Can CBD Oil for Adrenal Fatigue Help?
The adrenal glands produce several hormones that play important roles in many physiological functions. Some of these hormones regulate how our body processes food into energy. Some control sexual development and reproduction, while others modulate our stress response.
Any problem with our adrenal glands can result in hormonal imbalances. This can cause a variety of non-specific symptoms often referred to as adrenal fatigue.
Adrenal fatigue is reversible, and most people can easily recover through lifestyle medication. However, some people also have a harder time shaking off the symptoms of adrenal fatigue.
If you belong to the latter group, know that CBD oil may be able to help you find some relief.
In this article, we’ll explore the many ways CBD oil helps people with adrenal fatigue. We’ll also discuss how to take CBD oil for its symptoms.
What is Adrenal Fatigue?
Adrenal fatigue isn’t a specific type of disease. According to the Mayo Clinic, it also isn’t an accurate or accepted medical diagnosis made by doctors.
Adrenal fatigue is simply the umbrella term for a group of non-specific symptoms caused by overworked adrenal glands or adrenal insufficiency.
The symptoms of adrenal fatigue include:
- Chronic fatigue
- Sleep problems and disturbances
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Nervousness
- Body aches
- Low blood pressure or hypotension
- Body hair loss
- Lightheadedness and dizziness
- Unexplained weight loss
- Hyperpigmentation or skin discoloration
Causes of Adrenal Fatigue
Many factors can cause adrenal fatigue. These can include but are not limited to:
- Chronic fatigue
- Poor sleep
- Poor diet
- Chronic illness
- Chronic stress and anxiety
According to theories, the overproduction of stress hormones results in overworked adrenal glands. The higher the stress levels, the more vulnerable you become to adrenal fatigue.
Treatment of Adrenal Fatigue
As mentioned earlier, adrenal fatigue is reversible. By correcting bad habits, you can recover from it. This means:
- Getting enough rest and sleep.
- Eating healthy foods, especially those low in sugar, salt, and fat.
- Getting into a regular exercise program.
- Taking multivitamins and supplements.
- Controlling underlying chronic illnesses and their symptoms.
- Smoking cessation.
CBD Oil for Adrenal Fatigue
People with adrenal fatigue find CBD oil very helpful in relieving their symptoms. This non-psychoactive and non-addictive cannabinoid has many properties that can help relieve the symptoms of adrenal fatigue.
CBD Helps Relieve Stress and Anxiety and Stabilize Mood
One of the most popular effects of CBD is its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. CBD activates the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a function of which is anxiety and stress modulation.
In addition to the ECS, CBD also works on other non-cannabinoid receptors responsible for controlling these physiological reactions.
CBD also helps our natural or endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids) stay longer in our system. Endocannabinoids relax the mind and the body, reducing our fight or flight response and easing stress and anxiety.
These effects also help stabilize mood, making you feel less irritated or sad. You feel calmer and more relaxed.
CBD Helps You Sleep Better
Stress and anxiety affect sleep. The more you think of your stressors and let them affect you, the harder it will be for you to get a good night’s sleep.
Pain can also keep you up at night. Instead of falling asleep, you often toss and turn all night because of pain.
CBD helps reduce pain. It again acts on the ECS and the non-cannabinoid receptors in modulating pain. CBD also reduces inflammation, which worsens pain.
You also get to enjoy quality sleep with CBD oil. It helps calm the mind and the body and promotes relaxation. By reducing stress and anxiety, you’d be able to fall asleep faster and enjoy longer more fulfilling sleep.
How to Take CBD Oil for Adrenal Fatigue
There’s no Recommended Dietary Intake or RDI for CBD yet. Most CBD brands will tell you to take one full dropper of CBD oil for symptoms.
However, our bodies are built differently. And one full dropper may be too little or too much for someone.
CBD is more of a personalized therapy. So, you might have to experiment with different dosages at first until you find your sweet spot.
To help you get started though, you can follow our dosage chart:
- 5 to 10 drops (about 6.25 mg to 12.5mg of CBD) for mild symptoms
- 15 o 20 drops (about 18.75 mg to 25 mg of CBD) for moderate symptoms
- 20 to 40 drops (about 25 mg to 50 mg of CBD) for severe symptoms
- 80 drops (about 100 mg of CBD) for extra-strength CBD oil
These dosages may be enough to help relieve some of your adrenal fatigue symptoms. If you developed some side effects from it, then simply reduce the dose. However, if it didn’t improve your symptoms even after about three to five days, then increase the dose.
Again, it can take a bit of time before you find the best dose for your needs. So, be patient and regularly take your CBD.
Side Effects of CBD Oil for Adrenal Fatigue
You can also develop some side effects from CBD oil, but these are typically mild and go away after some time. The side effects include:
- Sleepiness
- Lightheadedness
- Appetite changes
- Bowel movement changes
- Dry eyes
- Dry mouth
Contraindications in Taking CBD Oil for Adrenal Fatigue
CBD oil is generally safe and well-tolerated by users. It isn’t psychoactive or addictive, so you don’t have to worry about getting high or addicted to it. It also won’t cause an overdose.
However, if you’re pregnant or lactating, we recommend speaking with your doctor first. CBD (and other cannabinoids, for that matter) can cross the placental barrier or get into the mother’s milk. This can affect the developing fetus or the growing baby.
If you have chronic health problems and want to try CBD oil, we also strongly suggest seeing your doctor first. CBD can interact with the medications you’re taking and either reduce their effects or amplify them.
Final Thoughts
Adrenal fatigue sometimes happens when the adrenal glands are overworked. The symptoms go away after some time, and most people with adrenal fatigue recover.
However, you can relieve some of its symptoms by taking CBD oil. It’s a safe and effective alternative therapy that can help improve your symptoms.
