Are You Constantly Tired? You May Be Suffering from Adrenal Fatigue

Do you have a type "A" personality? Do you feel that you never do enough although everyone tells you to slow down and smell the roses? Do you eat a poor diet, have too much stress or get inadequate sleep? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you might be suffering from adrenal fatigue.

Research shows that nearly 80 percent of Americans suffer from adrenal fatigue. Yes, you read that right - an astounding 80 percent of the U.S. population is affected by adrenal fatigue syndrome.

Adrenal fatigue is a collection of symptoms that result when the adrenal glands function below the necessary level. While adrenal fatigue is most commonly associated with intense or prolonged stress, it can also arise during or after acute or chronic infections, including the flu, bronchitis or pneumonia.

The adrenal glands are orange-colored endocrine glands, located on the top of each kidney. Their purpose is to help the body cope with stress. Each adrenal gland is triangular shaped and measure about one-half inch in height and three inches in length. Each adrenal gland consists of a medulla (center of the gland) surrounded by a cortex (outer region of an organ).

The medulla produces epinephrine and norepinephrine, also known as adrenaline. These hormones help control blood pressure, heart rate, sweating, and other activities regulated by the nervous system. The cortex comprises 80 percent of the adrenal gland and is responsible for maintaining fluid and electrolyte (salt) balance in the body and for producing over 50 different types of hormones.

While people with adrenal fatigue may look perfectly normal, they frequently suffer from an ongoing sense of un-wellness and have prolonged periods of fatigue. People who suffer from adrenal fatigue oftentimes have multiple symptoms including: anxiety, allergies, arthritis, depression, tiredness, reduced memory and inability to concentrate, insomnia, fearfulness and frequent influenza. Other symptoms may include: