What is Adrenal Fatigue? You may have heard about the term “Adrenal Fatigue.” Adrenal Fatigue is not an accurate medical diagnosis. As stated by the Endocrine Society, “no scientific proof exists to support adrenal fatigue as a true medical condition.” As stated in the journal, BMC Endocrine Disorders, systematic review from Cadegiani and Kater – “there is no substantiation that ‘adrenal fatigue’ is an actual medical condition. Therefore, adrenal fatigue is still a myth.” In general, the term “adrenal fatigue” is used to refer to a set of symptoms that occurs in people who experience long-term mental, emotional, or physical stress; the symptoms include: general tiredness, weakness, trouble falling asleep and waking up, and craving salt and sugar. These are generic symptoms, which means they can be found in numerous diseases (such as Adrenal Insufficiency) and are also normal occurrences in life.
At AOSMI, we are committed to patient education. By addressing misconceptions and providing accurate information, we aim to empower patients to make informed decisions about their health and seek proper medical care when needed. This initiative aligns with our dedication to promoting transparency and ensuring that patients have access to reliable resources for managing their well-being effectively. We aim to arm you with the knowledge so that you can make the best decisions for your health – allowing you to live your strongest, healthiest life.
An established adrenal condition is Primary Adrenal Insufficiency, also known as Addison’s Disease – in which a patient’s adrenal glands don’t work properly, so they do not make enough cortisol. Secondary adrenal insufficiency is when the pituitary gland does not signal the adrenal gland to make enough cortisol. Adrenal insufficiency leads to a range of symptoms including muscle and joint pain, low blood pressure, craving for salt, sweating, darkened skin on face, neck, and back of hands, and irregular menstrual periods in women. It’s crucial to seek medical evaluation from an endocrinologist if you are experiencing these symptoms to confirm diagnosis and initiate appropriate treatment.
However, as part of any treatment for endocrine, or orthopedic conditions, it is important to eat nutritious food, which includes fruits and vegetables as part of a well-balanced diet. Some examples of nutritious food to eat are:
- Apples
- Pears
- Plums
- Kiwis
- Mangoes
- Papayas
- Cherries
- Grapes
- Broccoli
- Spinach
- Beets
- Carrots
- Sweet potatoes
- Bone broth
- Seaweed
- Sea vegetables
- Whole grains
- Unrefined grains
- Soaked raw nuts
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above, reach out to your endocrinologist for proper evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment. If you are experiencing joint and muscle pain, we encourage you to request an appointment with our team of orthopedic specialists today.