Theburn-out or exhaustion has become an increasingly recurrent phenomenon in today's society. This can be treated in several ways by modern medicine. However, Western medicine pays very little attention to the adrenal glands, which play a role in the secretion of sex hormones and stress hormones, guiding the reactions of the body as a whole to stressors. In this article, adrenal fatigue and burn-out will be highlighted.
What are the adrenal glands?
The adrenal glands act as a cortex that secretes the stress hormone cortisol. These hormones help humans to cope with long-term stressors. They do this by converting proteins into energy.
Adrenal exhaustion occurs when the continuous production of cortisol tires the glands. It can cause chronic fatigue syndrome and eventually Addison's disease.
Around 1970, the Japanese word "karoshi", which means "death by overwork", appeared, designating a recognised occupational disease (30,000 victims in Japan since 1980). In Western countries, this disease affects one person in 5,
Exhaustion of the adrenal glands leads to hormonal imbalance. The adrenal glands and the thyroid are linked. When the adrenal glands are depleted, the thyroid gland produces less hormones and vice versa.
Adrenal fatigue and stress
Scientifically speaking, physical, emotional, chemical, infectious and electromagnetic stress raises the levels of certain hormones and many inflammatory substances.
This overload amplifies emotions, alters organ physiology, disrupts biological integrity, disrupts physiological homeostasis and can reduce life expectancy. The resulting nutritional depletion critically affects the individual's healing potential.
The functions of cortisol
Cortisol has 5 main functions:
- Regulates carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism and contributes to energy production
- Protects against inflammation and allergies
- Increases the ability to cope with various forms of stress
- Prevents loss of sodium to maintain blood pressure
- It has an effect on emotional stability
On the other hand, excessive cortisol production is detrimental to health.
Symptoms of adrenal burnout
The symptoms of adrenal burnout can be very diverse: hot flushes, heavy night sweats, insomnia, increased sensitivity to environmental allergens, hypoglycaemia, difficulty concentrating, low energy, dizziness on rising, irritability, nervousness or anxiety, shortness of breath, knee problems, involuntary muscle contractions, palpitations, sensitivity to light, digestive problems, cravings for salt, sugar, junk food or coffee.
Pathophysiological causes
Cortisol sharpens the senses and increases the body's ability to react, preparing the body to act appropriately. However, as a result of "pulling" on the adrenal gland, many people end up with burnout. Prolonged periods of stress lead to chronically high levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
The workload of the adrenals increases with age, menopause or poor stress management.
When you reach burnout, the body no longer produces cortisol to cope with stress or an attack on the body.
Recommendations for avoiding adrenal burnout
To avoid adrenal burnout, just follow these simple rules:
- manage sugar levels
- manage stress using relaxation and emotional response control
- reduce or eliminate food allergies and environmental sensitivities and allergies
- get at least 8 hours sleep a day
- know how to breathe: breathe in and out slowly several times a day
- learning to say "no"
- Share household chores with your family.
- Decrease negative emotions (anger, backbiting, hatred. . . )
- Seek real friends, support from family in difficult times
- Make time for entertainment
- Eat healthier and exercise. Take vitamins and minerals, herbs. In severe burn out, higher doses of vitamins B and C, and liquorice (about 2 grams) are also needed.
| Nutrients | Posology | Effects |
| Multi vitamins with minerals (femmeessentials or multiessentials) | minimum to RQA | Provides all essential nutrients |
|
Rhodiala
(Rhodiola Rosea) |
100 milligrams 1 to 3 times daily | Reduces the effects of stress, anti-aging, regulates the heart by optimizing oxygen use |
|
Suma
(Pfaffia Paniculata) |
100 milligrams
1 to 3 times a day |
Regenerates nervous system, hormonal, reproductive and digestive disorders |
|
Ashwagandha
(Whitana Somnifer) |
80 milligrams
1 to 3 times daily |
Improves energy, aids immune system, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, improves sexual performance, facilitates conversion of thyroid hormone t 4 to t 3 |
|
Siberian ginseng
(Eleutherococcus senticosus) |
100 milligrams
1 to 3 times daily |
normalizes reactions to stress, physical and mental, increases energy, protects against environmental pollutants, regulates blood sugar levels, protects the liver and adrenal glands |
|
Schizandra berries
(Schizandra Chinensis) |
80 milligrams
1 to 3 times daily |
helps counter insomnia nervousness, helps the liver, improves physical stamina |
| evening primrose oil or borage oil | 1000 milligrams per day | helps the nervous system |
| omega 3 fatty acids | 1000 milligrams of fish oil for pharmaceutical use | protects the cardiovascular and nervous system |
