Do You Get “Hangry?” It May Be Adrenal Fatigue

This article is used with permission from the new book, PAIN RELIEF in 4 Simple Steps by Jacob Teitelbaum, MD. If you’re interested in this topic and would like to see all the articles published so far, visit Healing from Chronic Pain, a Multipart Series.

Do you get sugar cravings?
Are you irritable when you’re hungry?
Do you feel Anxious?
Do you sometimes "crash" when stressed?
Do you have recurrent viral infections?

These symptoms may be signs that your adrenal glands—your body’s “stress handlers”—are under strain.

The adrenal glands produce cortisol, a hormone that helps your body respond to stress, supports stable blood sugar levels, and helps regulate immune function.

When stress continues for too long, your adrenal system may struggle to keep up. As cortisol levels become disrupted, you may begin to experience some or all of the symptoms described above.

The encouraging news is that once you recognize what may be happening, there are practical steps you can take to support healthier adrenal function. Here’s how:

1. Drink more water and eat more salt (unless you have high blood pressure or heart failure).
2. Turn off and tune out the things that leave you feeling bad. Including media reporting that tries to scare you to death and to hate half the population who they’ll tell you is "on the other side." So if it feels bad to watch, listen or read what they’re saying, just turn it off and ignore it (assuming the news isn’t so earth shattering that doing so would somehow lead to your become divorced or homeless).
3. Cut down on your sugar intake, because excessive sugar in your food puts you on an emotional roller coaster. This will be easier once you begin the adrenal support below.
4. Take 1-2 capsules each morning of a supplement called Adrenaplex®. This is a mix of nine nutrients, herbals, and adrenal glandulars that do a great job of keeping your adrenal glands healthy. People typically find that their energy and mood smooth out in just the first few days of use.
5. And if you’re also fatigued and brain fogged, add HRG80™ Red Ginseng Chewable Tablets. This balances adrenal function. Our study of 188 people with severe exhaustion showed that HRG80 helped in 60% of participants, with the following improvements in the group:
• 67% average increase in energy
• 44% average increase in overall well-being
• 48% average improvement in mental clarity
• 46% average improvement in sleep
• 33% average decrease in pain
• 72% average increase in stamina.

You’re Invited! Dr. Teitelbaum is now personally answering questions in his new Facebook support group: Recovering from Fibromyalgia, CFS, and Long COVID. The group is also open to anyone dealing with chronic pain or related health challenges. Join the community, ask your questions, and connect with others!