You might not have a specific diagnosis, but you often feel tired and unmotivated.
Even if you see a doctor, they might say nothing is wrong or it’s just in your head.
In today’s stressful world, many people are dealing with these unexplained issues.
Your fatigue could be related to “adrenals fatigue.”
We spoke with Dr. Takeshi Shinohara from Tokyo Harajuku Clinic, who has experienced health issues from “adrenal fatigue.” He shared information about the “adrenals,” which are vital organs.
“A life of constantly being busy” is exhausting the adrenals.
This is a test. Please check the items that apply to your current condition.
If three or more of these apply to you, you might be experiencing “adrenal fatigue.”
These symptoms are often mistaken as “mental issues” like “it’s just a matter of willpower” or “you’re lazy,” but they are actually typical signs of adrenal fatigue. Many people might find themselves thinking, “These symptoms sound exactly like mine.”
“Adrenal fatigue” might be an unfamiliar term, but what exactly is the adrenal gland?
“In short, it controls the body’s energy levels. It’s a small organ, about 3 cm in size, located on top of the kidneys. It produces the hormone cortisol, which helps manage stress and keeps you energized. Cortisol is usually produced in higher amounts in the morning, which is why it helps you wake up feeling refreshed,” explains Dr. Shinohara.
In other words, if cortisol isn’t secreted properly, you might have trouble getting up in the morning and feel sluggish during the day. The adrenal glands also help regulate blood sugar levels, so if they’re fatigued, you may experience hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia is a dangerous condition for the body and can cause symptoms like hunger, cold sweats, rapid heartbeat, and irritability to alert you to the problem.
“As hypoglycemia worsens, the body releases hormones like adrenaline and noradrenaline to try to raise blood sugar levels. These hormones activate the sympathetic nervous system. In other words, when adrenal fatigue disrupts blood sugar regulation, it’s like living a life of constant acceleration.”
Stress and an unbalanced lifestyle are exhausting the adrenal glands
For example, waking up multiple times during the night can be a symptom of adrenal fatigue. This occurs because hypoglycemia during sleep triggers the release of adrenaline, which activates the sympathetic nervous system and causes you to wake up.
It’s very dangerous to use caffeine, like coffee, to boost your energy. Caffeine triggers the release of adrenaline and noradrenaline, which puts even more strain on already tired adrenals. Over time, you’ll need more caffeine to feel the same effect, creating a vicious cycle. This can worsen adrenal fatigue and make recovery take a long time.
“To prevent your important adrenal glands from becoming exhausted, it’s crucial to be aware of the causes of adrenal fatigue,” says Dr. Shinohara. Focusing on a lifestyle that is gentle on the adrenals may be a key to overcoming chronic fatigue.
The four main causes of adrenal fatigue are: ①stress, ② blood sugar regulation, ③ inflammation, and ④unhealthy lifestyle. First is stress. While it may seem impossible to completely eliminate stress or live a stress-free life, most of the stress patients experience comes from relationships at home or at work.
It’s truly hard to eliminate these stresses, but Dr. Shinohara, from his medical perspective, emphasizes the importance of “taking care of your own health before worrying about others.” Many people focus so much on their families, clients, and colleagues that they neglect their own health. This often leads to more stress and fatigued adrenal glands.
If you find that worry, fear, or irritability have become habits, it’s helpful to notice this and create some mental distance. Using aromatherapy or other uplifting techniques can also be a good way to refresh your mind.
In the second part (released on March 1), he will explain the causes of adrenal fatigue related to ② blood sugar regulation and ③ inflammation.
Have a try !
The key to regaining your energy is to live a lifestyle that is gentle on your adrenals.
