If you are running in the Brighton Marathon you may be interested to know that runners often over-train for a marathon rather than under-train.  One cause of over-training is adrenal fatigue. You may miss this as symptoms can be subtle and no clear disease can bediagnosed. Recurrent injury or lack of motivation can be caused by this little known problem.

Adrenal fatigue (technically called hypo-adrenia) was described as long as the 1800’s and is caused by a multitude of physical and emotional stresses often stretching back over many months or years.  A demanding job, long hours and poor sleep patterns combine with a poor diet and too much caffeine to pound the adrenal glands. These stresses can build up slowly over a long time and you can cope – just. If, for instance, you now add in a training routine for a marathon, you are fine initially as the gentle runs and aerobic exercise help the adrenal glands recover. As the mileage increases however, the adrenal glands have to work harder and harder and eventually splutter. So what are the symptoms of adrenal fatigue:-

• back pain and other joint pains
• muscle aches
• tiredness
• difficulty getting up in the morning
• cravings for sugar, salt, caffeine or alcohol
• poor tolerance to physical exertion
• decreased sex drive
• poor tolerance to stress
• frequent infections

….and if that list wasn’t enough in itself – mild depression can be a result of hypoadrenia too.

Adrenal fatigue (technically called hypo-adrenia) was described as long as the 1800’s and is caused by a multitude of physical and emotional stresses often stretching back over many months or years.  A demanding job, long hours and poor sleep patterns combine with a poor diet and too much caffeine to pound the adrenal glands. These stresses can build up slowly over a long time and you can cope – just. If, for instance, you now add in a training routine for a marathon, you are fine initially as the gentle runs and aerobic exercise help the adrenal glands recover. As the mileage increases however, the adrenal glands have to work harder and harder and eventually splutter.

Your adrenal glands produce adrenaline, obviously, but also a whole pharmacy of other hormones which help regulate sugar metabolism; water works; steroids to aid recovery, regulate blood pressure and heart function, reduce inflammation, regulate immune function and affect mood. So anything that disturbs this chemical symphony is likely to be bad.

Fortunately a few simple steps including dietary and lifestyle changes as well specific supplements can help. We can help you choose the best solution.

How do I know if I have Adrenal Fatigue?

The list of symptoms above will give you a good idea but you can have a saliva test which measures the levels of adrenal hormones; you can have have your blood pressure checked which can give clue as can a simple muscle test. if you would like to be tested give us call at Queens Road and book an appointment. Ask for the Adrenal Check-up. Until the Brighton Marathon we are doing blood pressure and muscle checks for a £5 donation to Rockinghorse.

Call on 01273 774 114