20 Mar Best Natural Remedies for Adrenal Fatigue

WHAT IS ADRENAL FATIGUE?

Your adrenal glands are responsible for your body’s responses to every kind of stress; physical, emotional and psychological. These glands produce over 50 different hormones, which regulate energy production, immune function, heart rate and your ability to cope emotionally with stress and shock. Adrenal fatigue occurs when your adrenal glands aren’t able to adequately meet the demands of the stress you’re feeling. The glands will still be functioning, but their hormonal output will be significantly diminished (usually due to over-stimulation), and they won’t be able to maintain the state of homeostasis (balance and stability) in your body.

CAUSES & SYMPTOMS OF ADRENAL FATIGUE

Over-stimulation of your adrenal glands is typically caused either by a very intense single stressful experience (such as the loss of a loved one, a car accident, a sudden illness or major surgery); or by chronic and repeated stresses that have a cumulative effect.

The following symptoms are signs of fatigued adrenal glands:

• You often feel tired for no reason
• You struggle to get up in the morning, despite going to bed at a reasonable hour
• You feel moody and irritable often
• You often feel run down or overwhelmed
• You have difficulty coping with stress
• You struggle to recover from illnesses
• You frequently crave salty and sweet snacks
• After exercising, you feel even more burned out, rather than relaxed and energised
• You experience frequent body temperature changes and imbalances, such as hot flushes

NATURAL ADRENAL FATIGUE REMEDIES

Fortunately, there are many ways to help your adrenals recover, and to get your body and mind back into a healthy balanced state.

Supplements

Make sure you’re getting enough of the right vitamins and minerals, to give your adrenals the right support.

Vitamins B5, B6 & B12: These B vitamins all play important roles in cell metabolism, cellular respiration and cell repair.

Vitamin C: First of all, vitamin C is directly involved in the production of cortisol by your adrenal glands. Cortisol helps with metabolic response and immune response. This means vitamin C is essential to your recovery from adrenal fatigue; and of course it also protects you from free radicals and gives your immune system a great boost.

Magnesium: This must-have mineral helps to maintain stable energy flow and a stable mood, combating fatigue and depression. A magnesium deficiency can cause low energy, low mood, muscle stiffness and cramps, and even insomnia.

Probiotics: Adrenal fatigue often causes sluggish digestion. Probiotics balance intestinal flora and improve your digestive function, which helps your body to extract more nutrients from the foods you eat. This in turn will improve your energy levels and your immune system; reducing the chances of illnesses that would impact your adrenal glands further.

Adaptogens

Adaptogenic herbs are those that, as the name implies, help your body to adapt to stress. Adaptogens help to speed up your body’s recovery from stress, and promote healthy adrenal gland function. Some great examples of adaptogens are:

Ashwagandha: Helps to balance cortisol levels. Relieves insomnia, eases fatigue and helps the body heal from the effects of stress.

Cordyceps: This mushroom promotes better energy and stamina, helping to treat fatigue.

Ginseng: This energy-boosting herb improves stamina and mental clarity.

Maca: Promotes healthy functioning of the thyroid, pituitary and hypothalamus glands. High in vitamin C; supports immune system function.

Reishi: Another medicinal mushroom that helps to ease feelings of stress and prevent energy fluctuations/ fatigue.

Rhodiola: Improves thyroid function and immune system function; lifts the mood and helps to combat fatigue.

Tulsi (Holy Basil): Relaxes the nervous system, promotes restful sleep and boosts immunity.

Check out our SuperThrive adaptogenic smoothie powder range online.

Diet & Exercise

Naturally, what you eat will play a major role in your recovery and continued well-being. Foods rich in the nutrients mentioned above, (vitamin C, vitamin B, magnesium) will help your adrenal glands to recover faster; and superfood smoothies with a dash of adaptogens thrown in are a daily must-have.

Top Diet Tips for Healthy Adrenals:

• Eating at regular intervals will also help to keep your hormones and metabolism in balance.
• Cut down on processed sugar and caffeine (this is a great preventative measure as well as a healing tip)!
• Be sure to stay hydrated throughout the day, with pure filtered water and natural electrolyte-rich drinks like coconut water.

When you’re fatigued, finding the motivation to exercise is tough. Rather than trying to drag yourself to gym or spinning class, take a long walk or a hike with friends and family; or start your day with a few basic yoga poses that will get your circulation going.

Meditation & Stress Relief

A healthy body and a happy mind go hand-in-hand. So be sure to make some time every day to unwind and clear your mind. Just a few minutes of meditation daily can make a big difference to your emotional and psychological well-being.

Be good to yourself, and your body and mind will feel the benefits as your adrenal glands reach their optimal function again.