Do I Have Adrenal Fatigue?

adrenal fatigue1The adrenal glands produce a number of hormones, including cortisol. Cortisol is our stress (“fight or flight”) hormone. Adrenal fatigue occurs when the body is under chronic stress and the adrenals are unable to keep pace with the demands of a constant fight- or- flight state of arousal. Thus, the adrenals do not function at their optimal state – they are unable to produce enough of the hormones you need to feel your best.

Signs of adrenal fatigue include: difficulty arising in the morning, continued fatigue, lack of energy, craving salty foods, decreased libido, difficulty coping with stress, increased PMS symptoms, difficulty focusing (brain fog), and decreased productivity.

To heal adrenal fatigue, it is crucial to decrease stress levels and optimize your health. This can be achieved by eating a whole food diet, avoiding processed foods, and keeping a regular sleep schedule – preferably 8 hours. The following supplements are also beneficial: B complex, vitamin D, vitamin C, adrenal support or licorice root, and omega 3 fatty acids.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, maintains offices in Tampa and Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida. Dr. Hermann offers patient care for adrenal fatigue as well as acupuncture, comprehensive vitamin testing and food sensitivity testing. Please contact the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedual an appointment.

How Can Licorice Root Help Me?

Licorice  root can be used for various digestive system complaints such as stomach ulcers, heartburn and colic.  It can also be used for osteoarthritis, liver disorders, and lupus.  Licorice  root also has indications for adrenal fatigue.  Adrenal fatigue can occur when the body is under chronic stress, which in turn disrupts the hormone response which regulates the stress.  Licorice root facilitates adrenal support and cortisol production.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, offers comprehensive testing and treatment for adrenal fatigue.  Dr. Hermann is also board-certified in nutrition.  Offices are maintained in Tampa and Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida.  Please contact the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

What Is Adrenal Fatigue?

Adrenal fatigue often encompasses nonspecific symptoms such as fatigue, nervousness, body aches, insomnia and digestive problems.  Your adrenal glands produce a variety of hormones.  Adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s disease) refers to inadequate production of one or more of these hormones.  Symptoms can include:  unexplained weight loss, body aches, fatigue, loss of body hair, and low blood pressure.  Adrenal insufficiency is diagnosed by blood tests.

Adrenal fatigue is thought to be a mild form of adrenal insufficiency caused by chronic stress.  This chronic stress leaves the adrenal glands unable to produce quite enough hormones needed to enhance your physical and emotional well-being.  Adrenal fatigue is often diagnosed with saliva testing as the hormone levels do not decline enough to be detected with blood tests.  Treatment consists of strategies to decrease chronic stress levels.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, maintains offices in Tampa and Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida.  Please contact the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

This post was written by Anne Hermann. Follow Anne Hermann on Google, Facebook, Twitter & Linkedin.

Can Acupuncture Help Me Be Less Stressed?

Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to relieve stress.  This ancient Chinese therapy actually reduces levels of a protein that is linked to chronic stress.  Scientists have recently been able to measure the amount of protein neuropeptide Y which is secreted during the “flight or fight” response to acute stress.  In studies, electro-acupuncture has been shown to block the chronic stress-induced elevations of these proteins.  Electro-acupuncture is a more intense form of therapy than manual acupuncture; it is also commonly used for pain management.  During this type of therapy, a small painless electrical charge is delivered through the acupuncture needle.  Electro-acupuncture can also be effective utilizing “needle-less” acupuncture.  With this method, a small hand-held micro-current stimulation device is used on acu-points instead of needles.

Chronic stress has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, certain types of cancer and elevated blood pressure amongst other conditions.  Stress has also been linked to premature cell aging.  It is thought that stress accounts for approximately half of the healthcare-related expenses in America.  In addition to acupuncture, recommendations to decrease stress levels include eating regular balanced meals, getting enough sleep, and daily exercise.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, maintains offices in Tampa and Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida.  Dr. Hermann also offers comprehensive acupuncture services to her patients.  Please contact the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

This post was written by Anne Hermann. Follow Anne Hermann on Google, Facebook, Twitter & Linkedin.