You sleep 7-9 hours but still feel tired when you wake up.
You’re fatigued throughout the day but get an energy kick in the evening.
You feel weaker than normal and have little desire to engage in regular activities.
You have a hard time relaxing.
These symptoms can be chalked up to aging (especially if routine tests through a primary care or specialist come back normal) and while it can certainly be a factor in fatigue, there may be more options than just accepting the aging process and living with feeling tired all the time.
Changes in hormones, stress, and lifestyle (in addition to natural aging) can also contribute to low energy levels – particularly due to the impact they have on the adrenal glands (small glands by the kidneys that regulate the stress response by producing adrenaline and cortisol).
The more stress on the mind and body (from things such as trauma, grief, an overly busy schedule, a poor diet, continuous intense exercise, lack of self-care, etc.), the harder these glands work until they eventually become exhausted and in effect, produce too little (or sometimes, too much) adrenaline and cortisol.
However, diagnosis and treatment can be challenging in western medicine. If disease isn’t present, some physicians do not treat less than optimal activity of the adrenals. In the naturopathic world, though, restoring proper function of these glands regardless of disease can be a key component in relieving fatigue.
Testing and treatment
First, cortisol testing by blood, saliva, and/or urine can provide insight into the current workings of the adrenal glands; these tests can be prescribed and analyzed by Dr. Graves.
Next, customized treatment to support recovery and nourishment can consist of such things as:
- acupuncture to calm the adrenals and release stuck energy
- supplements to support long-term stress response such as AdrenalResponse® by Innate Response, AdrenoMend™ by Douglas Laboratories, and Cortisol Manager by Integrative Therapeutics
- supplements to calm the response from acute stress such as Lavela WS1265™ by Integrative Therapeutics, NeuroCalm™ by Designs for Health, Tranquility™ by Mountain Peak Nutritionals, and CBD
- B shot with adrenal supporting nutrients
in addition to,
- rest
- sleep restoration
- a low-sugar diet that includes protein at each meal
- reduction or elimination of alcohol
- calming active-rest movement such as walking, tai chi, and yoga
- implementation of healthy stress management techniques
Take note, however, that restoration of healthy adrenal function is typically not a quick-fix process. It could have taken many months or even years to get to the state the adrenals are currently in so it may require some time to get them back to normal.
Remember to give it time!
Dr. Graves can prescribe testing and analysis as well a customized treatment plan and supplement options. To discuss these options further with him, please call us at (303) 688-6698 or click here to schedule an appointment.
The CNMA office provides naturopathic care, testing, massage, and holistic counseling to those in Castle Rock, Castle Pines, Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, Centennial, Parker, Larkspur, Monument, Colorado Springs, and the greater Denver metro area. For those outside of these areas, virtual appointments are available.
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