Reducing caffeine and other stimulants in the diet can also help to balance energy levels throughout the day. Acupuncture may also be beneficial.
Recovery from adrenal fatigue or burnout is a complex process involving changing many aspects of life. Depending on the person and the extent of the condition, recovery may take weeks, months or even years. As natural medicine can address multiple health aspects, it is instrumental in treating and aiding recovery from burnout and adrenal fatigue.
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