Chronic Stress, Cortisol, and “Adrenal Fatigue”
Chronic, long-term stress is extremely harmful to health. During stress, the body goes through several phases: An acute phase where the adrenal glands produce a lot of cortisol, which, if the stress continues, can lead to a chronically high production of cortisol. However, with prolonged chronic stress, the adrenal glands may end up producing too little cortisol, often referred to in everyday language as “adrenal fatigue” or “tired adrenals.” There is also a condition called Addison’s disease, where the adrenal glands are unable to produce sufficient amounts of cortisol and aldosterone. People with “tired adrenals” can respond dramatically to small doses of pure adrenaline hormones, which is not always desirable.
Adaptogens and Stress
Adaptogens are active substances that can increase an organism's resistance to stressors that affect homeostasis. In essence, an adaptogen is a biological substance that positively supports an individual’s ability to cope with various stress factors. The advantage of adaptogens is that they can both increase and decrease cortisol. For example, in cases of acute stress, Ashwagandha and Rhodiola, two important adaptogens, can lower both blood sugar and cortisol levels.
With prolonged stress, so-called beta-lipoproteins are produced, which reduce the energy available to cells by blocking the enzyme hexokinase. This is one reason why chronic stress can lead to abnormal fatigue that cannot be remedied by sleep. Adaptogens reduce the accumulation of beta-lipoproteins and prevent the blocking of hexokinase, ensuring that cells receive adequate energy to function optimally.
Adaptogens, Stress, and Blood Sugar
Adaptogens also work on a cellular level rather than just affecting the cortisol response directly. A person exposed to a stressor will still have an adrenal response, but the effect on the body's cells will be less “negative” with the help of adaptogens.
Stress can unfortunately have a negative impact on blood sugar, but adaptogens can improve the body’s glucose response to stress (adrenaline and cortisol). They also enhance cardiovascular health by counteracting catecholamines produced during long periods of stress. Furthermore, adaptogens aid in protein synthesis and significantly reduce recovery time after exercise, making them beneficial for amateur athletes looking to improve their recovery.
One of the most important functions of adaptogens is their positive effect on ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone). Low cortisol levels are often likely due to insufficient secretion of ACTH.
Adaptogens Do Not Cause Fatigue
The herbs in Adrenal Strength and Adrenal Response will not make a person with adrenal fatigue more tired. On the contrary, they will help them manage all forms of stress better. However, it is always best to identify the source of stress and first consider diet, physical activity, sleep, relationships, work situation, toxins, possible allergies, and so on.
Feel free to read our article on the difference between Adrenal Strength and Adrenal Response.
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Scientific references and sources
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