A Comprehensive Guide To Healing Adrenal Fatigue Naturally

Adrenal Fatigue is a condition that occurs when the adrenal glands, pituitary gland and hypothalamus are overtaxed. It is typically characterized by a disruption of the adrenal glands’ ability to make a glucocorticoid known as cortisol. The adrenals are the fulcrum that coordinates almost every hormone in the body. Adrenal fatigue is the result of chronic emotional or physical stress resulting in symptoms such as low energy levels, inability to handle stressful situations, a weakened immune system and cravings for sugary or salty foods.

Millions of people suffer from fatigue unrelieved by sleep and rest and this is one of the main symptoms of adrenal burnout & adrenal fatigue. Other symptoms of adrenal fatigue include low blood pressure, indigestion, infections, irritability and depression. This can impair vital symptoms in the body leading to toxic and dangerous emotions. People may seem hopeless, depressed, or uncaring.

Causes of Adrenal Fatigue

Prolonged chronic stress or acute stress can cause our adrenal glands to be overloaded and hence ineffective. Some of the main causes of adrenal fatigue include:

• Stressful experiences such as surgery, death of a loved one or divorce
• Emotional trauma and negative thinking
• Lack of exercise and poor diet
• Exposure to pollution and other environmental toxins
• Prolonged stress as a result of bad relationships, financial hardship, and other situations that may lead to feelings of hopelessness
• Lack of sleep

Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue

There are numerous complaints associated with adrenal fatigue. These include:

• Dizziness
• Dark circles under the eyes
• Anxiety
• Dry skin
• Depression
• Asthma, respiratory complaints and allergies
• Extreme exhaustion after a short period of exercise
• Frequent urination
• Joint pain
• Low blood pressure
• Insomnia
• Low blood sugar
• Lower back pain
• Lines in the fingertips
• Loss of muscle tone
• Weight gain
• Poor circulation and numbness in the fingers
• Low sex drive

In order to heal adrenal fatigue and boost your energy levels, you must follow several different strategies.

Healing Adrenal Fatigue Naturally

Three critical factors need to work together to heal adrenal fatigue: lifestyle, diet, and supplements. Lifestyle has proven to be the most important, yet challenging factor of all three. Supplements and diet certainly help improve adrenal glands’ function, but it you must make lifestyle changes.

1. Diet

Eliminate all foods that increase inflammation and stress the adrenals such as legumes, refined sugar, vegetable oils and grains.

• Breakfast

A very high protein diet is recommended in order to promote stable blood sugar levels throughout the day. Eat about 40 grams of protein within 30 minutes of waking up to balance cortisol levels. It’s also recommended that you consume a very low carb breakfast because carbs can contribute to high insulin levels and drowsiness. Moreover, carb-digesting enzymes peak in the evening.

• Unrefined Salt

Adrenal fatigue can deplete your salt levels because it reduces the salt-monitoring hormone known as aldosterone. Adequate sodium promotes healthy blood pressure. Most people experience dizziness and crave salt when aldosterone levels drop. You can liberally add a pinch of unrefined salt to your foods and even water.

• Eat Three Regular Meals

Don’t skip any meal if you are suffering from adrenal fatigue. This is because the body is unable to monitor glucose and salt levels in your body properly. Your meals should focus on quality animal protein, vegetables, and healthy fats. Remember, your carbohydrates should come from root veggies, starchy fruits, fresh fruits and starchy vegetables such as plantains. Be sure to avoid refined juices, refined grains and sugar.

• Consume Fluids Mindfully

Although it’s recommended that we drink at least 8 glasses of water per day, this might chronically compromise your metabolism if you’re suffering from adrenal fatigue because too much fluid can compromise thyroid function which usually works hand in hand with our adrenal glands.

• Eat Lots of Good Fats

Enjoy healthy saturated fats from coconut oil, grass-fed butter and ghee, pasteurized egg yolks, and grass-fed meats. You can also enjoy monounsaturated fats from virgin olive oil and avocado. Healthy fats are a good source of long-burning oil which keeps your blood sugar level in check. It is also important to strictly limit seeds and nuts because the anti-nutrients and fatty acid profile impair digestion and thyroid function. Avoid plant oils such as sunflower oil, canola oil and grape seed oil.

2. Get the Right Minerals and Vitamins

There are many vitamins that replenish the adrenal glands. For instance Vitamin B5 and B6 are very important contributors in proper adrenal function. Magnesium also improves adrenal function and decreases stress. Other nutrients that help improve adrenal heath include calcium, zinc, vitamin C, selenium and vitamin D3.

3. Supplement with Adaptogens

Adaptogens are herbs that are commonly used for people suffering from adrenal fatigue because they help the body adapt to mental and physical stress. Ashwagandha is of the strongest adaptogens and it can be found in most natural formulas for adrenal fatigue. Other adaptogens that have proven to be beneficial for adrenal fatigue include Siberian ginseng root, rehmannia, licorice, ginkgo biloba, panax ginseng and ginger root.

4. Reduce Stress and get Adequate Sleep

Proper sleep is very essential for the adrenal glands to rest. People with adrenal fatigue should go to bed before 10:30 pm and sleep until 8:00 am especially on their days off and weekends if schedules allow. Remove electronic devices such as phones and laptops prom your bedroom in order to protect yourself from EMFs (electromagnetic fields) which interfere with your adrenal function and sleep patterns.

5. Discover Allergies and Food Sensitivities

Food sensitivities and allergies also contribute to the development of conditions such as adrenal fatigue because they release histamine and produce inflammation. Most allergies release histamine adrenal glands must work very hard to produce cortisol. Cortisol is a very effective anti-inflammatory.  When the adrenals become fatigued they produce less cortisol and histamine will inflame the tissues even more.

It is recommended that you eliminate sensitive and allergic foods in order to reduce the effect on the adrenal glands. Common sensitivities and allergens include dairy, wheat, soy, corn, and gluten. Effective food sensitivity and allergy tests include the meridian stress assessment, ELISA (enzyme linked immunosorbent assay) blood test, bio-meridian testing, food elimination diet, and bio-analysis feedback testing.

What is one of the Best Adrenal Support Supplements We have Found?

To assist in decreasing stress and strengthening you adrenal glands, we highly recommend The “Xtend-life Core wellness Activators, Kiwi-Klenz, Omega 3/DHA Fish oil and Total Balance.  Together with the bee pollen from Natural-Energy, these essential nutrients may help to support your energy levels.

Extremely stressed adrenal glands may require a lot more time to return to normal. You will need to focus on having a good diet, natural supplements for adrenal support, plenty of water and also maintain a good exercise regime for a good 12 months before you can really expect to notice long-term improvement. You will certainly start to feel better within this 12 months, some people even notice considerable improvement after just 1 month!