Adrenal Fatigue and Stress

Adrenal Stress Testing

Are you constantly tired? For many of us high levels of stress can be the cause of a variety of disturbances including fatigue, digestive problems such as IBS, weight gain, insomnia, acne, migraine headaches, low blood sugar, chronic illness, and even low body temperature. In order to improve your health it is essential that your stress hormones, cortisol and DHEA are balanced If these hormones are out of balance you may find that you have a variety of symptoms ranging from sugar or salt cravings, increased appetite, depression, frequent colds, stomach problems, heartburn, indigestion, constipation, diarrhea, mood swings, fatigue, light headed, and bad skin.

If you identify with any of the above symptoms you may benefit from a simple test known as the adrenal stress index (ASI). This test enables the measurement of the stress hormones cortisol and DHEA . Depending on your test results we will formulate a diet and supplement plan so that you can increase your energy levels and get back to good health

What is an Adrenal Stress Index?

The Adrenal Stress Index is a saliva test that we can post to you.

This test looks at cortisol and DHEA. If imbalances are found in these hormones, patients may experience fatigue, exhaustion as well as insomnia and anxiety.

For women an irregular menstrual cycle may also be experienced as well as hot flushes.
Some patients also gain weight and may have salt or sugar cravings as well as increased illnesses (colds/flu).

How Can I get a Stress test done?

Call us now on 0345 1289 7996 to have a free chat to see if you are a likely candidate for adrenal fatigue. If so we will post you a kit. Or you can contact us here.

What is Adrenal Fatigue?

Adrenal fatigue is a term first described by Dr James Wilson to describe a feeling of chronic tiredness. Adrenal fatigue occurs when the adrenal glands are no longer functioning at their proper level. Often this can happen after periods of prolonged stress. The most common symptom is fatigue that is not relieved by sleep. Some people also experience anxiety and headaches.

How can I find out if I have adrenal fatigue?

If you have many of the symptoms listed above, you can have a test to see if you truly so suffer from adrenal fatigue. There is a very simple non-invasive saliva test that was developed in the USA and can be used to measure cortisol at different times during the day. Cortisol is measured at 4 times in the day, in the morning at 8 am, at 12, in the afternoon at 4 and in the evening at 8.

How reliable is the cortisol test?

Saliva testing is very reliable and there are research papers have been published demonstrating its efficacy : http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9638346

The World Health Organization (WHO) and The National Institutes of Health (NIH) also recognize saliva cortisol testing as being very accurate.

If I do have adrenal fatigue, what can I do about it?

You will need to make some lifestyle changes, dietary changes and there are some natural supplements that can help your adrenal glands.

There are some very effective supplements that you can take to help you including B Vitamins, Vitamin C and Magnesium Citrate. However, you should see a qualified Nutritional Therapist as your test results will indicate the most appropriate supplements. For example if your cortisol is too high or too low you will need different supplements.

For more information please contact us on 0345 129 7996.

Here are some easy dietary rules to follow:

  • Never skip breakfast and eat soon after waking up
  • Combine complex carbohydrates such as brown rice, a healthy fat such as olive-oil and a protein at every every meal
  • Eat vegetables at every meal
  • Salt your food to a pleasant taste
  • Combine grains with legumes (beans), or legumes with seeds or nuts to form a complete protein
  • Use oils (cold pressed olive, grape seed, safflower, flax, etc.) into grains, vegetables and meats daily