Adrenal Health & Fatigue

Adrenal health and fatigue involve the hormones secreted and are chemical messengers that regulate the behavior of every organ and tissue. They carry out various physiological functions, such as respiration, metabolism, growth and development, sensory perception, sleep, and the stress response.  

The term adrenal fatigue has become more prevalent in today's stressful world and is not an official medical condition; instead, it refers to a set of symptoms reported to occur in people under long-term mental, emotional, or physical stress. As we age, the adrenal glands are the primary source of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone in men and women, which help the body cope with stresses in all forms: physical, mental, and emotional.

When stressed, the adrenal glands work overtime to produce enough hormones to maintain balance. Still, they must also balance the increased adrenaline and cortisol levels in the bloodstream by ramping up their production of balancing hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and DHEA. This places additional strain on the adrenal glands and other endocrine organs, such as the ovaries.

If the endocrine system tires, our bodies can't keep up with the demand, and we may begin to sense that something is off. We find ourselves with adrenal imbalances (fatigue), which can include: high or low blood pressure, cravings for sugary foods, weight loss or gain, lack of energy, overwhelm and anxiety, moodiness, brain fog, lack of concentration, sleep issues, low libido, and, in women, PMS.

Ayurvedically, when the adrenals are depleted, we add opposite actions that build, nourish, and rejuvenate with foods, lifestyle practices, and herbs.  The following recommendations can be powerful allies as we attempt to reorient our systems and recover a healthier baseline.

Slow Down- our systems are accustomed to a fast-paced, high-intensity lifestyle. 

Remove Known Stressors- there are always stressors, but awareness and presence can bring balance.

Spend Time in Nature- Being in nature instills a natural rhythm and is an effective antidote to stress.

Make Time for What You Love —feed the mind and the body with activities that inspire the soul.

Prioritize Proper Sleep- it is the most nourishing component of our lives. 

Quiet the Mind- Initiate practices that feed your soul, balance your mind, and allow you to go inwards.

Exercise- find an exercise program daily, even walking (5-10,000 steps).

Daily Routine —Dinacharya — brings a sense of regulation and boundaries, creating healthy practices.

Self-Care Practices- find an Abhyanga and Nasya oil practice to moisturize and ground your existence.

Eat Proper Foods - Eat according to your constitution, or balance imbalances with an imbalance.

Foods to Avoid- include caffeine, processed sugars and sweeteners, simple carbohydrates, and gluten, processed, microwavable, canned, frozen 

foods, all hydrogenated oils

Foods to Include- include coconut, avocado, healthy fats, cruciferous vegetables, fatty fish, free-range chicken, turkey, possibly bone broth (if needed), nuts and seeds, kelp and seaweeds, Himalayan salt, and medicinal mushrooms.