7 Steps To Naturally Reverse Adrenal Fatigue
The human body is designed to handle stress, but not the kinds of stress that exist in our world today. Our adrenal glands, working in concert with other endocrine systems, are responsible for regulating our response to the stressors around us. And while they’re excellent at helping us get away from acute dangers, they can become taxed when under consistent, daily stress. Adrenal fatigue is a very real condition that often results from this type of low-level chronic stress that so many of us experience. These delicate glands can become overworked and depleted, making it harder for us to keep up with life’s demands.
Under stress, the adrenal glands release hormones like cortisol and epinephrine, which affect things such as heart rate, blood pressure, and energy metabolism. If these glands aren’t given sufficient time to rest and reset, the cortisol levels in the body stay high, and the adrenals eventually become fatigued. This chronic stress response can have many downstream effects too, altering things like sex hormones, brain function, and immunity.
Adrenal Fatigue Symptoms
Before we explore the best adrenal fatigue treatments and ways to reverse adrenal fatigue naturally, let’s look at some of the common symptoms. If you experience many, or all, of these symptoms, it is likely that your adrenal glands need your attention:
- Low-level fatigue that doesn’t go away
- Inconsistent energy levels
- Trouble falling asleep at night
- Having a hard time getting going in the mornings
- Feeling like you need caffeine to wake up
- Hair loss or change in hair texture
- Cravings for salty snacks
- Low blood pressure
- Dizziness or lightheadedness upon standing
- Low libido
- Brain fog
- A feeling of being “wired and tired”
These symptoms of adrenal fatigue are only just the beginning for some individuals, especially those who also have conditions like underactive thyroid. This is why it’s always a great idea to see a doctor and ask about adrenal function blood tests, or to rule out other possibilities for your suffering.
Once you are ready to begin your adrenal fatigue treatment, the most important thing to remember is that it can take time. Patience is the name of the game, when replenishing your adrenal glands. Depending on how long you’ve been under stress, how deeply depleted your body is, and any other health issues you may be experiencing, recovery from adrenal exhaustion can take several months. But don’t give up! Healing is possible. Here’s how to begin:
1. Make time for rest
Nothing in your body can heal or regenerate without adequate rest, so make this your number one priority. Set aside at least 8-10 hours for sleep each night, in a cool dark room with no distractions. And remember that rest is not just about a good night’s sleep- include moments throughout the day for relaxing, taking a break from screens, deep breathing, getting outside, and other nourishing activities.
2. Say no to what you can
Overdoing things, overcommitting, and overscheduling yourself is a one-way ticket to adrenal fatigue town, so in order to get out, you must lighten your load as much as you can. Start practicing saying “no” to unnecessary tasks, social events, and things that drain you. Pare down your routine to the minimum, and give yourself permission to do so!
3. Eat well and often
The adrenal glands are highly involved in signals of hunger, satiety, and nutritional status in the body, so what you eat and when can have a big impact on your recovery. Don’t skip meals or jump on the fasting trend- this can strain your adrenals further, especially if you’re a woman. Be consistent with your meals. Eat when you’re hungry. Include plenty of fats and protein. And aim for a diversity of colorful, natural foods.
4. Eliminate stimulants
It can be a challenge for many people, but cutting out stimulants is key in how to recover from adrenal fatigue. Things like coffee, black tea, cocoa, and energy drinks provoke the release of more cortisol and epinephrine, placing more stress on the adrenals. Make the switch now to things like decaf coffee, herbal teas, like Our Healing Tea, or lemon water, and enjoy a quicker healing process.
5. Prioritize stress relief
Completely eliminating all stress from your life just isn’t realistic, so it’s crucial that you have practices and habits that help you release the unavoidable tension. There are many options out there, so find a handful that work for you, and you can do consistently! Spend time outdoors in the sun or fresh air, meditate, practice breathwork, take up a relaxing craft or hobby, listen to chill music or podcasts, or similar activities.
6. Exercise but not too much
While exercising has many health benefits, when trying to recover from adrenal fatigue, it’s important that you go nice and slow. Pushing yourself through tough workouts will only further deplete your adrenal glands, but gentle movement can do the opposite. Take a break from strenuous activity, and instead focus on things like yoga, tai chi, pilates, swimming, or walking.
7. Take the best adrenal fatigue supplement
There are plenty of options for adrenal supplements out there, but most people see great results from simple glandular extracts. These supplements include all the compounds that naturally occur in the adrenal glands, making them a perfect choice for replenishing depleted adrenals. This can give your adrenals the boost they need to start increasing their activity again, as you heal. Just make sure you get your adrenal gland extracts from a reputable company, like Professional Formulas.
Because adrenal fatigue or adrenal insufficiency is so rampant in our modern culture, there are many so-called “cures” out there for adrenal issues. However, a simple approach is typically best- follow these 7 simple steps with consistency, and soon you will be able to reclaim your energy and vitality. With the right nutrition, supplementation, and lifestyle changes, you can naturally reverse adrenal fatigue, and get your life back again.
