The Risk of Adrenal Fatigue as We Age

 

Whether it’s finances, health, or family problems, we all have our own reasons for being stressed. Stress is a natural occurrence and an inevitable part of being a human being. However, if unmanaged, chronic stress can lead to severe biological changes in our bodies as we age. About 50 percent of seniors experience mild fatigue, which can then progress to a syndrome known as adrenal fatigue.

 

In adults over the age of 50, adrenal fatigue can create symptoms such as difficulty getting up every morning, extreme periods of fatigue throughout the day, inability to cope with stress, a weakened immune system, unhealthy cravings, depression, dry skin, joint pain, insomnia, weight gain, and frequent urination. If left untreated, these symptoms can disrupt our daily life and ultimately lead to further health complications and more visits to the doctor.

 

Why Are Seniors at a Higher Risk?

 

Adrenal fatigue is a common condition in elderly people. As we age, we are exposed to more stressors. This is because we are entering different stages of our life and the associated changes can cause our bodies to react in a negative way. Retirement, death of a loved one, illnesses, hormonal or bodily changes, and loss of hobbies are all aspects of aging that can trigger stress. Therefore, people who are over the age of 50 tend to be at a higher risk for adrenal fatigue.

 

Not only is adrenal fatigue more common in people over the age of 50, but it also tends to be ignored by many older patients as well as their caregivers and healthcare professionals. Some patients and their caretakers mistake it as a natural progression of aging. A 2010 study showed that healthcare professionals tended to give a lower priority to evaluating older people reporting fatigue in contrast to younger adults. This prolongs the symptoms of the condition and without the right intervention, can cause a significant decline in you or your loved one’s health.

 

How Can You or Your Loved One Treat Adrenal Fatigue?

 

Since unfortunately most doctors are still unaware of adrenal fatigue, it may be up to you or your loved one to identify, diagnose, and treat adrenal fatigue. Try some of these natural remedies to improve your mood and prevent or fight off the symptoms of fatigue.

 

• Develop a Healthier Diet: Since adrenal fatigue lowers our levels of cortisol and other essential nutrients, we need to use our diet to replenish them. This means that you should minimize your intake of sugar, caffeine, and processed foods and instead, replace them with essential vitamins and minerals such as Vitamins B5, B6, B12, C, and D, zinc, and magnesium. Some great, healthy foods that provide these minerals include salmon, whole grains, leafy greens, milk, potatoes, and eggs. Experts also recommend herbal supplements that increase your body’s levels of cortisol, B vitamins, and magnesium. This is particularly best for seniors because as we age, the body reduces the number of nutrients it absorbs.

 

• Drink Lots of Water: Once you hit the age of 50, you should also be drinking at least six glasses of water a day. The best times to drink water are right after waking up to activate the organs, 30 minutes before a meal to improve digestion, before taking a bath to lower blood pressure, and before going to bed to circulate blood flow.

 

• Practice Good Sleep Habits: Your body needs rest, and this is extremely important as we age. You should be getting at least 7-9 hours of sleep per night so that your adrenals have time to recover. According to some studies, adults over the age of 65 need more than 30 minutes to fall asleep, so you should practice good sleep hygiene to ensure you get a good night’s rest. Destress before you get to your room and partake in regular meditation or yoga to calm your body. You can also drink tea with lavender oil, chamomile, or passionflower to facilitate the body’s restful state.

 

• Get More Exposure to Sunlight: Have you ever noticed that you have more energy when you’re out in the sun? This is because natural sunlight assists with adrenal function. It also provides your body with Vitamin D, which can improve your energy levels. As an older adult, you should incorporate about fifteen minutes of exposure to sunlight about three to four times a week.

 

• Manage Your Stress: One of the best ways to avoid the symptoms of adrenal fatigue is to control and manage your stress as soon as possible. You should quickly identify the sources of stress in your life. As we age, stress becomes more prevalent in our lives, but it also becomes easier to identify. You can use a medical response unit to determine when your heart rate increases or when your blood pressure spikes. These can be excellent indicators of the presence of stress. Once you identify your stressors, try to get away from it or take a break. Even getting away from the stressor for 20 minutes can help to explain away the stress as temporary. You should also avoid negative coping mechanisms such as drinking, smoking, eating, or withdrawing from friends.

 

Advice for Caregivers

 

The best thing that you can do for your loved ones is to simply be there for them. They need to know that they have a strong support system during times of stress and uncertainty. You should be opening up and sharing your own feelings so that they feel as though they can share theirs as well. A strong support system can carry anyone through any part of their life and all you need to do is show them that you’re there.

 

Sometimes stress is unavoidable. However, with the right knowledge and techniques, you can reduce your body’s response to it and eliminate you or your loved one’s risk for adrenal fatigue. 

 

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