We all belong to a fast world where we end up working more, sleeping less, eating unhealthy food and thus end up suffering from debilitating exhaustion. At some point of time in life, this leads to prolonged stress and results in a less known condition called Adrenal Fatigue.
What is Adrenal Fatigue?
The adrenal glands which sit on top of your kidneys play the role of your innate stress response system. They release several important hormones, one of which is cortisol. Cortisol is stimulated in the morning as you wake up and gradually goes down throughout the day so that you can sleep well at night. However, when cortisol levels are not in balance, fatigue takes over and causes a whole lot of problems.
If you have adrenal fatigue, here are the symptoms that you can experience:
- A slow start in the morning
- Need coffee or caffeine to push you through the morning
- Craving for salty or sugary foods
- Afternoon feeling of tiredness and sleepiness
- May have a burst of energy at evening
- Sleepiness at 9-10 pm during the night, but resistance to go to sleep with a second burst of energy at 11 pm
- Lack of Energy and chronic fatigue
- Excessive Hair loss
- Difficulty in losing weight
- Moody and Irritable
- Dizziness or light-headed when standing up suddenly
- Depression and Anxiety
- Brain fog
- Decreased Libido
Causes of Adrenal Fatigue
The prime culprit of this condition is stress, although chemical toxicity, nutritional depletion, and infections also play a role:
1. Stress
Excessive stress deplete the adrenals including long hours of work, lack of sleep, prolonged usage of gadgets and more
2. Nutritional Deficiencies
When under stress the need for rich nutrients is greater. Refined carbohydrates, high sugar, low protein can stress the adrenals as well
3. Toxins
External pollutants and cosmetic products that contain toxic chemicals often play a large role in adrenal burnout. Also toxins within the body produced due to microbial imbalances in the gut and weakened digestion can further deteriorate the condition.
4. Chronic Infections
Infections lead to a greater buildup of toxins leading to inflammation and stress, thus causing a weakened adrenal system. Gut infections, bronchitis and more are some common causes
5. Stimulants or Excessive Exercise
Caffeine, sugar, and alcohol are common stimulants of this condition. Also, high-intensity physical activity like vigorous exercise, high-risk sports can at times deplete the adrenals. These stimulants provide a temporary high caused by greater secretion of adrenaline hormones and over time weakens the adrenals leading to insufficiency.
6. Negative Thinking and Emotional Trauma
Negative emotions like anger, fear, anxiety, depression are another cause of adrenal burnout.
Steps to Overcome Adrenal Fatigue Naturally
1. Food is Medicine
Eat a nutrient-dense diet packed with healthy proteins, good fats and leafy vegetables and foods high in magnesium. Avoid foods high in potassium, sugars, processed food and caffeine. Foods that support adrenal health include pumpkin seeds, Celtic or Himalayan sea salt, cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts, almonds, fermented foods, Chaga and cordyceps medicinal mushrooms.
2. Take Adrenal-Supporting Herbs
Adaptogenic herbs like Ashwagandha, Holy basil, Rhodiola Rosea, Schisandra can be used to alleviate the strain on your adrenal glands. Research indicates that these adaptogenic herbs may help to keep cortisol levels in balance and thereby mediate the stress response system.
Also licorice root, fish oil can be used to counteract some of the symptoms including mental dysfunction, weight gain, and depression. Inhaling lavender oil and rosemary oil can help to decrease cortisol concentrations.
3. Relax and Pay Attention to Yourselves
The last and the most important thing is to heed your mind, body, and soul. Practice relaxation techniques like Yoga, Pranayama, meditation to keep stress at bay. Don’t over-work yourselves and avoid negativity. Be kind to yourself and be around positive people.
4. Good Sleep Habits
If you want to rehab your adrenals, make sure that you don’t stay up too late. Allow your brain and adrenal glands to recuperate overnight. Promote quality sleep by turning off gadgets and unwind yourself.
Stress is a common syndrome in today’s world and when that stress overextends too much that the body is unable to compensate and recover, it leads to complications. Rest and nutrition are the two most important pillars of good adrenal health.