Pretzels. Starbucks. Chocolate. Krispy Kreme.
The last thing that comes to mind in reviewing this list is physical exhaustion. Except for the traditional “I need a quick pick-me-up” that many of us associate with coffee, most of us don’t think of reaching for pretzels or doughnuts when in need of a boost in energy.
Arguably, though, we may be popularizing many sweet, salty and caffeinated snacks because of a need to just get through the day.
It has been estimated that up to 80 percent of North Americans suffer from adrenal fatigue – also known as exhaustion, or burnout – at some point in life. No longer the disease of pampered pop stars, this malady and its symptoms affect millions worldwide. Its effects can last a quick few days or, if left untreated, can span a lifetime.
Each of us knows someone who can’t get going in the morning, or keep going throughout the day, without that cherished cup of coffee or caffeinated cola. Or who awakens from plenty of sleep, still feeling tired. Signals like sugar cravings or the need for caffeine may indicate the need for an energy boost (sugar and salt give the adrenals a kick); while unrefreshing sleep means the body isn’t getting adequate rest, no matter how many hours you’ve slept.
Thus, many of us are affected by the symptoms of inadequate adrenal function, which often is caused by intense stress, prolonged stress or chronic illness.
“The main thing to understand is that adrenal fatigue manifests itself and is a result of high stress levels and fatigue,” says Dr. Abayomi Meeks of Denver’s Moyo
Nguzu Cultural and Healing Arts Center. “When you combine that with poor eating habits, you have a problem that could alter your lifestyle, and you won’t have the energy to do things you want to do.”
The adrenal glands – “cap-like” structures that sit atop each of the body’s two kidneys – secrete hormones including adrenaline in response to acute distress. This reaction helped our ancestors escape a hungry lion or effectively duel when necessary. In today’s world, it helps us handle the angry boss or, in extreme cases, empowers a distraught mother to lift an automobile pinning down her injured child.
In addition to lifestyle choices, illness and life crises such as the death of a loved one or loss of a job, cause stress that can affect adrenal function in even the most healthy of us. Same goes for ongoing financial, emotional or psychological issues.
A person with fatigued adrenal glands may not have outward signs of physical illness. Instead, he may experience general feelings of exhaustion, depression or simply not feeling well. According to Meeks, many physicians oversee the signs of adrenal fatigue or misdiagnose the problem until it’s a severe form of disease.
Meeks suggests finding healthful ways to manage stress, including eating wholesome organic foods, drinking purified water and taking proper nutritional supplements.
He also recommends taking time out to rest, meditate, pray and play.
“Ultimately what we want to do is live a healthy holistic lifestyle that strengthens our mind, body and spirit,” Meeks says.
Doni Luckett is chief executive of Divine-Basics.com, which produces lifestyle products to reconnect with moments that matter. Your questions may be addressed in the column by e-mailing enrichyourlife@divine-basics.com.
