Adrenal Fatigue is one of many popular ailments circulating the internet these days. Maybe you’ve heard of it?

 

Basically, Adrenal Fatigue is a theory that when you’re constantly dealing with high stress levels, the little glands that sit on top of your kidneys can get tired out and will stop producing the correct amount of hormones they are meant to produce—hormones including cortisol which helps regulate our sleep/wake cycle, our blood pressure and blood sugar, and how our body uses energy. When this happens, the theory suggest that it leads to whole host of symptoms including fatigue, difficulty sleeping and/or waking up, brain fog, and cravings for sugary and salty foods. You’ll find Adrenal Fatigue diets far and wide on the internet telling you to go gluten-free, eat clean (whatever that means), and to take a variety of supplements.

 

So is this true? Should you start taking 14 different supplements and go on a restrictive no-carb, no-salt, no caffeine, gluten free diet to get those little guys up and running at full capacity? 

 

Short answer: No

 

Longer Answer: Current research does not support the theory that adrenal fatigue exists. To see the full study, click here. In fact, the list of symptoms I mentioned above can be attributed to a variety of other health issues that should be diagnosed and treated. So if you have these symptoms, see your doctor to determine if something else is going on. 

 

And if you’re worried about your diet, talk to a dietitian before going gluten-free or totally cutting out coffee. After all, if you’re not a celiac, going gluten free can actually increase your risk for coronary heart disease and coffee drinking may reduce your risk of developing colorectal cancer and Alzheimer’s Disease.