Did you know that stress can lead to adrenal fatigue? If you're constantly feeling worn down and your body can't keep up with everything that life throws at you, you may have adrenal fatigue.
The good news is, adrenal fatigue is treatable. Although it isn't always recognized by doctors and other medical professionals, it certainly is real. Here's what you need to know about it and how to cure adrenal fatigue.
What Is Adrenal Fatigue?
Your adrenal glands are responsible for creating and maintaining cortisol. Without cortisol, the body can find it extremely difficult to deal with stress. However, if you're constantly dealing with chronic stress, your adrenal glands may begin to malfunction.
The consistent need for cortisol due to heavy stress levels can lead to damaging your adrenal glands. Without properly working adrenal glands, it's likely you'll suffer from adrenal fatigue. One of the most difficult things about adrenal fatigue is diagnosing it.
Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue
The symptoms of adrenal fatigue can be very general. They're often symptoms you would associate with other illnesses or general day-to-day wear and tear. Some of these symptoms include:
- Tiredness and struggling to get up in the morning
- Insomnia or difficulty falling asleep
- Difficulty concentrating, especially during the afternoon
- Anxiety and/or depression
- Mood swings
- Autoimmune diseases
- Weight gain/loss
- Hair loss
- Lightheadedness
As mentioned above, adrenal fatigue happens after high levels of stress. However, it usually doesn't happen unless you're exposed to high levels of stress over a long period of time.
You may be more susceptible to the effects of stress if you have a poor diet, poor sleeping habits or you rarely exercise. You may also experience adrenal fatigue if you've been working too hard or you've recently experienced emotional trauma.
If you're unsure whether you have adrenal fatigue, it is possible to get a test. A functional doctor will be able to test your cortisol levels and give you an indication of whether they're low.
Treating Adrenal Fatigue
The best way to treat adrenal fatigue is to manage your stress levels. You can never totally avoid stress but you can learn techniques that will help you to manage it. Here are a few home DIY adrenal fatigue cures.
Dietary Changes
Making some simple dietary changes can have a dramatic effect on how your body and mind manage stress. For example, cutting out refined sugar, caffeine and alcohol can allow your body to function at its best.
Avoid snacking or energy drinks throughout the day when you feel you're losing energy. Instead, try switching to anti-oxidant-rich veggies with hummus. It may be less appealing but you'll certainly feel much better.
If you're unable to get the vitamins and nutrients you need from your diet, you could try taking supplements. Take a look at this product for rebuilding your adrenal glands.
Create a Sleep Routine
Sleep is extremely important when you're trying to lower your stress levels. The more sleep you have, the better equipped you are to handle stressful situations. It's easier to lose your patience when you're tired.
You can create a peaceful sleep routine by getting used to doing certain things. For example, not looking at computer, tablet or phone screens for an hour before you sleep. Having a warm bath or burning lavender essential oil can also help you sleep well.
Cut Out Coffee
Cutting out coffee from your daily routine may seem a bit drastic but caffeine and cortisol don't mix well. If you drink caffeine occasionally, it could be even worse than drinking it daily. The same goes for tea and energy drinks, especially energy drinks due to potential additional stimulant content.
When you drink caffeine occasionally, it will spike your cortisol levels without your body becoming immune to the effects. When you drink it often, your body will become immune as far as cortisol is concerned but it will give you a temporary boost. It's likely you'll experience a low crash after every temporary boost.
Try Meditation
Life is so busy, it can be hard to concentrate on what really matters- your mental health. Stopping throughout the day to meditate is a great way to ensure your mental health stays well. Along with going a long way to giving you peace of mind, it can also help to normalize your cortisol levels.
The great thing about meditation is that it can be done anywhere, at any time. If you're commuting to work via the train, sitting at your desk, or even on the sofa at home, you can take five minutes out of your day to meditate.
Take Time Off
You're entitled to vacation time for a reason. It can be tempting to stay at work when you're busy and you're determined to reach your goals. However, you need vacation time to re-energize and unwind.
Taking time off can help you to re-evaluate your lifestyle and what's most important. The time you take to rest can de-stress your mind and your body, giving your adrenal glands a chance to stabilize and work properly.
How to Cure Adrenal Fatigue 101
If you're feeling low and you're wondering how to cure adrenal fatigue, it's quite simple. Be kind to yourself! With so many options available to us, sometimes it's easy to forget that we're not machines.
It's your responsibility to look after yourself and make changes when you're under a lot of stress. Health is wealth after all!
Don't let your stress pro-long enough that the result is adrenal fatigue. Take a look at some more great tips right here on our blog, for avoiding stress and keeping yourself as healthy as possible.