Adrenal Fatigue For Dummies

The easy way to take charge of your adrenal health

Despite their small size, the adrenal glands play an important role in the body, producing numerous hormones that impact our development and growth, affect our ability to deal with stress, and help to regulate kidney function. In Adrenal Fatigue For Dummies, you'll find clear self-evaluations and treatment guidelines that will empower you to take charge of your adrenal health through nutrition, vitamins, herbs, bioidentical adrenal hormone supplementation, and self-care practices.

Adrenal fatigue is in essence a "tired out" adrenal gland that is not able to support the body the way that it should. The effects can be far-reaching and affect the quality of one's daily life. It can affect the immune system, cause inflammation, decrease sex drive, and inhibit the ability to get up in the morning. But now there's hope!

• The 4-1-1 on the structure and function of the adrenal gland
• Linking inflammation and adrenal fatigue
• Connecting food allergy and adrenal issues
• How to test for adrenal fatigue
• Information on eating patterns for all-day energy and improved concentration
• Dealing with other medical conditions and adrenal fatigue
• Relaxation tips to reduce stress

Adrenal Fatigue For Dummies helps those suffering from this debilitating illness reclaim their lives by addressing the delicate balance among the adrenal glands—which can make the day-to-day difference between feeling awful and feeling good.

Foreword xv

Introduction 1

Part I: Getting Started with Adrenal Fatigue 5

Chapter 1: Facing Adrenal Fatigue 7

Chapter 2: Understanding the Basics of Adrenal Gland Function 13

Chapter 3: Defining Adrenal Fatigue 23

Chapter 4: Recognizing the Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue 33

Chapter 5: Testing for Adrenal Fatigue 49

Part II: Getting a Handle on Potential Trigger Factors 69

Chapter 6: The Effects of Stressing Out and Sleeping Less 71

Chapter 7: The Contributions of Inflammation and Acidosis to Adrenal Fatigue 81

Chapter 8: Nutrition’s Role in Adrenal Fatigue 97

Part III: Treating Adrenal Fatigue 117

Chapter 9: Finding and Working with a Good Practitioner 119

Chapter 10: Using Medications and Hormone Supplementation 127

Chapter 11: Assessing Natural Treatments 139

Chapter 12: Exercising and Eating the Right Way 167

Chapter 13: Managing Adrenal Fatigue on the Work Front 185

Part IV: Trying Sensational Recipes to Battle Adrenal Fatigue 201

Chapter 14: Beginning with Energizing Breakfasts 203

Chapter 15: Enjoying Fuel-Filled Lunches 217

Chapter 16: Tuning In to Dinnertime 231

Chapter 17: Savoring a Snack or Something Sweet 245

Part V: The Part of Tens 261

Chapter 18: More Than Ten Ways to Help Beat Depression in Adrenal Fatigue 263

Chapter 19:More Than Ten Supplements for Your Immune System 273

Chapter 20: Maximizing the Function of Ten Important Organs and Systems 283

Index 295

Dr. Richard Snyder, DO, is board certified in both internal medicine and nephrology, as well as a clinical professor at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Wendy Jo Peterson, MS, RD, is a registered dietitian with a master’s degree in nutritional sciences as well as a specialist in sports dietetics. She is the coauthor of Mediterranean Diet Cookbook For Dummies.

Learn to:

• Recognize the symptoms of adrenal fatigue
• Get a handle on potential trigger factors
• Take charge of your adrenal health through nutrition, vitamins, and more

Take charge of your adrenal health and start living life again

If you feel tired all the time, you may be suffering from adrenal fatigue, a condition that affects many aspects of your health and leaves you unable to function properly. This guide provides a complete overview of adrenal fatigue and shows you how to recognize symptoms, seek treatment, discover which medications help, and much more.

• Focus on fundamentals — discover the function of the adrenal glands, how to recognize symptoms of adrenal fatigue, and the tests you may need
• Trigger factors — find out how stress, poor sleep, inflammation, acidosis, and poor nutrition can trigger adrenal fatigue
• Treatment tips — get information on treatment options, including medication, hormonal supplements, exercise, and much more
• Recipes for recovery — discover recipes for meals and snacks that will help battle adrenal fatigue
• There is hope— find out how to battle the depression that may accompany adrenal fatigue

Open the book and find:

• Factors that may lead to adrenal fatigue
• The symptoms and stages of adrenal fatigue
• The tests you need for a diagnosis
• An overview of trigger factors such as stress, poor sleep, and nutrition
• Medications and natural treatments to try
• Ways to manage adrenal fatigue at work
• Delicious recipes for meals, snacks, and treats
• Supplements that can boost your immune health