Vitamin Information Center

Adrenal Fatigue Symptoms can manifest in all parts of your being. From crushing exhaustion to sexual difficulties the effects surround you with a stubborn grip. The feeling is overwhelming. The ray of hope is when you work on healing one part then the others begin to recover as well.

Adrenal fatigue symptoms exhibit themselves in five major areas of your life. Read on to find out what the symptoms are and how to relieve them.

1) Physically - The physical symptoms of adrenal fatigue are exhaustion not relieved by rest, food cravings, lethargy and longer recovery times for illnesses. Healing begins by strengthening our body especially the adrenal glands. Build yourself back up physically with healthy eating, vitamin and minerals supplements (especially vitamin C, B complex and fish oil), rest and relaxation, light exercise, DHEA and adrenal glandular supplementation. 2) Emotionally - Loss of self esteem, depression and denial are the emotional signs of adrenal exhaustion. Building self-esteem, relieving depression and dealing with buried negative emotions can revive your positive feelings.

3) Mentally - I feel “brain dead.” That is a common complaint of adrenal fatigue sufferers. The mind is not as sharp, focus is non-existent and memory is challenged. Mental exhaustion caused by excess stress is the culprit. Many vitamins and minerals support brain function. Vitamin C, E and B-complex, calcium, folic acid and fish oil all aid in supporting brain function. Also, practicing a relaxation technique such as meditation will sharpen your mental edges.

4) Sexually - A disinterest in sex can cause tremendous tension in a relationship. The lack of sex drive is the result hormone imbalances of cortisol and DHEA production by the adrenals. The overall exhaustion that is felt can also burn out the sexual fires. Any steps taken to build yourself up physically will increase your sex drive. It also helps to be honest with your partner and ask for understanding and patience during the healing process.

5) Spiritually - Every symptom of adrenal fatigue can deaden your spirits. You feel out of control, overtaken and fragmented. If you were in touch with yourself spiritually, you would not have reached a point of exhaustion. Establishing a meditation, prayer or yoga routine bring you more peace, balance and courage.

By taking these steps to heal your adrenal fatigue symptoms, you can become whole again. Healing one part of your being will positively affect the others. It is a journey that will give you back your life.

Using stress relief supplements is an easy, affordable way to combat stress. Supplementation replaces the nutrients we lose during times of stress. These nutrients also help our bodies and minds handle anxiety and tension better and function optimally.

The symptoms that we feel from excess stress can be relieved with stress relief supplements. Depression, fatigue and irritability will be diminished with certain nutrients. Relieving these symptoms will in turn help us to deal with anxiety and tension more efficiently.

How do you choose which stress relief supplements to take? There are literally hundreds of vitamins, minerals, complexes and formulas to choose from. Firstly, start with a good multi-vitamin and mineral formula. You may already be taking one. Secondly, add the following nutritional supplements to help you through stressful times.

· B-Vitamins - These are the stress vitamins. If you take one vitamin supplement for stress, it should be a B-Vitamin Complex. B-Vitamins help maintain mental function, relieves fatigue and depression. Pantothenic Acid, a B-Vitamin, supports adrenal function and removes toxins. Look for formulas with these recommended daily dosages: Vitamin B1-100 mg, Vitamin B2-50 mg, Vitamin B3-150 mg, Vitamin B6-50 mg, Vitamin B12-500 mcg and Vitamin B5 Pantothenic Acid-500 mg.

· Anti-oxidants - Vitamin A, C and E repair the damages caused by stress. Excess stress produces free radicals that attack our cells. Anti-oxidants protect against free radical damage. They also strengthen our immune system so we can fight off stress-related illnesses. Vitamin C combats the systemic inflammation that develops from excess stress and supports adrenal function. These are the recommended daily dosages: · Vitamin A-up to 10,000 I.U., Vitamin C-up to 1,200 mg and Vitamin E-up to 400 I.U.

· Minerals - Calcium and Magnesium are both calming and restorative to the nervous system. They both also relieve depression, anxiety and muscle tension associated with stress. 500 mg of each daily is recommended.

· Other stress relief supplements - Tyrosine and Omega-3 Fatty Acids are also on the list of nutrients to try. These nutrients help us better cope with stress. They strengthen us by relieving depression and improving mental focus. 500 mg of each daily is recommended.

Everyone can benefit from stress relief supplements. Whether our stressors are physical, mental or environmental, these specific nutrients will protect, strengthen and calm you in times of stress.