7 Things You Can Do To Fight Adrenal Fatigue

If you've found yourself in this blog post, then most likely you or one of your loved ones might be struggling with some of the following common symptoms of adrenal fatigue:

• Tired for no reason

• Having trouble getting up in the morning

• Feel most awake, alert, and energetic after 6 pm

• Need coffee, colas, salty or sweet snacks to keep you going throughout the day or have severe cravings for salty or sugary snacks

• Feel run down or stressed

• Struggling to keep up with life's daily demands

• Not having fun anymore

• Decreased vitality and motivation

Adrenal fatigue is caused by impaired adrenal function. When our body perceives stress, the adrenals release cortisol to help our body adapt to the situation. Under the conditions of intense or prolonged stress, our adrenal glands are required to chronically sustain high cortisol levels and they eventually become unable to respond appropriately. The resulting adrenal dysfunction not only affects the short-term response to stress but the adrenals’ ability to produce and balance other hormones crucial to long-term health and well-being.

Let's Beat Fatigue

We want to give you some clear goals and simple lifestyle changes to put into motion. Adrenal fatigue is not a disease. With the right changes and support, you can heal the damage done and begin living your life with energy and vitality. 

1. Eat a wide variety of whole, natural foods. Avoid WHEAT, SUGAR, and PROCESSED FOOD. Fill your refrigerator with wholesome, organic food that will nourish and fuel your body.

2. Give yourself a bedtime by 10:00 pm and sleep in when possible. (The doctor says you can!)

3. Notice at least one thing that you are grateful for each day. Think positively and use your mind as the powerful healing tool that it is.

4. If you have any control over your eating environment, choose a peaceful spot with pleasant surroundings. Conversation and good company promote relaxation and digestion. Also, remember to chew your food well! It matters.

5. Cut back on the caffeine. It can drive the adrenals to exhaustion. 1-2 cups daily is okay, but don't let your energy, mood, and productivity depend on if you've had your coffee fix.

6. Make lists of things you enjoy and things that stress you. Do at least 3 things you enjoy daily and avoid energy robbers. Leave the situation, change the situation, or change your attitude toward the situation.

7. Support your body with supplements. If you don't know where to start, make an appointment with one of our knowledgeable providers. If you can only start small, try one of our multivitamins. Even with the best diet, it is difficult to get optimal or therapeutic nutritional support without supplements.

We know sometimes the hardest part is taking the first step. Testing is available at the NHIC to confirm irregular cortisol levels. If you think you need more help or want to pursue adrenal testing, feel free to make an appointment with one of our practitioners! 

To learn even more about how to address adrenal fatigue, click below to watch “Adrenal Fatigue: Are You Tired of Being Tired?” presented by Dr. Ann Auburn!