It seems to be a more common theme these days to be advised by your doctor or health care professional that your adrenals are fatigued. Due to many people’s busy life styles or years’ worth of over exertion, it is no wonder these strong yet delicate glands become tired.
So just what are your adrenals?
These powerful little hormone producing glands manufacture and secrete almost 50 different hormones, including steroid hormones such as adrenalin, cortisol, aldosterone, estrogen and testosterone that are absolutely essential to your health and vitality. Your adrenals sit just above your kidneys, you have one adrenal gland for each kidney.
You may be familiar with the fight-or-flight response — a process initiated by the sympathetic nervous system when your body encounters a threatening (stressful) situation. Adrenal glands play a huge role in stress response. When your adrenals are out of balance the quality of your health and wellbeing becomes compromised.
Whether for a short time or a chronic condition, many people struggle with adrenal fatigue at some point in their lives. Symptoms include:
Difficulty getting up each morning, even after a long sleep
High levels of fatigue each day
Cravings for sweet and salty foods
Higher energy levels in the evenings
Inability to handle stress
Moodiness and irritability
Hormone imbalance
So what can you do about increasing the health of your adrenals? Treatment for adrenal fatigue involves reducing stress on your body and your mind, eliminating toxins, avoiding negative thinking, and replenishing your body with healthy food and positive thoughts. Here are some tips to help you assist these glands in their function and boost your energy:
Life style change: the number one change which needs to be made is to slow down and not push yourself to the limit. This is the primary cause of adrenal fatigue. Too many late nights and pushing yourself when you’re tired and need to rest.
Limit bright screens after dinnertime: Our circadian rhythm, which is our natural 24-hour clock cycle, is dependent on the amount of light that we receive through our eyes. In order for the body to release melatonin, which is the sleep hormone, bright lights mustn’t influence your eyes - as this will just instruct the body to release further cortisol to keep you going. Reduce your bright lights after dinnertime and begin to wind down ready for sleep. This means TVs, ipads and phones as well as bright lighting.
Early Nights: It is most beneficial to have between 8-10 hours of sleep a night. Make an effort to be in bed by 9.30 - 10pm the latest. This gives your body and adrenals a regular routine. Read a book, write or do something creative before bedtime.
Diet: Having a healthy diet is very important when it comes to adrenal function. Some of the top superfoods for adrenal health include: coconut, olives, avocado, cruciferous vegetables, fatty fish, chicken, nuts (walnuts & almonds), seeds (pumpkin, chia & flax), kelp and seaweed, himalayan sea salt.
Laugh and do something fun every day: Being playful and having fun increases your positive outlook on life and releases endorphins in the body – making your recovery much faster! Be kind to yourself and have positive people around you.
If you would like any assistance with your adrenals or have any questions, I am happy to help. Please call or text me on 022 013 9610.
With Love
Kimberley Jade xx