Tag: Adrenal Fatigue

Adrenal Fatigue and Your Microbiome

Posted on June 8, 2023 by - Healing

Adrenal Fatigue

We’ve all had those days when we feel completely wiped out, unable to cope with the daily stresses life throws at us.

Some refer to this state of unrelenting exhaustion as ‘adrenal fatigue,’ a term commonly used in alternative medicine but not recognized in conventional Western medicine. However, it might be time to reconsider our understanding of this controversial condition, especially in light of recent insights into the gut microbiome’s impact on our health.

In this context, the work of Brehan Crawford stands out. At Crawford Wellness, Crawford combines his deep knowledge of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with insights from Western biomedicine to offer a comprehensive approach to health. His expertise has led to a focus on conditions that Western medicine often struggles to diagnose and treat effectively, such as adrenal fatigue and fibromyalgia. Through this lens, we will delve into the intriguing possibility that what is often labeled as “adrenal fatigue” could be more accurately understood through the concept of gut dysbiosis.

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Adrenal Fatigue

Adrenal fatigue, as it’s currently understood, is a term used to describe a set of non-specific symptoms such as body aches, fatigue, nervousness, sleep disturbances, and digestive problems. It’s believed to occur when the adrenal glands aren’t functioning optimally, primarily due to prolonged physical, mental, or emotional stress. However, all these symptoms are the same or similar to gut dysbiosis.

A New Perspective

Recent research into the gut-brain axis provides a compelling new perspective on the origins of conditions like adrenal fatigue. This axis refers to the complex, bidirectional communication network that links our central nervous system (including the brain) with our enteric nervous system (the intrinsic nervous system of the gastrointestinal tract). Our gut microbiome, the community of trillions of bacteria residing in our intestines, plays a crucial role in this dialogue.

The microbiome is incredibly diverse, comprising beneficial (probiotic) bacteria that aid in digestion and support immune health, as well as potentially harmful (pathogenic) bacteria. A healthy balance of these microbes is critical for maintaining our overall health and well-being. Disruption of this balance – known as gut dysbiosis – has been linked to a host of health issues, including anxiety, depression, autoimmune disorders, and even neurodegenerative diseases.

Microbiome Imbalances and Adrenal Fatigue

So, what does this have to do with adrenal fatigue? Research indicates that gut dysbiosis can cause chronic inflammation, which puts the body in a state of constant stress. This continuous stress response could theoretically overtax the adrenal glands, leading to symptoms commonly attributed to adrenal fatigue.

Furthermore, the gut microbiome directly influences the production of various neurotransmitters and hormones, including cortisol – the primary stress hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Dysbiosis could, therefore, potentially disrupt cortisol production, resulting in the variety of non-specific symptoms that characterize adrenal fatigue.

The Chinese Medicine Perspective

Understanding health conditions through different medical philosophies broadens our understanding and potentially offers alternative treatment options. As we delve deeper into the possibility of gut dysbiosis contributing to adrenal fatigue, it’s worth exploring how Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets and treats these symptoms.

Adrenal Fatigue, Gut Dysbiosis, and Traditional Chinese Medicine

In TCM, symptoms often associated with adrenal fatigue and gut dysbiosis may be viewed as imbalances of Qi (vital energy) or the presence of pathological factors like “Wind” and “Dampness”. These concepts might seem foreign to those accustomed to Western medicine, but they provide a different yet valid, framework for understanding and treating health issues.
Interpreting Adrenal Fatigue: The Role of Wind and Dampness

Consider a condition like fibromyalgia, which shares similar symptoms with adrenal fatigue, In Triditaion Chinese Medicine, fibromyalgia’s wandering pain – pain affecting different parts of the body at different times – is often associated with the pathological factors of Wind and Dampness. TCM believes in treating these underlying factors first to alleviate symptoms effectively.

Lingering Pathogens and Gut Dysbiosis

In biomedical terms, the concepts of Wind and Dampness can be likened to the presence of multiple lingering pathogens in the body, such as the Epstein Barr Virus (EBV), which can be reactivated by the presence of biofilm-forming bacteria. These pathogens and bacterial overgrowth contribute to gut dysbiosis, thereby causing inflammation, overstimulation of the adrenal glands, and, eventually, symptoms attributed to adrenal fatigue.

The TCM Treatment Approach

TCM uses herbal formulas to address these imbalances, such as Xiao Chai Hu Tang combined with San Ren Tang. This over 2,000-year-old formula is the most commonly used in TCM for removing lingering pathogens and expelling Wind, thus relieving wandering pain.

The star ingredient, Bupleurum Chinese (Chai hu), is known for its multitude of health benefits, such as anti-inflammation, immunomodulation, anti-fibrosis, and the promotion of digestive enzymes. This, in combination with other ingredients like Scutellarie to combat bacteria, Phinelia for breaking up biofilms, and ginger to warm the GI tract, can help restore balance in the body.

Additionally, TCM emphasizes the importance of sweating. This natural bodily process releases dermcidin and lactoferrin, your body’s own anti-fungal and anti-microbial compounds, which contribute to maintaining a healthy skin microbiome. Drinking hot herbal tea, engaging in gentle physical exercise, and utilizing practices like saunas and breath-holding can further promote sweating and potentially enhance symptom relief.

Acupuncture also plays a role in cultivating your microbiome. The Oxford Academic Journal of Inflammatory Bowel Disease states, acupuncture has demonstrated beneficial roles in the regulation of gut dysbiosis, intestinal barrier dysfunction, visceral hypersensitivity, gut motor function, depression/anxiety, and pain. This explains how acupuncture and herbs are so effective at making you feel better.

Chinese medicine doctors have actively worked to balance these microbiomes for thousands of years and have developed it into a highly sophisticated art and science. They discovered that the key to developing a more harmonious life starts with your microbiome and cultivating an internal garden.

Moving Forward

As we move forward in our understanding of the interconnectedness of health conditions like adrenal fatigue, gut dysbiosis, and fibromyalgia, we see a valuable space where Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) meets Western medicine. Taking into account this holistic approach which merges Western diagnostics with attention to gut health and the application of TCM, could indeed be the comprehensive pathway to wellness that many have been seeking.

A noteworthy expert in this field is Brehan Crawford at Crawford Wellness. He combines these various elements to provide personalized care for those navigating chronic conditions. Alongside this, Crawford Wellness offers a range of products designed to support your health and well-being journey. Notably, the Wind Tea – an ancient formula modernly applied, aimed at removing lingering pathogens and rebalancing the system. He also uses Microgard Plus. 

Microgard Plus offers a promising solution for those suffering from Adrenal Fatigue, helping to alleviate symptoms by supporting the stomach microbiome. 

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About the Author

Author Willard Sheppy Exporing the Coast

Willard Sheppy is a writer and healthcare practitioner who seamlessly melds scientific knowledge with practical applications in engaging and authoritative articles. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from Oregon State University and a Master’s in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from the distinguished Oregon College of Oriental Medicine.

In his work, Willard skillfully combines his extensive educational background in scientific research with his practical experience as a healthcare practitioner. Willard balances his life with martial arts and cherished family adventures. As a father of three, he often leads his family on camping and hiking trips along the breathtaking Oregon coast.

Connect with Willard on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/valleyhealthclinic or learn more about his services at valleyhealthclinic.com. Embark on this journey towards holistic health with Willard!

Adrenal Fatigue

Posted on February 28, 2018 by - Healing

Learn more about Adrenal Fatigue and how Valley Health Clinic can help
Adrenal Fatigue symptoms are usually an overwhelming fatigue and inability to handle stress. Some experts believe that upwards of 80% of the population suffers from some level of adrenal insufficiency. More and more alternative health practitioners are beginning to recognize how widespread adrenal fatigue (hypoadrenia) is in the general population. The symptoms listed below provide a more complete picture of adrenal fatigue:

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Adrenal Fatigue: Could Microbiome Imbalances Be the Root Cause?

Fixing Adrenal Fatigue

The adrenal glands are very complex parts of the endocrine system producing glucocorticoids (cortisol is the most important), mineralocorticoids (aldosterone), epinephrine, norepinephrine and even sex hormones. Adrenal fatigue affects every part of the body and every aspect of life.

If you are experiencing the symptoms described below it is imperative you find a practitioner and get tested and treated. Printing this out and taking it to your practitioner may be helpful.

Saliva cortisol testing usually includes the sex hormones too and can be ordered from several on-line sites without a doctor’s order. If you do it this way though, testing will not be covered by insurance. Saliva testing is the most accurate test because it shows the rhythm of cortisol production and because it shows how much cortisol is present that the body can actually use. Blood tests only show bound cortisol which gives no indication if that cortisol is actually available to enter the tissues. Many people test “normal” on blood cortisol yet very low on saliva.

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Allergies

Most allergies involve an inflammatory process. As the adrenal function decreases, allergies worsen. Generally, if the adrenal glands were functioning properly, the body would not respond to the allergen. This same anti-inflammatory effect is important in asthma also. As the adrenal glands heal, allergies are markedly reduced.

Asthma, Bronchitis or Chronic Cough

Any person with lung problems, especially asthma and bronchitis should be checked for poor adrenal function. The lungs cannot respond appropriately to stress, allergens etc because of lack of cortisol. Asthma is often considered an emotional disease because stress can trigger an attack. Fix the adrenals so the body can respond normally to stress and the asthma will disappear.

Behavior & Memory Problems

Cortisol even regulates the electrical activity of neurons in the brain and thus influences behavior, mood and memory. Behavior changes frequently occur in both excess and deficient cortisol levels. Sleep disorders for example, are common with both high and low cortisol. Symptoms more closely related to adrenal fatigue involve decreased tolerance (quick to anger), decreased clarity of thought, poor memory and memory retrieval.

Dizziness

When a person stands from a sitting or lying position, the systolic blood pressure usually rises about 10 points as blood vessels in the lower body constrict to force blood to the heart, lungs and brain. This is a result of the action of epinephrine on the blood vessels. In people with adrenal fatigue, the blood vessels are unable to respond to the release of epinephrine because of lack of cortisol, so blood pools in the abdomen and pelvis and blood pressure drops. This systolic drop ranges from 10 to 40 points and is present in over 90% of those with hypoadrenia. Dizziness is usually present on standing; however, in some people it is present intermittently or constantly throughout the day as even resting blood pressure is low. Paradoxically, in order to prevent pooling of blood in the abdomen and lower extremities, the body may keep blood pressure extremely elevated. Pressure will still drop when the person stands but only to around 150. Remember, it may have been 180 or higher before standing. Treating the adrenals will lower blood pressure whereas anti-hypertensives and diuretics will make the adrenal problems worse in many cases.

Excessive Thirst & Urination

A person with low aldosterone may also urinate 15 to 20 times a day and drink excessive quantities of water. Unless salt is added to the water, the fluid/electrolyte balance in the body is further disrupted.

Headaches

This is caused again by blood pooling in the abdomen and pelvis leading to inadequate blood supply to the head.

Heart Sounds

The heart normally makes a “lub-dub sound, with the second sound being much quieter than the first sound. In a person with hypoadrenia, the second sound will be equal or louder than the first sound over the pulmonic valve. When the body is stressed, it produces epinephrine which will cause vasoconstriction throughout most of the body, including the lungs. This vasoconstriction decreases the production of mucous in the airways. At the same time, epinephrine will relax the bronchi (bronchodilation) allowing more air to reach the lungs. In those with adrenal fatigue, the body cannot respond to the epinephrine because of lack of cortisol so they experience bronchoconstriction instead, leading to symptoms of asthma. The bronchoconstriction, along with vasodilation and swelling of the mucous membranes create a back pressure in pulmonary circulation (pulmonary hypertension) that causes the pulmonary valve to slam shut, hence the accentuated second sound over the pulmonic valve. Lung diseases such as tuberculosis or tumors can also cause this loud 2nd sound.

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are basically varicose veins of the rectum and are caused by blood pooling in the abdomen and pelvis. When a person presents with hemorrhoids, it is usually do to adrenal fatigue, but can be caused by liver congestion. Once again, listening to the heart can help determine the cause. If the loud second sound is over the pulmonic valve, it is indicative of adrenal problems, while a loud 2nd sound over the tricuspid valve is indicative of liver congestion.

Hyperpigmentation

Although more often seen in actual Addison’s disease, hyperpigmentation is occasionally seen in adrenal fatigue. This increased pigmentation of the skin may show up as “bronzing” somewhere on the body or as unusual brown.

Hypoglycemia

As adrenal fatigue progresses, blood glucose levels will tend to fall too low. The body responds to hypoglycemia by causing the person to crave anything that will rapidly raise blood sugar levels, such as a soda, candy bar, a cup of coffee or even cigarettes. Often adrenal fatigue leads to the abuse of alcohol, marijuana, and hard drugs because of the need to “fix” recurrent hypoglycemia. Unfortunately, the rapid rise in blood glucose provided by the “fix” only serves to start the whole cycle over.

Indigestion

The same sluggish circulation in the abdomen can cause symptoms of indigestion and poor absorption of nutrients.

Inflammation

Cortisol and other glucocorticoids produced by the adrenal glands are the body’s own anti-inflammatory hormones. People who have responded to injections of corticosteroids into joints or to taking them orally are usually those whose adrenal glands produce insufficient amounts of these hormones. Any person who responds to corticosteroids should be checked for adrenal fatigue.

Muscle Weakness & Back Pain

Dr. Goodheart identified five skeletal muscles which can indicate adrenal function. These are 1) sartorius, 2) gracilis, 3) posterior tibialis, 4) gastrocnemius, and 5) soleus. When the adrenal glands are malfunctioning, there will be weakness in one or more of these muscles. The sartorius and gracilis attach on the pelvis. Weakness in these muscles can cause the sacro-iliac joint to subluxate posteriorally (toward the back) leading to low back pain. In persons with adrenal fatigue, low back pain is frequently caused by instability of the pelvis rather than an actual back problem. These same two muscles also attach to the knee and help provide support. Weakness will cause knee pain, weakness and instability of the joint. Any person with knee problems should be checked for adrenal fatigue. The other 3 muscles mentioned stabilize the feet and ankles. Weakness of any of these muscles leads to complaints of tired, aching feet, weak ankles or aching calves. The symptoms related to the muscle weakness will improve when the adrenal glands are treated.

Recurrent Infections

Severe and/or recurrent infections (especially respiratory) often indicate adrenal problems. The more severe, the more frequently it occurs or the longer it lasts, the more likely adrenal fatigue is involved in the infection.

Salt Craving

The adrenal glands produce many more hormones than just glucocorticoids. One very important hormone is aldosterone, a mineralocorticoid. Aldosterone regulates fluid and electrolytes (sodium, chloride, potassium and magnesium) in the blood, between and in the cells of the body. As adrenal fatigue progresses, the production of aldosterone lessens. This causes “salt-wasting”. As the salt is excreted by the kidneys, water follows leading to electrolyte imbalance and dehydration. Those with adrenal fatigue should always add salt (preferably sea salt with its trace minerals) to their water. Soft drinks and electrolyte drinks like Gatorade are high in potassium and low in sodium, the opposite of what someone with low cortisol needs. Commercial electrolyte drinks are designed for those who produce high cortisol when exercising, not for someone who produces little or no extra cortisol during exercise. You need to add 1⁄4 to 1 teaspoon of salt to a glass of water or eat something salty to maintain fluid/electrolyte balance.

Sleep Disturbances

Cortisol production follows a curve from highest levels around 8am, dropping throughout the day until the lowest levels are reached about 11pm. In early stages of adrenal fatigue the body compensates with high night time cortisol. In this case the person finds it difficult to relax from the stress of the day and has trouble going to sleep. High night-time cortisol results in reduced REM sleep which is neither restful nor restorative. This can lead to depression and reduced energy levels the next day. In later stages of adrenal fatigue, the body may produce adrenaline (“fight or flight” hormone) in an attempt to compensate for low cortisol. This too will result in insomnia.

Swelling

As the body tries to keep the ratio of electrolytes and fluid balanced, fluid may pour into the tissues and cause swelling. Most doctors will only see the symptom and not the cause and prescribe a diuretic which further compounds the dehydration and electrolyte imbalance and making the patient worse.

Varicose Veins

Varicose veins of the lower extremities result from the same pooling of blood in the abdomen and pelvis that causes hemorrhoids.

Herbs for Adrenal Fatigue

Don't let Adrenal Fatigue control your life any longer

Embrace the change with Microgard Plus and start your journey towards renewed energy and well-being today!
Buy Now

About the Author

Author Willard Sheppy Exporing the Coast

Willard Sheppy is a writer and healthcare practitioner who seamlessly melds scientific knowledge with practical applications in engaging and authoritative articles. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from Oregon State University and a Master’s in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from the distinguished Oregon College of Oriental Medicine.

In his work, Willard skillfully combines his extensive educational background in scientific research with his practical experience as a healthcare practitioner. Willard balances his life with martial arts and cherished family adventures. As a father of three, he often leads his family on camping and hiking trips along the breathtaking Oregon coast.

Connect with Willard on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/valleyhealthclinic or learn more about his services at valleyhealthclinic.com. Embark on this journey towards holistic health with Willard!