Do you regularly feel tired and even minor inconveniences shoot your stress needles to the roof?
You depend on mugs of coffee and other sugary/salty pick-me-ups to power you through the day?
No matter whether you try the latest diet or workout intensely, you cannot shed those extra kilos?
Lacklustre skin, hair loss, and sleeplessness that makes you stay up until the wee hours?
Feeling grumpy, bone-tired, and in a word, on the edge of burnout?
Do these scenarios ring a bell? If yes, you may be one among the 80% of adults who suffer from adrenal fatigue, sometime in their lives.
Adrenal Fatigue – It’s more than feeling Tired & Worn Out
It’s ok if you feel tired once in a blue moon and want to curl up in bed, all day. But, the problem arises when you’re chronically tired. Apart from making you feel all drained out, adrenal fatigue leads to other unwanted side effects like hair loss, weight gain, loss of libido and much more.
Here in this article, we provide you the low down of this condition, how to recognize the symptoms and how to recover from it naturally.
Let’s get to the facts.
Why does Adrenal Fatigue crop up?
The adrenals are two glands on top of your kidneys. And, they are responsible for ensuring that every hormone in your body is regulated and secreted at the right levels. One of the hormones monitored is cortisol aka the stress hormone.
When your adrenals don’t function properly, cortisol levels shoot all over the place and lead your body to be majorly stressed. You get annoyed even by the smallest things. Instead, of feeling energetic and fresh during the day, cortisol fluctuations make you exhausted at work and sleepless at night.
Here’s how you can tackle this demon naturally.
You don’t end up with adrenal fatigue overnight. It occurs over a period of time with chronic stress. Similarly, recovering and healing your adrenal glands take time, anywhere from six months to two years, depending on the severity of your condition.
But, the good news is that with a holistic treatment plan that includes lifestyle changes and proper nutrition, you can overcome adrenal fatigue and get your life back on track.
#1: Give a break to your coffee break
Try to eliminate caffeine from your diet, this includes coffee and other sodas, till your adrenal levels get back to normal. Avoiding caffeine helps to reset your cortisol levels.
#2: Switch to an adrenal-friendly diet
This means including plenty of green leafy vegetables, lean protein, whole grains. Sticking to a no-carb diet can further stress your body. Instead, include healthy carbs like millets, lentils, quinoa, buckwheat, and others.
Avoid excess sugar, as sugar spikes in your bloodstream cause your adrenal glands to work harder. And, make sure to eat your meals regularly, so that your sugar levels remain stable. That means, no more skipping breakfast, even if you’re rushed for time.
#3: Early to bed, early to rise
Hit the sack before you experience a second cortisol surge around 11 pm. Try adopting a consistent bedtime and avoid mindless browsing on your mobiles just before bed.
#4: Practice Mindful Meditation
Instead of getting stressed out, learn to manage anxiety-inducing situations more proactively. Begin every day, with at least ten minutes of meditation. This helps to calm your mind and get mentally prepared to deal with the rest of your day. Learn deep breathing techniques like Pranayama to manage your stress and avoid taxing your adrenals.
#5: Include Natural Salts in your Diet
Adrenal fatigue affects the hormone aldosterone, which is responsible for regulating salt levels in your body. When you include natural salts like Himalayan sea salt, it supports adrenal functions, helping to heal the worn out glands.
#6: Don’t be a Gym Rat
Too much exercise adds further stress on your adrenal glands. Instead, of doing hardcore workouts try switching to moderate forms of exercises like yoga, walking or Pilates.
#7: Dry Brush your Skin
This ancient Ayurvedic technique of dry brushing your skin is effective for boosting circulation and lymph flow. Additionally, it helps to detoxify your body, stimulate the production of endorphins, the feel-good hormones. This helps to regulate your stress response mechanisms and is rejuvenating and relaxing for your mind and body.
#8: Connect with Mother Earth
In our hectic modern lifestyles, we are getting further and further alienated from nature. Step outside for a walk, walk barefoot on the seashore or grass, relax under a tree, go for a picnic near lakes or streams and recharge your battery. Keep a phone life balance. Limit your screen time.
#9: Energize with Essential Oils
Essential oils are the lifeblood of plants. Vanilla, chamomile, lavender, rosemary, lemon balm, frankincense and rose are excellent to relieve the symptoms of adrenal fatigue. You can add two drops of these to your water and consume them. Or mix it with carrier oils like coconut and apply on your skin.
#10: Learn & Practice Positive Visualization
Explore the amazing potentials of your attitude. Visualize yourself feeling healthy and full of life. Your mind has the power to make your mental imagery come true. Learning meditation techniques can help you practice positive visualization.
Studies show that meditation has the power to change not only your attitude but also your circulatory system and improve your immunity.
The Bottom Line
Remind yourself that not everything has to be perfect to be considered a success. Instead, take the time to appreciate the small things in your life, and protect yourself from overloading your adrenal glands.
“Life isn’t about the Destination, it’s the Journey that Counts.”
Disclaimer: All information, data and material has been sourced from multiple authors and is for general information and educational purposes only and are not intended to replace the advice of your treating doctor.
The views and nutritional advice expressed are not intended to be a substitute for conventional medical service. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.
