Are Your Adrenals Shot?
Adrenal fatigue is becoming fairly prevalent in our stress-filled, society. Our adrenal glands are two small glands the size of walnuts, sitting over the top of the kidneys. They are vital in helping the body deal with stress.
SYMPTOMS: If you have adrenal fatigue, you will likely be very tired in the morning after waking, even if you have had a good night sleep. Symptoms also may include craving sweets, low blood pressure and low blood sugar, irritability and depression. Adrenal fatigue will also make it difficult to recover from illness and have poor resistance to infections and allergies.
Cortisol, released by the adrenals, is designed to deal with stress in "fight or flight" situations, but when we are constantly in a state of stress, the adrenal glands become overworked because they are forced into continual production of cortisol.
Believe it or not, adrenal fatigue is quite often wrongfully diagnosed as anxiety or depression, because the symptoms can be similar. If you want to know for sure, seek out a holistic medical professional who will give you a saliva test. The blood test often administered by doctors will only show severe diseases like Addison's.
People often turn to stimulants to make up for their low energy, which will only further impair adrenal function. Caffeine, sugar and alcohol are among the most common. Other stimulants include anger, arguing, vigorous exercise, loud music, the news and suspenseful movies.
FOODS TO EAT: Some of the best foods for adrenal fatigue are protein based and seaweed based. Particularly almond butter and nuts, kelp, barley grass, wheatgrass, spirulina and nutritional yeast (which is not active yeast). Try to avoid juices made exclusively from fruits. Coconut oil can help tremendously. Also, if not doing so already, try to avoid wheat and dairy. Eat smaller meals, more frequently.
SUPPLEMENTS TO TAKE: A good quality B complex vitamin, a good calcium and magnesium supplement at bedtime, and digestive enzymes taken with meals.
HERBS TO TAKE: For sure, cordyceps. I did an entire post on this mushroom yesterday. Also, Ashwagandha which is an adaptogen that increases energy, stamina and overall mental & physical well-being. And, Milk Thistle which assists the liver.
WHAT TO DO: Get plenty of sleep, at least 8 to 9 hours per night if you are suffering from AF. Yoga is a good form of gentle exercise that will not deplete your adrenals further.