Photo: Supplied.
BY PETER RULE – QUALIFIED NATUROPATH, FLANNERYS ORGANIC WHOLEFOOD MARKET, VICTORIA POINT TOWN CENTRE HOMECO
With the busy start to the new year, we are seeing more people in store experiencing symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue. Prolonged or chronic stress can wreak havoc on our adrenal glands and kidneys. If left untreated, Adrenal Fatigue can lead to serious health concerns, lowered immunity and disease.
Our adrenal glands are located above the kidneys and play a vital role in regulating our stress response, and hormones such as cortisol. If we are continually in a stressed state – there is an overload of cortisol being produced and released into the body when we least need it. Prolonged unhealthy food choices, overworking, perfectionist tendencies, not incorporating ‘’rest and recovery’’ time, overuse of stimulants, chronic emotional or physical trauma or big life changes can all contribute to hormonal imbalances in the adrenals.
Adrenal fatigue can also be triggered by stress, food sensitivities, hormone imbalances, lack of sleep, and chronic illness.
Common symptoms include:
- Consistent and extreme fatigue
- Muscle tightness, especially around the jaw
- Digestive issues
- Low mood
- Difficulty sleeping/insomnia (getting to sleep and staying asleep)
- Daily brain fog
- Often weight gain, particularly around the midsection, and cravings for salty/sweet
Naturopath tips to support Adrenal Fatigue:
- Remove stimulants from your diet that often help to prop us up during times of stress (caffeine, sugar, alcohol and grab-n-go junk food meals).
- Increase your water intake and incorporate electrolytes and magnesium for added mineral support.
- Move your body to relieve stress in the body and mind and get the blood flowing to help detoxify and oxygenate.
- Remove electronic devices well before bedtime and limit blue light exposure. Set yourself a sleep routine that consists of lighter meals, an after-dinner walk or stretch, herbal tea and a book.
- Take time to sit and chew your food mindfully, releasing digestive enzymes to help break down fats and fibre.
Herbs and supplements that may help your nervous system to relax:
Reishi – known as ‘‘The grandfather of grounding’’, Reishi is a wonderful herb to help keep you calm and relaxed.
Magnesium – an essential mineral to help to relax the nervous system and assist in lowering cortisol. It’s important to find a supplement without harmful fillers, stimulants or additives. Not all magnesium supplements are created equal, so ensure you find one that supports relaxation and muscle recovery. Coconut water and bananas are also packed with magnesium.
Herbal teas and cacao – we love Holy Basil tea to support the nervous system. Tulsi Sleep is a great one to help you relax at the end of the day.
Ginseng can help with exhaustion, as well as support for stamina and energy to get you through the day.
Rhodiola is another herb we love to help support the adrenals and adapt to stress that comes into your life.
B vitamins are especially important to help your body respond to stress. You can find in many food sources from nuts, oily fish, eggs, muscles, and leafy greens such as spinach/broccoli and avocado, or look for an activated B supplement.
Try to eat regularly, as this can help stabilise your blood sugar and cortisol levels.
Sometimes, fatigue doesn’t go away on its own and could be a sign of adrenal overload. So, pop in and see us for free naturopath advice. Please consult your healthcare provider before consuming any supplements.
