50 Contributors to Adrenal Fatigue

1. Caffeine
2. Sugar
3. Alcohol
4. Eating “on the run”
5. Food allergies
6. High-carb diet (lots of grains & sugars)
7. Nutrient deficiencies
8. Overeating, even healthy food
9. Pesticides and herbicides on produce
10. Processed foods/junk food
11. Skipping meals
12. Change in living situation
13. White flour
14. Born with weak adrenals due to adrenal fatigue of mother
15. Malalignment of the spine
16. Chemical toxicity
17. Over-the-counter and prescribed medications
18. Heavy metal toxicity
19. Electromagnetic pollution
20. Parasite infestation
21. Chronic pain
22. Physical trauma/injury
23. Type A personality
24. Anger
25. Depression
26. Resentment
27. Worry/Anxiety
28. Emotional trauma
29. Fear
30. Guilt
31. Low self-esteem
32. Negative thoughts
33. Unresolved conflict
34. Relationship issues
35. Wrestling with major issues: moral, theological, spiritual
36. Mental strain/overwork
37. Major life events, positive or negative
38. Serious illness
39. Illness of loved ones
40. Death of a loved one
41. Financial difficulties
42. Job change/loss
43. High conflict situations
44. Late nights
45. Lack of sleep
46. Overexertion in exercise
47. Smoking/secondhand smoke
48. Loud, pounding music
49. Media: News, Violent movies
50. COLLEGE

The things that contribute to adrenal fatigue are all elements that put stress on a person physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually. You can probably think of even more. A certain amount of stress is normal and in many ways beneficial. However, when one has stress coming from all different sources, assailing at the same time, it is more than the body can be expected to handle. At that point, the body is thrown out of equilibrium, and must do everything it possibly can to regain balance. That requires a lot of energy, and leads to high levels of inflammation, toxicity, fatigue, and ultimately, disease. The good news? Adrenal fatigue is highly preventable and treatable. Watch for an upcoming post on behaviors that prevent or reverse adrenal fatigue!