Stress and Adrenal Fatigue
Dealing with life’s daily pressures can put a lot of strain on our overall health. Stress is often described as the feeling of being overwhelmed or the inability to handle emotional pressure¹. This can be brought on by various circumstances such as:
- big or sudden life changes (e. moving to a new city, losing a job, or going through a divorce)
- financial issues (e. forgetting to pay rent, going into debt, lack of income due to job loss, bad credit, lack of savings, and overspending)
- social issues/isolation (e. death of a loved one, lack of friends or family, being in an abusive relationship)
- dealing with a toxic boss/workplace
- difficulty in school
- being bullied by someone
- self-inflicted stress (e. putting too much pressure on oneself to live up to unrealistic expectations)
Taming the Fight or Flight Response
All of these situations seem like common life struggles that everyone will go through at some point, and when it happens, the brain sends a message to the adrenal glands to release stress hormones (cortisol, DHEA, and adrenaline) into the body to enhance the body’s natural senses and activate the immune system.
This is called a “fight-or-flight” response that is naturally designed to act as our defense mechanism when we feel threatened or placed in a survival situation. If chronic stress occurs too often, this will cause the adrenal glands to wear out and deplete the hormone production in the body, thus causing hormonal imbalances and eventual fatigue. Soon, this will create a chronic condition called adrenal fatigue.
Unfortunately, adrenal fatigue isn’t widely recognized by conventional practices due to its symptoms resembling that of other conditions such as depression, chronic fatigue, and autoimmunity.
Conventional doctors state that there is a lack of scientific evidence to show that weakened adrenal glands can lead to fatigue.
However, at LifeWorks Wellness Center, we perform a various tests that reveal one’s cortisol levels to help determine if one has depleted hormonal production.
Treating Adrenal Fatigue
We can treat adrenal fatigue using a wide range of remedies such as supplement regimens, dietary changes, intravenous therapies, and peptides.
Peptides come in handy for those with protein malnourishment and a lack of essential amino acids.
Peptides contain anti-inflammatory or anti-aging properties to benefit those suffering from various conditions.
In the case of adrenal fatigue, here are a few peptides that might be recommended to patients.
Peptides that Can Help Adrenal Fatigue
Peptide MK-677
Peptide MK-677 (also known as ibutamoren) stimulates the pituitary gland to increase growth hormones (GH) and increase insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) by mimicking the ghrelin hormone (which controls hunger, stimulates appetite, promotes fat storage and food intake) and binding the brain’s ghrelin receptors. Interestingly, while this peptide will increase certain hormones, it will not affect cortisol levels. Since research suggests that adrenal fatigue can cause weight loss, insufficient sleep, brain fog, and even autoimmune disorders such as joint pain (or Rheumatoid Arthritis) peptide MK-677 can provide some healing properties to these symptoms during one’s treatment process. Peptide MK-677 contains anti-aging properties and promotes muscle building which will help patients regulate their weight. Furthermore, with the ghrelin receptors activated, this peptide will promote a regulated circadian rhythm, increase energy, lessen impaired cognitive functions, improve memory, and control mood.
Peptide Selank Spray
Known as the “anti-anxiety” peptide, Selank is probably one of the best peptides for patients that can’t control their stress levels, thus decreasing their adrenal fatigue. This peptide contains the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) which can help regulate one’s depression or anxiety symptoms, hence improving cortisol hormone production in the body. Since people with adrenal fatigue have a depleted level of cortisol, this also means that they have a lowered amount of stress handlers. Naturally, ACTH is produced by the pituitary gland and released into the bloodstream to assist with stress response, however since cortisol production is reduced, Selank will replenish these hormones and improve stress response. Furthermore, the peptide will help with metabolism, prevent weight gain, and boost the immune system.
BPC-157
While not directly related to adrenal gland function, BPC-157 is a peptide that has been shown to have protective effects on various organs and tissues. It may help in the recovery of the body from the physical effects of chronic stress, thereby potentially supporting adrenal health indirectly.
Thymosin Beta-4 (TB-500)
Similar to BPC-157, TB-500 is known for its healing and regenerative properties. It could support the body in recovering from the toll of long-term stress, which is often a contributing factor in adrenal fatigue.
Talk to a LifeWorks Practitioner About Your Adrenal Fatigue
Prior to receiving a peptide treatment, all patients are required to seek guidance from a LifeWorks practitioner to discuss symptoms. Adrenal fatigue can vary from patient-to-patient, therefore not everyone with this condition will receive the same type of therapies. Those with minor symptoms may not require the use of peptides at all during their treatment program. During an initial consultation, the patient will have the opportunity to disclose any medications, previous or current conditions, medical background, and other symptoms. Patients will be subject to a series of lab tests or bloodwork to analyze if adrenal fatigue is the cause. If results come back positive, the practitioner will construct a specific plan for the patient to abide by in order to follow a path of natural healing.
LifeWorks is an alternative medical facility located in the heart of Clearwater, Florida. If you or someone that you know are currently suffering from adrenal fatigue or other chronic conditions and are intrigued by a peptide treatment, please call our office at 727-466-6789 to schedule an appointment with a LifeWorks practitioner.
Dr. Minkoff Talks about Adrenal Exhaustion Treatment
Learn More – What Causes Adrenal Fatigue
Adrenal fatigue arises when the adrenal glands are overwhelmed and unable to fulfill the demands placed on them due to excessive exertion. These glands are crucial for managing stress, as they release hormones necessary for the body’s optimal functioning.
The condition often stems from continuous exposure to stress, be it physical, emotional, or mental, leading the adrenals to become overburdened and eventually diminish in function, thus leading to what is known as adrenal fatigue.
This state of fatigue can be triggered by singular instances of intense stress, such as losing a loved one, or sustained stressors, like ongoing workplace pressures.
Additional contributors to adrenal fatigue include a diet lacking in nutrients, not getting enough rest, dependence on substances, and enduring challenging situations that make one feel stuck, such as unsatisfactory relationships, financial constraints, etc. Suffering from long-term illnesses can also impair adrenal gland performance.
Identifying Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue
Adrenal fatigue manifests through various symptoms, though a common sign is a pervasive sense of tiredness, often paired with:
- Difficulty waking up and starting the day
- Cravings for sugary or salty foods
- Dependence on caffeine to become alert in the morning
- Challenges in recovering from sickness
- Overwhelm in dealing with stressors
- Clouded thinking (brain fog)
Incorporating foods rich in magnesium into your diet and dedicating time each week to rest could play a crucial role in addressing adrenal fatigue. Moreover, consulting with a top-notch adrenal fatigue specialist near you is advisable if you experience these symptoms.
