It’s Wednesday. You have hit the snooze button on your alarm seven times and you know if you don’t get up this time you will be late for work. So, you roll out of bed and drag yourself to the kitchen to make a pot of coffee because it’s the only thing that can save you. Lately, no matter how much sleep you’ve been getting, it never seems to be enough. You’re tired all day and can’t seem to find the motivation to take care of the things you need to do. Your brain has felt foggy and your mood has been low for weeks now, bringing your productivity levels to a minimum and adding to the immense stress you were already feeling.
If any of this sounds familiar you may be dealing with adrenal fatigue, a condition that is typically caused by chronic stress. Over time, high levels of stress can lead to the over-stimulation of the adrenal glands and create an inconsistency in cortisol levels. Cortisol is a hormone that is produced by our adrenal glands in response to stress and it affects many different parts of the body. It helps control blood sugar levels and blood pressure, regulates the metabolism, and helps reduce inflammation, so it is crucial to maintaining your overall health and well-being. If your adrenals are overstimulated and cortisol levels are constantly changing, it is no wonder that you are feeling so low and unmotivated if this persists over a period of time.
So what can you do to restore proper adrenal function? To feel energized and motivated after a long period of chronic stress, you might need to make some changes in diet, lifestyle, and even thought process. It is important that all of these changes are approached in a gradual, non-stressful way so that you aren’t further overwhelmed. These changes are intended to promote a positive attitude and a healthier lifestyle, so pick what works best for you.
One thing that often helps speed up recovery is following an optimal nutritional lifestyle. Try to eat clean, avoiding processed foods and sweeteners with a high glycemic index, and buy organic products as much as possible. This helps you avoid low energy levels throughout the day due to natural spikes and drops in blood sugar. Try not to skip meals, and be sure you are eating foods that are fresh and nutritious such as whole grains, cooked vegetables, fruit, and drink plenty of water or herbal tea. Moderate amounts of fish, poultry, natural sweeteners, raw nuts and seeds, milk, cheese, yogurt, and some eggs are okay. The main things to avoid in this diet are high levels of sodium, red meat, shellfish, fried foods, hydrogenated oils, refined carbohydrates such as pasta or white bread, sugars, caffeine, and alcohol. Avoiding these foods can help ensure that your adrenals aren’t being overused and that your hormones are well-balanced and your blood pressure and blood sugar levels aren’t too high.
Taking good care of yourself is the top priority, so be sure you are getting enough sleep, exercising correctly, eating well, and doing things that you really enjoy in your free time. There are also great nutritional and herbal support to help heal and repair your adrenal glands. It’s best to address the underlying causes first and make lifestyle changes before adding supplements. Don’t let these changes overwhelm you. The key to improving your health is balance and self-love. Taking action to lead a more stress-free life is crucial to maintaining your overall well-being, as stress can create some serious imbalances in the body. These imbalances can lower the body’s ability to manage inflammation and perform other important functions.
It is always best to talk to a doctor before making any drastic diet or lifestyle changes to help ensure that the changes you want to make suit your body’s needs. If you are unsure of whether or not you may be suffering from adrenal fatigue or want some guidance on how to approach your symptoms, I would be happy to answer any questions you may have.
