What is Adrenal Fatigue?
According to Adrenal.org, Adrenal fatigue is a collection of signs and symptoms, known as a syndrome, that results when the adrenal glands function below the necessary level. Most commonly associated with intense or prolonged stress, it can also arise during or after acute or chronic infections, especially respiratory infections such as influenza, bronchitis or pneumonia. As the name suggests, its paramount symptom is fatigue that is not relieved by sleep but it is not a readily identifiable entity like measles or a growth on the end of your finger. You may look and act relatively normal with adrenal fatigue and may not have any obvious signs of physical illness, yet you live with a general sense of unwellness, tiredness or “gray” feelings. People experiencing adrenal fatigue often have to use coffee, colas and other stimulants to get going in the morning and to prop themselves up during the day.
This syndrome has been known by many other names throughout the past century, such as non-Addison’s hypoadrenia, sub-clinical hypoadrenia, neurasthenia, adrenal neurasthenia, adrenal apathy and adrenal fatigue. Although it affects millions of people in the U.S. and around the world, conventional medicine does not yet recognize it as a distinct syndrome.
Adrenal fatigue can wreak havoc with your life. In the more serious cases, the activity of the adrenal glands is so diminished that you may have difficulty getting out of bed for more than a few hours per day. With each increment of reduction in adrenal function, every organ and system in your body is more profoundly affected. Changes occur in your carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism, fluid and electrolyte balance, heart and cardiovascular system, and even sex drive. Many other alterations take place at the biochemical and cellular levels in response to and to compensate for the decrease in adrenal hormones that occurs with adrenal fatigue. Your body does its best to make up for under-functioning adrenal glands, but it does so at a price.
3 Steps to Solve Your Adrenal Fatigue Problem
1. Adrenal Fatigue Diet
In every case of adrenal recovery, diet is a huge factor. There are a number of foods that support adrenal function. They will help replenish your adrenal energy so your system can come back to full health. But first you must start by removing any hard to digest foods and any toxins or chemicals in your environment.
The idea is to remove anything that taxes your adrenals. Foods to avoid are:
Caffeine: This can interfere with your sleep cycle and make it hard for your adrenals to recover. If you must drink coffee or a caffeinated beverage, then have a limited amount in the morning before noon.
Sugar & sweeteners: Includes avoiding high fructose corn syrup and artificial sweetener as well. Avoid sugary foods, cereals, candy, sweets, etc. Be aware that sugar is an addictive in many breads, condiments and dressings. Try to avoid as much extra sugar as possible. Use raw honey or stevia as an alternative.
Processed and Microwaved foods: First of all the microwave has its own dangers, but additionally, most microwaveable foods have many preservatives and fillers that are hard to digest and wear out your body’s energy and digestion cycle. Try to buy food on the outer walls of your grocery store and prepare your own food whenever possible.
Hydrogenated Oils: Vegetable oils like soybean, canola and corn oil are highly inflammatory which can lead to adrenal inflammation. Try to only use good fats such as coconut oil, olive oil, organic butter or ghee.
Next, you will want to add in nutrient dense foods that are easy to digest and have healing qualities. Some of the top superfoods for adrenal health include:
- Coconut
- Olives
- Avocado
- Sea Salt
- Cruciferous vegetables (cauliflower, broccoli, brussel sprouts, etc.)
- Fatty fish, e.g. wild-caught salmon
- Chicken and turkey
- Nuts, such as walnuts and almonds
- Seeds, such as pumpkin, chia, and flax
- Kelp and seaweed
- Celtic or Himalayan sea salt
These foods help overcome adrenal insufficiency because they are nutrient dense, low in sugar and have healthy fat and fiber.
See also my healing diet for more food suggestions.
2. Adrenal Fatigue Supplements
Another big key to overcoming adrenal fatigue, is taking the right supplements. I always recommend eating the right foods to heal your body.
However, due to soil depletion (from over-farmed and unhealthy farming practices), much of the fruits and vegetables do not have the same amount of nutrition that it did even 50 years ago. So, certain adrenal boosting nutrients are needed to get your adrenal function back up such
as:
- Ashwagandha
- Holy basil
- Fish oil (EPA/DHA)
- Magnesium
- Vitamin B5
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D3
- Zinc
Taking these supplements in their whole food form could greatly improve your symptoms of adrenal insufficiency.
3. Adrenal Fatigue Stress Reduction
The last and most important key to restoring your adrenal function is to treat your mind and stress needs. Pay attention to your body!
- Rest when you feel tired as much as possible.
- Sleep 8-10 hours a night
- Avoid staying up late and stay on a regular sleep cycle. Ideally, in bed before 10p
- Laugh and do something fun every day
- Minimize work and relational stress
- Eat on a regular food cycle and and reduce sugar and caffeine
- Exercise (even moderate exercise and walking can help)
- Avoid negative people and self talk
- Take time for yourself (do something relaxing)
- Seek counsel or support for any traumatic experiences
Let’s talk about “self-talk” for a minute. Our body is made to heal. However, the words we say have a great impact on our body and our ability to heal. Regardless of what diet and supplements you take, your environment is one of the most important components.
Source:
Dr Axe
adrenalfatigue.org
