Adrenal Fatigue

The Adrenal glands are part of the endocrine (glandular) system that produce hormones (messengers) which control and support most bodily functions. The adrenal glands sit atop each kidney and produce adrenaline, aldosterone, and cortisol, which help to control metabolism, blood pressure, blood sugar balance, sex hormones, and our stress response.

The term "Adrenal Fatigue" is not an official medical diagnosis, but it is increasingly used in today's stressful world to describe symptoms associated with mental, emotional, or physical stresses related imblaced such as high or low blood pressure, cravings for sugary, weight loss or gain, lack of energy, overwhelm and anxiousness, moodiness, brain fog, lack of concentration, sleep issues, low libido, and PMS. 

Ayurveda views adrenal fatigue as the depletion of Ojas (the life sap) and associates it directly with an imbalance of the Vata dosha (air element), which is responsible for all movement in the body, mind, and spirit.

Ayurveda offers numerous holistic methods to strengthen, nourish, and rejuvenate the body, mind, and spirit, which include dietary choices, herbs, and lifestyle routines.

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

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

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 balance your mind, and allow you to go inwards.

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

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

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

Eat Proper Foods - Eat according to your constitution (your nature).

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

Foods to 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.

Best Herbals: Ashwagandha, shatavari, brhami, tulsi, licorice.