Adrenal glands are little glands that produces noradrenaline, adrenaline, and steroid hormones. These hormones assist in maintaining healthy blood pressure, heart rate, and other vital bodily functions. Each kidney has a single adrenal gland on top of it called suprarenal gland as well.
Did you know that long-term stress might impair your body's capacity to recover from emotional, mental, and physical strain? The majority of people have probably experienced adrenal fatigue at some point in their lives.
Your general health may be significantly impacted if you have adrenal exhaustion. Fortunately, by concentrating on your nutritional intake and lifestyle choices, you may naturally alleviate this frequent problem.
The following describes how adrenal fatigue develops over time:
You awaken and require a considerable amount of coffee to function.
In the early hours of the day, you finally feel more energized.
Your energy levels then plummet about 2 o'clock, rebound at 6 o'clock, and then drop once more at 9 o'clock.
At 11 p.m., your energy levels ultimately surge once more.
Studies have shown that adrenal fatigue symptoms include:
Autoimmune conditions
Chronic fatigue (always feeling tired)
Brain fog
Hair loss
Hormone imbalance
Weakened stress response
Insulin resistance
Lightheadedness
Decreased sex drive/libido
Moodiness and irritability
Depression
Muscle or bone loss
Skin ailments
Sleep disturbances/sleep apnea
Weight gain
Sweet and salty food cravings
Loss of appetite
It is believed that adrenal exhaustion can be caused by:
Exposure to environmental toxins and pollution
Prolonged stress due to financial hardship, bad relationships or work environment, and other conditions that entail feelings of helplessness
Negative thinking and emotional trauma
Lack of sleep
Poor diet (including crash diets and inconsistent nutrition) and lack of exercise
Pain
Food sensitivities
Surgery
Reliance on stimulants like caffeine or energy drinks
Rheumatoid arthritis
Diabetes/impaired glucose levels
Treatment for adrenal fatigue involves:
reducing stress on your body and your mind
eliminating toxins
avoiding negative thinking
replenishing your body with healthy foods, supplements and ways of thinking
Diet and supplements are a very powerful way to recharge the adrenals to regain proper function. The source of many illnesses is directly related to what you put inside your body.
Foods to avoid include:
Caffeine
Sugar and sweeteners
Carbohydrates
Processed and microwaved foods
Processed meats
Hydrogenated oils:
Foods to add to your diet:
Coconut
Avocado and other healthy fats
Cruciferous vegetables (cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, etc.)
Bone broth
Nuts, such as walnuts and almonds
Seeds, such as pumpkin, chia and flax
Kelp and seaweed
These foods are nutrient-dense, low in sugar, and include healthy fats and fiber, which aid in overcoming adrenal exhaustion.
Herbs and supplements that aid is adrenal function are
Licorice Root
Ashwagandha
Fish oil
Vitamins A, B-complex, C, & D
Magnesium
Selenium
It may take 6 – 24 months to recover from adrenal exhaustion. That is why it imperative that the lifestyle changes that are made remain consistent. Remember it took some time for the adrenals to get exhausted and it will take some time for them to function properly again.
As in most illness, the best approach is a lifestyle change that includes a healthy diet, that includes exercise and positive mindset.