Four Hidden Causes of Depression: Adrenal Exhaustion, Reactive Hypoglycemia, Food Sensitivities and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Depression is not a new disease but there are still a lot that is unknown about the exact cause and appropriate treatment of the disorder. Depression can be difficult to distinguish due to the various symptoms. Adrenal fatigue, reactive hypoglycemia, food sensitivities and chronic fatigue syndrome are all very uncommon disorders that can cause depression. Most people have probably never heard of these disorders. Many physicians do not even understand their exact relationship to depression.
The adrenal glands are located over your kidneys. The adrenal glands are responsible for secreting a variety of hormones. Common hormones are epinephrine, testosterone and cortisol. When individuals are under extreme stress adrenal fatigue can occur.
Extreme stress can be brought on due to financial trouble, the loss of a loved one, living in an abusive relationship, etc.. The main stress hormone in the body is known as cortisol. Your body needs cortisol to adapt to stress and at the same time if stress levels remain high excessive cortisol is then damaging to your body. It actually ages you faster from the inside out. Months or years of continuously producing high levels of cortisol the adrenal glands can start burning out slowing down or stopping the production of cortisol.
This decrease in cortisol level affect’s the body’s ability to keep up with the stress level. This is called adrenal fatigue. A few problems that can occur are extreme tiredness, sever exhaustion and low stamina. Individuals also generally feel unable to cope with stressful situations that may arise and often feel depressed. Some people also have problems with low blood pressure and digestion. Adrenal fatigue is a common reason why people recover poorly from surgeries an infection. It is also a common factor in chronic pain especially back pain.The disorder is reversible in most cases. How long it takes to reverse and what is involved depends on which of the four stages of adrenal fatigue you have as well as other health complications.
Hypoglycemia is when your blood sugar drops too low. When your body’s blood sugar repeatedly drops down too low especially after consuming carbohydrates this is generally referred to as reactive hypoglycemia. Excessive insulin is produced and this over production causes the sugar levels in the body to drop drastically. Some people experience symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness or lightheadedness. In addition they may also be extremely irritable and suffer from headaches, tremors and depression.
This disorder does have some simple treatment options you can try. Most physicians recommend that patients eat a small meal or snack at least every 3 hours and exercise regularly. Stick to low glycemic index foods and limit sugar and carbs in your daily diet. Expand our diet and include healthy meats, poultry and fish. Ins important to identify the reasons why you have this condition. Is it a result of diet and stress or are there other metabolic issues involved.
Food sensitivities are often over looked when a person presents with symptoms of depression. Eating foods that you are sensitive too may take 24-72 hours before you feel the negative effects. And common symptoms are fatigue, depression and brain fog. There are many options for identifying and ruling out the foods you are reactive too. Frequently the elimination of the reactive foods for 8-12 weeks completely reverses the depression cause by food sensitivities.
In many cases your doctor may not diagnose you with chronic fatigue syndrome. Chronic fatigue does have many of the same symptoms as adrenal fatigue and reactive hypoglycemia. Just as the name says, if you suffer from this disorder you probably experience severe fatigue. Muscle aches and pains, headaches and restless sleep are also common symptoms. Some people have problems with night sweats and nausea.
Your doctor may try and treat you with depression medication but in some cases he may offer you other options. Most patients are encouraged to exercise and establish a healthy sleep pattern. Special medicines may help with joint pain and problematic headaches. Each disorder can cause depression but many people can benefit more from lifestyle changes and protocols to reverse metabolic damage rather than depression medicine. The common drugs used to treat depression may not always help these problems.
Depression The Four Most Common Hidden Causes
