Why Am I So Tired?

Healing With Dr. Andrew Weil
Why Am I So Tired?
Don't buy the "in" diagnosis.


Q: A friend was diagnosed with adrenal fatigue. Could that condition explain why I'm so tired?

A: I doubt it. Adrenal fatigue is an "in" diagnosis these days, but it's not one recognized by conventional medicine--and with good reason. Some alternative practitioners claim that constant stress drains the adrenals, leading to a drop in the hormones that help your body function normally, but I don't buy it. They diagnose via unreliable saliva tests or symptom questionnaires and may suggest that "adrenal fatigue" causes exhaustion, food cravings, and other vague symptoms. Several adrenal-gland deficiency disorders exist, but these are serious conditions with challenging symptoms that require careful diagnosis and treatment. Learn more about them from the National Institutes of Health.

If you're stressed-out and need a lift, take a multi with B-complex vitamins, as well as an herbal tonic such as cordyceps, American ginseng, or eleuthero (aka Siberian ginseng). These are available in health food stores; follow label directions. In addition, take a daily walk and try relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or biofeedback to help reduce stress.


Dr. Weil is clinical professor of medicine at the University of Arizona and director of its Program in Integrative Medicine.


taked from
http://www.prevention.com